How to Make Christmas Ornaments From Pine Cones

Was there ever a more perfect design for a Christmas tree ornament than that of the pine cone? It's shape adapts to so many creative projects, and it has the ideal texture for glue, paint and glitter to stick to. What can you do with a pine cone? Here are just a few ideas.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ribbons
• Beads
• Cloth
• Glitter
• Glue Guns
• Metallic Garlands
• Pine Cones
• White Glues
• Cloth
• Pipe Cleaners
• Spray Paints
• Pipe cleaners

1. Roll a clean pine cone in white glue, and then in glitter. The glitter will adhere to the glue along the edges, giving the cone a frosty look.

2. Spray paint the entire cone gold or silver. Spread newspaper over the work surface to keep the mess to a minimum.

3. Spray paint a pine cone white. When it dries, roll it in white glue and then glitter. This cone has a snowy look.

4. Glue beads between the open scales. A dab of white glue or a hot glue gun will hold the beads in place.

5. Wrap metallic wire garland around a cone. Tuck the garland between the scales so that the stars just peek out.

6. Make a cloth turban by wrapping and tucking a strip of fancy cloth around the top portion of a cone. Glue beads or paper cutouts for facial features onto the visible part of the cone.

7. Wire several small cones together into a natural cluster. Dress the top with a sprig of holly and a red bow.

Tips & Warnings

• Attach a bit of paddle wire around the base of the cone, make a loop in one end and use a wire ornament hanger to hang the cone on the Christmas tree.
• Use your imagination!
• Have an ornament-making party. Provide guests with cotton, glue, glitter, metallic garland, bits of cloth, colored paper or other craft supplies, and be amazed at what they come up with!

Resources

• Mail Santa Claus
• Christmas Recipes

on 11/22/2005 Dip a dried pine cone in white glue. Allow to drip for a few minutes. Place wet cone in a large baggie filled with cinnamon, nutmeg & allspice powder and shake. Tie a red ribbon and a small poinsettia to the top or use as a fire starter in the fireplace.