Pine cone Christmas craft ideas! Learn how to make a Christmas wreath and a miniature tree, using pinecones. Design a craft for the holidays, using the gifts of nature.
Crafts designed with items from nature are especially fitting for the holidays. There is something special about making your own holiday decorations. It is reminiscent of the past, when popcorn was strung and draped around the Christmas tree. There are endless possibilities in designing a craft from nature. One item that is plentiful and is commonly used for Christmas decorating, is the pinecone. Pinecones make a beautiful display, by merely being placed in a basket. A touch of spray, to bring a shine, and a light coat of glitter can add to the holiday expression. Wreaths are traditional at Christmas and the miniature tree is a favorite of many. These are good choices for a holiday, craft project. Gather the following supplies, follow these easy instructions, and make a holiday wreath and miniature tree for your home.
Collect many pinecones. Pinecones are plentiful, and should be easy to find. Notice they come in a variety of sizes. Gather different sizes for your project. You will need to purchase styrofoam forms, in the shape of a tree and a wreath. These can be found in craft stores and shopping centers. Purchase thin, flexible, wire and thin, wooden, sticks. If you have a problem locating these items, check at a florist. You will need strong cement; Duco cement is a good choice. A pair of plier-type wire cutters will be necessary. Gather all supplies and clean the pinecones. Remove the dust, dirt, or leaves, from the cones gently. You may want to try using a blow dryer.
Begin by wiring the pinecones. Cut a strand of wire, the length will depend on the size of the cone. You must wrap the wire around the center of the cone, by threading it through the scales. After threading, twist the wire together and secure. Leave at least an inch, or two, of wire when cutting; this will be used to spike the styrofoam. When using large pinecones, you will need to place a wooden stick in back of the pinecone. Wrap the wire around the stick and use the stick to spike the styrofoam. Arrange the pinecones on the styrofoam form. You can reinforce the cones, by adding a few drops of glue to their back, before placing on the styrofoam surface.
When creating the wreath, place the larger pinecones on first. Arrange these in rows or clusters. You can use the smaller cones to fill in the spaces. If you want to fancy up your wreath try wiring small, colorful, Christmas balls and arrange these among the cones. You can make your wreath sparkle by adding a gloss, or glitter spray. You may also coat the tip if each pinecone scale with clear, shiny, nail polish and sprinkle with a small amount of glitter. Allow to dry, then add a bow if you wish. You will be proud to display your creation, in your home for the holiday season. These also make excellent gifts for the ladies in your family.
Decorate a miniature tree by placing the larger pinecones at the bottom of the styrofoam form. Choose smaller cones, as you work your way toward the top. Use the same suggestions given above, to add a fancy flare or sparkle to your tree. Tiny Christmas balls may be used, by placing them on one at a time, using the cement. Distribute them throughout the tree; in the same manner you decorate your large Christmas tree. The miniature tree is a beautiful centerpiece for any table, and makes a great gift. Consider it as a gift for a teacher, a friend, or use it as a table piece at Christmas celebrations.
Store your creations properly, at the end of each holiday season, and you should be able to enjoy them for many years. Boxes left over from Christmas are great for storage. The tissue paper, used in Christmas gift boxes, may be placed in the storage box and around your crafts, to provide protection. Approach the holiday season with a spirit of creativity and try decorating, with a little help from nature.
