Crafts with pine cones can be a fun activity for people of all ages, and in some regions of the world where pine trees are abundant, they are also very low cost. A variety of projects from campy to elegant can be undertaken with pine cones, which have a distinctive shape that lends itself well to crafts projects. All over the world, people make these crafts in the winter, with some nations specializing in unique pine cone crafts. Consider making them an annual family holiday tradition, using craft projects from previous years to decorate your home for the winter.
A pine cone is the female fruiting body of a pine tree. If fertilized, it will form seeds that will be released to grow into new trees. The distinctive multi-layered conical shape is well designed to this application, allowing seeds to drop off when they are ready. Crafts with pine cones take advantage of the fact that all conifers form cones to distribute seeds, which means that you can find them in a variety of shapes, sizes, and configurations.
Seasonal crafts include tree decorations. Pine cones can be used to make a tree topper, or strung together and draped around the tree, if they are small. Pine cones can be used plain for these craft projects, or decorated with glitter, paint, or varnish. If you decide to dust your pine cones in glitter, you may want to consider applying a spray adhesive to keep the glitter from shedding.
Pine cones can also be used to make bird feeders. Crafts with pine cones make fun holiday gifts, and bird feeders can be packed with goodies to attract a variety of species. Pack it with millet to attract doves and juncos, or use suet to draw woodpeckers, wrens, robins, warblers, and tanagers. Finches, cardinals, and chickadees all enjoy sunflower. For a mixture of birds, incorporate numerous seeds into your bird feeder. You can include bags of seed for refilling the bird feeder as well.
Pine cone crafts can be used for household decorating projects as well. Animals can be made out of pine cones and decorated with a variety of objects. Make a crèche with different pine cones to add dimension. Try using other parts of trees such as acorns and dried leaves to create interesting craft displays, or make a wreath out of pine cones for the front door. If you construct a sturdy wreath, you can reuse it in the coming years.
Children often enjoy doing crafts with pine cones because they require no dangerous tools, glues, or solvents. For an activity at a children's holiday party, consider supplying a table with pine cones, construction paper, pipe cleaners, and other craft tools. If you put out paint, glitter, or glue, cover the table in plastic first for easy clean up.