How to Make Pine Cones Open

Pine cones make a wonderful natural addition to your holiday decorating. Added to evergreen boughs they make delightful centerpieces and bring a touch of down home to wreaths and swags. Cones can be gathered in the fall along roadsides or vacant lots after they have dropped from the trees. Unfortunately, those you find are often closed and are not suitable for display, unless you force them to open and show off their beauty.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Aluminum foil
• Old baker's sheet or pan
• Plastic bag
• Work gloves

1. Gather pine cones in the fall once they have fallen from the trees. The most abundant source can be found after the first hard frost and can be found directly underneath pine trees. Be sure that you gather newly fallen cones. Old pine cones left from last year are likely to be rotted and insect-laden.

2. Remove any pine needles or other debris from the cones by shaking them lightly before putting them in your bag. If necessary, gently brush clinging debris with your hands.

3. Don't worry about cones that are covered with pitch. This is a sign that the pine cones are fresh and will actually work in your favor when you dry them. Cones that are closed tightly are OK, too. These will open and become glorious cones once you complete the drying process.

4. Cover your work area with a layer of old newspaper and be sure you are wearing old clothes before you begin to work with the cones. Empty the bag and remove any remaining dirt or debris on the cones. Choose cones that are well-shaped and show no signs of damage.

5. Line an old baking sheet or baking pan with aluminum foil. This will prevent the pitch from sticking to your pan.

6. Layer the pine cones on the aluminum foil so that they are barely touching. Be sure that your cones are only one layer deep. If you have more cones than will fit on the bottom of the pan, either do two pans at once or save the rest for a second batch.

7. Preheat the oven on its lowest setting. You don't want the temperature to be any more than 200 degrees. Place the pan of pine cones in the oven to warm them and remove the moisture that causes them to stay closed. As the cones heat, they will begin to open.

8. Watch the cones carefully and turn them often to prevent burning. The pitch on the pine cones will melt and create a glaze that will retain the rich brown color of the cones.

9. Remove cones as soon as they are fully opened and allow them to cool on newspapers or right in the pan, if you prefer. Use in craft projects or simply display in a bowl or bucket wrapped up in a big bow.

Tips & Warnings

• Drying time in the oven depends on the oven temperature and the amount of moisture in the cones. Watch pine cones closely to determine the appropriate amount of time.