Free, eco-friendly, and recyclable – these are just a few wonderful things about pine cones. These magical seeds make one of the simplest yet most eye-catching decorations. Not only are they perfect for your festive décor, but they can be displayed all year round.
From bird feeders to the classic Christmas wreath, you will find something to get stuck into this festive season. These pine cone crafts would also make a low-cost yet thoughtful gift for your family and friends.
So, first things first, you’re going to need to collect and prepare some pine cones ready for crafting. You can head over to Amazon (we won’t tell), or if you’re doing it the old-fashioned way, here’s the lowdown.
Pine cones can be found in most woodlands around the UK. They will usually be scattered on the ground, ready for the taking, between September and December, so it’s no wonder they're a festive favourite!
Once you’ve got your haul, there’s a little prep involved – you’re going to need to get rid of those stray bugs (it is nature, after all). You can do this by baking your pine cones in the oven on a sheet of baking paper for about 30 minutes at 200 degrees Celsius.
Now you’ve collected and prepped your pine cones, it’s time to grab your hot chocolate (or a glass of red wine) and get the creative juices flowing with our amazing pine cone crafts.
Looking for more festive crafts to get stuck into? Try these fun DIY Christmas baubles and add a homemade touch to your tree this year.
30 festive pine cone crafts
1. Pine cone bird feeders
“My pine cones bring all the birds to the yard...” Well, they will once you try your hand at these pine cone bird feeders.
It really is simple, all you need is pine cones, string, peanut butter (or alternative butter) and a handful of seeds. You’ll be able to have it hanging in the garden in as little as 10 minutes.
Find the pine cone bird feeders tutorial from Fireflies and Mudpies.
2. Paper pine cones
Ok, they may not be real pine cones, but they’re just as effective. Bring the beauty of the outdoors indoors without actually foraging in your local woodland.
These are quick to make – all you’ll need is a polystyrene egg, paper scales (check out our free pine cone patterned paper), pins and some ribbon.
Dangle them over door handles, pop them in a fruit bowl, or even hang them on your Christmas tree. The possibilities are endless!
Find the paper pine cones tutorial on Gathered.
3. Pine cone garland
Calling all cottagecore fans! Pine cone garlands are the ultimate all-year-round decoration for rustic homes. Plus, you could even add a bit of gold or silver spray paint to give it that festive sparkle.
Grab yourself a bunch of pine cones, some string and a glue gun and get creating.
Find the pine cone garland tutorial from On Sutton Place.
4. Pine cone cork Christmas trees
Need an excuse to open that second bottle of vino? Well look no further, you can recycle your cork to create an adorable mini Christmas tree.
You’ll just need those trusty pine cones, a splash of green paint and your popped corks (you could write a year on the cork to make these a keepsake).
Why not add a little hook or string to the top of your pine cone and hang it from your Christmas tree?
Find the pine cone cork Christmas trees tutorial from Love This Pic.
5. Gnome Pine Cone Ornaments
Cute gnomes that are inexpensive? Yes, please. Line them up on your mantelpiece, hang them on your Christmas tree, create a small colony... Whatever you do, we know one thing – everyone is going to be asking where you got them from!
That’s where this guide comes in. You’re going to need: pine cones (the narrow long ones are best here, although we have nothing against bushy beards), colourful felt, mini pom-poms, a bit of glue to hold it all together, and voila! If you want the full guide, check out the link below.
Find the gnome ornaments tutorial from Home Craft.
6. Pine cone fire starters
I’m a fire starter, twisted (pine cone) fire starter! These neat little creations will light up your winter’s evening. If you don’t have an open fire (oh, we can wish!), these pine cones will still make lovely decorations for the table or mantelpiece.
All you need to do is wrap a wick around your chosen pine cone, melt some wax (make sure you do this over boiling water, not a flame) then dip the pine cone into the wax multiple times until it is built up. You could attach a little label too if you want to make it a gift.
Find the pine cone fire starters tutorial from Something Turquoise.
7. Golden hanging pine cones
These may be one of the easiest pine cone crafts on the list, but that doesn’t mean they’re not one of the most striking.
