How to Make a Fireside Snowy Pinecone Basket

Even if you never see snow where you live, you can bring a little winter indoors with "snow" kissed pinecones.

Dressing up your hearth is a great way to quickly bring the holidays and the cool, crisp look of winter inside. Even if you live in a balmy climate, this pleasant snowy pinecone basket will help you get in the seasonal mood. This basket is extremely simple to make and can be assembled in less than 30 minutes. Keep it for yourself or give it to neighbors as a festive gift.

Things You'll Need

• Large wicker basket
• Enough pinecones to fill the basket
• White spray paint
• Opalescent glitter
• Holly sprigs (real or artificial)
• Sparkling berry sprigs
• Craft glue (optional)
• Thick, wire edged ribbon
• Newspaper or towel
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Spread the pinecones out on a large sheet of newspaper. This should be done outside if possible, and definitely in a well-ventilated area. Spray paint the tips of the pinecones so they appear to be "snow" kissed.

2. Sprinkle the cones with opalescent glitter. Small amounts of the glitter will stick to the wet spray paint, making your pinecones glisten in the indoor light once they are in the basket.

3. Stick the holly and berry sprigs into the upper rim of the basket. Place them close together so that they appear to form a wreath around the edge of the basket. If necessary, you can secure them in place with a little craft glue, but generally this will be unnecessary unless the wicker weave is extremely tight.

4. When they are dry, place the pinecones into the basket. If you have a deep basket, place newspaper or a towel underneath the cones to give the illusion of volume. Be gentle with the cones so that you do not damage the petals or break the tops off.

5. Finish off your basket with a big, beautiful bow. Use the wire ribbon to create a large, fluffy bow. You can either tie a traditional bow or use multiple loops for a fancier look.

Tips & Warnings

• Scented pinecones or cinnamon sticks inserted under the pinecones in the basket will create a festive aroma in your house.

• Make sure that you do not use the painted pinecones for kindling, because spray paint should not be ignited.