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How to Preserve True Fir Cones

Collecting and saving "pine" cones is a tradition among children, hobbyists, artists and crafts makers who enjoy utilizing these cones in their work. Cones actually come from a number of different conifer trees besides pine, and fir cones are especially popular. However, because the scales on fir cones are deciduous, they also present particular challenges in collecting and preserving.

Things You'll Need

  • Cookie sheet
  • Foil
  • Oven
  • Acrylic spray, polyurethane or spray varnish
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Instructions

    • 1

      Pick fir cones directly from the tree before autumn. The scales of fir cones fall off in autumn, and all that is left on the tree is the center stem on a branch. Since these cones are still attached to the tree, be respectful of the environment and be conservative in the numbers of cones you pick.

    • 2

      Place the cones on a cookie sheet lined with foil and put them in the oven for 30 minutes at 200 degrees to open the cones and melt the sap. Allow the cones to continue to dry out for a couple of days. By using this method, the cones will already have a sheen to them from the melted sap.

    • 3

      Spray the cones with a clear acrylic spray, polyurethane or spray varnish. Cover the entire cone with a coat so that it is sealed. Allow the cones to air-dry overnight, and they will be nicely preserved.

Tips & Warnings

  • Do not leave the cones unattended in the oven. The presence of sap and dry scales could result in smoke or fire.

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