How to Paint Pinecones Into Flowers
Pine trees, like all coniferous trees, shed their seed-bearing cones in order to create new life. Capture that same renewable spirit; rather than collecting pinecones from your yard to toss in the garbage, create something new and beautiful from them. Painted pinecone flowers are simple for the whole family to assemble and paint together, leave room for personal creativity and look festive when displayed as a holiday decoration.
Things You'll Need
- Small saw
- Hand drill with a small bit
- Wooden dowels or skewers
- Hot glue gun and glue
- Paint and brushes
- Glitter (optional)
- Clear acrylic spray
Instructions
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1
Saw the pinecones width-wise into two to three sections, depending on the size of the cone.
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2
Drill a small hole in the bottom of each section.
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3
Paint each petal individually using assorted acrylic paints. Be sure to cover the top and bottom of each petal completely. Apply a second coat of paint if necessary. Sprinkle with glitter. Let dry.
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4
Paint dowels or skewers with green paint. Let dry.
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5
Insert hot glue into the hole you drilled in each pinecone section. Place the painted wooden dowel inside to create the stem of your flower. Let the glue dry.
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6
Spray the entire pinecone flower and stem with clear acrylic. Allow it to dry completely before use.
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Tips & Warnings
Use different painting techniques to create different looks with your pinecone flowers. Paint just the edges of each petal with color and leave the rest raw, or paint each layer of petals a different color.
Spray the whole cone with silver or gold spray paint, which is simple and perfect for the holidays.
Instead of placing pinecone flowers on stems, lay them out on a pine spray or string them on rope or twine and hang around the house. When painted, they give the appearance of flowers and make excellent decorations.
Work in a well-ventilated area when using paint and clear acrylic spray.
References
- Photo Credit Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
