Crafts Using Small Pinecones

Gilding pine cones is a classic Christmastime craft.

Give pine cones a closer look and you'll discover the beauty of their complex forms. As the cones are remarkably easy to find, they make an ideal craft material for a wide range of projects. For especially delicate decorating, collect the smallest pine cones you can find. You can alternate finely crafted small pine cone crafts with any decorations you make out of the more common, larger cones.

Pine Cone Ornaments

Pine cones make wonderful Christmas tree ornaments, complementing the scent and the look of an evergreen tree. To make small pine cones stand out, paint them brilliant gold or silver, depending on the general color scheme for your holiday decor. For an extra festive touch, tie cheerful red ribbon into a bow at one end of the pine cone. You can also use hot glue to attach several small pine cones into an attractive cluster. Experiment with pine cone shapes, forming the clusters into stars, orbs or miniature wreaths.

Pine Cone Fire Starters

For a craft that's both practical and attractive, you can make small pine cones into aromatic fire starters. You simply set the pine cone into a wax base and set it in the fireplace; this will allow the pine cone to continue burning longer than it would otherwise, following the same principle as a candle. To create the wax forms, melt wax in a double boiler and then pour it into muffin tins or similarly sized forms. Add essential oils to the melting wax if you want your fire starters to give off an aroma. While the wax is still pliable, firmly press one small pine cone into each waxen base.

Pine Cone Garlands

For a decoration that's both rustic and festive, liven up your mantel or a dull corner of your home with a garland made entirely of pine cones. If you're looking to add some color to your decor, first paint the pine cones in a tone of your liking. For a subtle touch, you can simply drizzle them with white glue and then cast a sprinkling of glitter over them. For a more natural look, leave the pine cones unadorned and alternate them with evergreen boughs and red berries, such as winterberry. To hold the pine cones together, use a clear, strong cord such as fishing line, wrapping it carefully around each cone.

Pine Cone Bird Feeders

Making a bird feeder out of a pine cone is a classic craft project. You can give the idea a new spin by arranging miniature pine cones into a mobile that's as attractive as it is useful. Be sure to use strong cord, such as fishing line, to attach the individual pine cones from a tree branch or other support. To turn each pine cone into an appetizing avian lunch, coat it with peanut butter and then roll the sticky cone in a bowl of birdseed.

References

• Pine Cone Lady: Pinecone Fire Starters
• Country Living: Pinecone Crafts
• Kaboose: Pine Cone Bird Feeder