These golden pine cones look absolutely beautiful hanging from a chandelier. However, if you’re short of chandeliers, they look just as pretty draped over door handles. You could also hang a bunch on the wall from a picture hook.
You’ll just need pine cones sprayed in your choice of festive colour and some sheer ribbon to tie around them. Easy as that!
Find the golden hanging pine cones tutorial from Rob King Designs.
8. Christmas wreath
Well of course we had to include the classic Christmas wreath featuring, you guessed it... pine cones!
The first thing you need to do is get down to your local woods and collect some foliage. But if that’s not really your thing, give your local florist a call to help.
Once you’ve got all the materials you need, you can follow along with our detailed and easy step-by-step guide right here on Gathered.
Find the how to make a Christmas wreath tutorial.
9. Mini pine cone star ornaments
These fun little pine cone stars make fabulous ornaments and tree decorations. They are very easy to make and require very few materials. You can follow along with the video tutorial on Pinterest via the link below.
Once you have created the star shape, add a touch of white paint and a sprinkle of glitter for that festive feeling! And if you are feeling extra fancy, you could even use gold or silver spray paint.
Find the mini pine cone stars tutorial on Pinterest by Crafty Mela.
10. Bleached pine cones
If you don't want the traditional dark brown pine cones for your decor, a great option is to bleach them to create a lighter, more soft colour. Follow along with the tutorial from eHow to find out how to make them.
Find the bleached pine cones tutorial from eHow.
11. Pine cone Christmas characters
These adorable Christmas character figurines are easy to make and look really cute sitting on a mantlepiece or dotted around your Christmas tree.
Choose from four designs – Rudolph, Santa, an elf, and a snowman – or make all four! If you have leftover material you could also create your own designs too. Once you start it's hard to stop!
Find the pine cone figurines tutorial from Hello Wonderful.
12. Pine cone trees
Make these miniature pine cone trees to add an extra touch of sparkle to your home this Christmas.
You'll need some wood slices for these, which can be easily purchased from any craft store or on Amazon. But if you are feeling extra crafty, you can use a fallen branch from your own back garden! These pine cone crafts also make sweet little table decorations or favours.
Find the pine cone trees tutorial from What I Live For.
13. Pine cone wreath
This gorgeous pine cone craft will take your Christmas decor to a whole new level of professionalism this year. It looks spectacular but you actually don't need lots of materials to put it together.
A Piece of Rainbow has a fab tutorial to show you exactly how to make it. You could even add wire fairy lights for an extra magical feel.
Find the pine cone wreath tutorial from A Piece of Rainbow.
14. Framed pine cone flowers
Pine cones are certainly not just for Christmas and these framed pine cone flowers are proof of that!
For this craft, you could thrift an old photo frame or reuse one you might have knocking around at home. You'll also need some colourful paints and a hot glue gun, then get sticking! There are no rules, you can create your very own unique piece of artwork.
Find the framed pine cone flowers tutorial from Crafty Morning.
15. Pineapple pine cones
Forget Christmas, if you want to be whisked away to the tropics, try your hand at these pineapple pine cones.
Use them as a summer party decoration, or pop them in a bowl on the windowsill. Pine cones can match your decor all year round, even during the summer months.
Find this pine cone craft idea on Pinterest.
16. Pine cone jars
These are truly a winter wonderland in themselves and would look perfect as a wedding table decoration or perched on a mantlepiece above a fireplace.
If you have pets around or don't like burning candles, you could always put some electric tealights in the jars.
Find the pine cone jar tutorial from Crafts by Amanda.
17. Edible pine cone decoration
We can't quite believe our eyes that the pine cones in the picture below are edible and made from cereal and peanut butter mixed together.
Not only do they look great, but they are also so easy to make and require no baking. You could even get the kids involved!
Find the Edible pine cone decorations from Handmade by Charlotte.
18. Pine cone flower bouquet
Create a lovely decorative pine cone flower display to add a quirky twist to your decor.
Simply choose your favourite floral shades and get painting! If it's Christmas time, why not use some festive colours and maybe even a sprinkle of glitter?
Find this pine cone crafts bouquet tutorial from Sustain My Craft Habit.
19. Pine cone tree
If you don't want to buy a plastic tree that will end up sitting in the attic gathering dust, why not make your own DIY Christmas tree out of pine cones?
