Damages Dream Realm

Crafting Basics: Pinecones
by Brenda Hyde of Old Fashioned Living

Pinecones are one of my favorite natural treasures for crafting. They
come in all sizes, and they are paintable, glueable and pretty. These
are just a few of the things you can do with pinecones to accent your
crafts.

Spiced Pinecones

Pinecones
Ground ginger
Ground cinnamon
Or any crushed dry spice you wish
craft glue
foam brush

Mix 1 part glue to 1 part water. Use foam brush to paint the
pinecone. Mix equal parts of the spices in a bowl. Sprinkle spice
over the pinecone and roll in spice. When coated, allow to dry.
Uses: You can use these in baskets, glued on wreaths, or even solo,
as an ornament. Hot glue a ribbon the the very top of the pinecone.
Add accents to the top, such a spanish moss, raffia or dried flowers.

Bleached Pinecones

Pinecones
household liquid bleach
large bucket
glass plate
a rock or brick
foil lined baking sheet

Best done outside in a well-ventilated area. Do not splash bleach.
Work carefully. Place pinecones in bucket; add bleach to cover. Place
plate on top of pinecones and weight with rock or brick to keep the
pinecones covered with the bleach. Allow to sit for five hours.
Remove pinecones from bleach (use gloves) and place on baking sheet
covered with foil. Place in 250 degree oven for several hours until
they reopen completely. The time will depend on how large the
pinecone is.
Uses: You can use the same as above. Also they are pretty placed
among your garland or even on the Christmas tree itself.

Scented Pinecones

Pinecones
paraffin
doubleboiler
tongs
crayons with paper removed
cinnamon oil, or other scents
newspaper

Cover work area with newspaper. Melt paraffin a double boiler over
hot water (heat BEFORE adding paraffin). Add pieces of crayon to
paraffin after it has melted. Red or green would be good for
Christmas. Add until the color is as you would like it. Add scented
oil. Holding pinecones with tongs, dip in paraffin. Allow to dry
between coats. Continue coating until fully covered. Allow paraffin
to dry completely before storing or using pinecones.
Uses: These can be given and used as firestarters or placed in bowls
to scent a room.