How to Make a Natural Pinecone Door Swag

Pine cones, holly berries and evergreen combine well for a door swag.

Pine cones protect and release seeds, ensuring the survival of their species. Pines feature a pleasant fragrance, spiky needles and pointed cones that turn from green to gold to gray, All varieties of pine retain their needles well, making them a popular choice for Christmas trees and holiday decorating, according to the University of Illinois extension service. Young closed cones maintain their pointed shapes, and open pine cones mimic flowers with rows of petals. Making a natural pine cone swag greets guests as a customized door decoration.

Things You'll Need

• Newspaper
• Pruning shears
• Holly berries or other ornamental berries
• Evergreen bough, any kind (optional)
• Floral wire or any bendable wire
• Wire cutters
• French ribbon
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Cut or buy a pine branch with cones attached. Cones often grow in groups, offering a natural cluster for a door swag. Leave at least 3 inches of branch above the cones for the top of the swag.

2. Spread newspaper on your work surface to avoid the risk of having to clean up tree sap.
   Lay the pine branch on the work surface with the cones facing up. Group other greenery with the pine branch, if desired. For example, arrange a stem of holly berries so that the berries hang below the pine cones. Cut the holly stem even with the cut end of the pine branch.

3. Spread an evergreen branch of any kind on the work surface. Center the pine cone swag on top of it so that the evergreen branch hangs down at least 3 inches below the pine branch, serving as a background for a fuller and wider door swag. Cut the evergreen branch even with the pine branch.

4. Wrap wire around the branches 2 to 3 inches from the cut ends. Wrap the wire around all the stems at least six times, taking care to keep the branches in the desired positions. Twist the wire around the beginning end of the wire three times. Form a two-inch long loop with the loose end of the wire on the back side of the swag. Twist the loose end of the wire around the base of the loop twice to secure it. Cut off the excess wire.

5. Cut a piece of French ribbon four times longer than the desired width of the bow for your pine cone door swag. If you want the bow 8 inches wide, cut a 32-inch ribbon.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear gardening gloves if you have sensitive skin or a special manicure. Pine sap and other natural plant sap can be difficult to remove -- and might damage nail jewels or other decorative manicures.

• French ribbon has wire edges, making it convenient to shape into a bow that will hold its shape on the door in winter winds.

References

• University of Illinois Extension: Christmas Trees and More

Resources

• University of Vermont Extension: Door Decor