How to Craft a Pine Needle Bowl

A pine needle bowl can be used as a fall decoration for a coffee table or centerpiece. Made from natural, found objects, this bowl can give any setting a natural, rustic look. This is an appropriate project to make with children--begin by taking a nature hike to collect the needles. Consider collecting some pine cones and nuts to add to the bowl or to be placed inside the bowl upon completion. There are no right or wrong ways to build this craft, and the end results are very professional looking, building the children's confidence, as well as making a thoughtful homemade gift.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bowl (template) Plastic wrap or foil wrap White glue Pine needles

1. Turn the bowl template upside down.

2. Cover the surface in plastic wrap or foil wrap. This is the form for your bowl.

3. Mix the white glue with water in a mixing cup or disposable bowl. The suggested ratio would be 2 parts glue to 1 part water. Do not make the glue mixture too thin or runny.

4. Take a manageable amount of pine needles and submerge them into the white glue mixture.

5. Place the glued pine needles onto your bowl form.

6. Continue this gluing process until the entire bowl shape is covered.

7. Allow the pine needles to dry. The glue will dry clear.

8. Remove the pine needle bowl from the form gently. If the plastic wrap or foil wrap sticks, gently tear it away.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider the direction you place the needles. You can alter them to make a pattern or place them randomly. Consider the top edge. You can allow some needles to stick up to create an interesting finished edge. For display, place pine cones in the bowl once finished. Or use small pine cones or nuts in the making of the bowl as accent pieces. Larger versions can be made for a professional looking decorative piece that costs practically nothing to make.
• Do not use the bowl to serve food unless you use a glass bowl insert. It is purely decorative. This is a messy project, you may want to cover your crafting surface with newspaper.