When you live in the piney woods of East Texas, like we do, you have a ready supply of pinecones for craft projects, especially this time of year. We have lots and lots of pinecones at our house, but you’ll rarely see any lying in our yard.
That’s because we also have an army of kids and grandkids who collect them every chance they get.
My husband pays them a bounty for each cone, because he thinks the yard would look cluttered otherwise. He views those big piles of pinecones as trash, but I think of them as free craft supplies.
Pinterest abounds with brilliant & beautiful ideas for creating beautiful pinecone craft projects. Here are 17 of my favorite:
Christmas Ornaments
Aren’t these little pinecone elves simply adorable? You can find directions for making them on LiaGriffith.com.
Photo Frames
These pinecone embellished picture frames from Martha Stewart look great in a wall arrangement. But smaller versions could also serve as tree ornaments — and very sentimental ones, at that.
Votive Candle Holders
I love these charming little tea lights made from pine cones. They’d make a pretty, low centerpiece that wouldn’t obstruct anybody’s view when you’re trying to talk to folks across the table.
Embellished Mason Jars
If you’re worried about putting live candles directly inside dry cones, try glass instead. I love the rustic look of these mason jar candles. You’ll find directions for making these winter luminaries at Crafts by Amanda.
Fire Starters
These pretty little pinecone fire starters from Something Turquoise would make a lovely party favor or hostess gift, don’t you think? If you add scent to the wax, they’ll smell nice, too.
Window Toppers
How about stringing pinecones and greenery from the casing to dress up your windows? Pinecones make it easy to “deck the halls.”
Chandelier Decor
There’s no reason windows should have all the fun. These simple pinecone streamers look terrific hanging from a chandelier, too.
Festive Basket
Pinecones form the foundation for the warm and welcoming arrangement in this inviting porch setting. Doesn’t that make you want to just pull up a chair and enjoy the view?
Welcome Wreath
I love the simplicity of this ribbon festooned pinecone wreath hanging on the front door. Smaller versions would look great indoors, hanging in a window or on a wardrobe, as well.
Monogram Initial
If you’re especially crafty — and if your last name begins with a fairly symmetrical letter — you might try your hand at making a monogram wreath for your door. Isn’t this one pretty?
Beautiful Bows
Who wouldn’t love to find a package like this one tucked beneath the tree? Pinecones can make for some inexpensive but beautiful gift wrapping supplies.
Boutonnieres
Aren’t these pinecone boutonnieres adorable? What a great idea for a winter wedding!
Place Markers
Entertaining? Print a batch of these mini-pinecones placeholders to use for Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas parties. You’ll make everyone at the table feel blessed to be there.
Miniature Trees
With a little glitter and garland, you can turn your pinecones into miniature Christmas trees. The natural color looks great, but I’ve also seen some really cute ones painted green and decorated with tiny pom-pom balls.
Springtime Blossoms
Don’t put your paint away yet! Here’s a smart idea for enjoying brightly colored zinnias, even when the climate’s too cold to grow them.
Pinecone Mulch
If you prefer real live zinnias to painted ones, pinecones can help you there, too. Look how pretty these flowerbeds look with their pinecone mulch. Added bonus — you’ll have a ready supply of cones for your crafting needs, all summer long!
Heavenly Scents
These scented pinecones will make your whole house smell amazing. You’ll find instructions for making them at Suzy’s Artsy-Craftsy Sitcom.
If you’d like to have that wonderful autumn smell in your house but don’t have time for crafting with pinecones, there is a simpler way. Check out Mrs. Meyer’s new fall scents at Grove Collective:
New customers can get a welcome package with full-size bottles of hand soap, dish soap, and multi-purpose spray, all for free! Follow this affiliate link for more details. But you’ll need to act fast. This special offer ends soon, and the fall scents are only available for a limited time!
Looking for more family fun? Check out the other great ideas on our winter bucket list:
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