Not only are you upcycling, but you're also avoiding using any plastic at all! You can find the tutorial by clicking on the link below.
Find the pine cone tree tutorial from Listotic.
20. Ombre pine cones
We absolutely love this simple yet striking pine cone decor!
These ombre pine cones have such a classy look and can be displayed all year round. You'll only need some paint, pine cones and a steady hand to make these beauties.
Find the ombre pine cone tutorial at Whimzeecal.
21. Pine cone crafts framed
Make use of an old picture frame and give it an all-natural makeover!
These framed hanging pine cones are quick to make but look really visually striking hung up on the wall. You can get the kids involved by having them help with collecting the pine cones too.
A cute idea would be to let each member of the family choose their pine cone and add their name to it!
Find the pine cone crafts framed tutorial from Craftaholics Anonymous.
22. Pine cone table setting
Glam up your Christmas table and create these pine cone name placeholders with your pinecone stash.
This would also be a lovely idea for anybody who is having a Christmas or winter wedding. Elegant and eco-friendly – what could be better?
Find the pine cone table setting tutorial from It All Started With Paint.
23. Simple pine cone tree ornaments
Follow along with the tutorial and easily create a dozen of these simple pine cone decorations to hang on your tree, give as gifts, or even use to decorate Christmas presents. There's lots you can do with them, and they're very fun to make!
Find the simple pine cone tree ornaments tutorial from An Extraordinary Day.
24. Paint splatter pine cone crafts
Time to get messy with these paint splatter pine cones! This craft is great for little ones and lets them put their mark on a pine cone.
Once you and the little ones are done throwing paint around, add some string and hang your pine cones up, or pop them in a glass bowl and admire!
Find the paint splatter pine cone crafts tutorial from East TN Family Fun.
25. Frosty pine cones
All you'll need for this one is white paint, glue and glitter, and you'll be left with these wonderfully snowy decorations. They are perfect for hanging on your Christmas tree or popped in a bowl for a wonderful winter table decoration.
Find the frosty pine cone tutorial from Kid's Craft Room.
26. Pine cone fairies
Add some magic to your home this Christmas with these enchanting pine cone fairies.
Sprinkle a pine cone with glitter (or fairy dust) to make the body, and draw adorable elfin features on an acorn to create the head. Then hang up your whimsical pine cone fairies and make a wish!
Find this pine cone craft idea on Pinterest.
27. Pine cone mobile
This pine cone mobile is a beautiful, homely piece of decor and only requires a few items which you can find in your garden or local woodland.
Hang your pine cones from a small branch using string or yarn to create a handmade mobile that will give your home some rustic charm.
Pine cone craft idea from A Mom’s Blog.
28. Scented pine cones
Fill your home with a festive fragrance this holiday season and make these divine scented pine cones.
Simply pop your pine cones in a zip-lock bag and give them a good spritz of your favourite essential oils. Why not opt for cinnamon and clove oil for a delicious Christmassy scent? Then transfer your pine cones into a decorative bowl for the perfect homemade room freshener.
Learn how to make apartment therapy's DIY scented pine cones.
29. Winter pine cone terrarium
Bring the beauty of nature indoors with this charming winter pine cone terrarium.
Glue your pine cones to sticks and insert these into a block of floral foam to make the base. Then decorate with moss and pebbles to create a stunning woodland-inspired display.
You can also pop a glass dome over the top to give it the true terrarium look.
Find the winter pine cone terrarium from At The Picket Fence.
30. Pine cone monsters
These cute pine cone monsters are another fantastic craft project for kids.
Let little ones explore their creativity and decorate pine cones with googly eyes, pipe cleaners, and colourful felt feet.
Learn how to make these pinecone monsters from Sprouting Wild Ones.
Find natural inspiration with our Christmas pine cone crafts
Pine cones are a wonderful material to use to make Christmas crafts, whether you're turning them into fabulous festive wreaths or using them to craft unique decorations.
Pine cone crafts are fun for crafters of all ages to enjoy. Children will love gathering their own pine cones to make decorations too!
Deck the halls with DIY Christmas decorations
Feeling inspired to make your own handmade Christmas crafts? Check out Gathered's ultimate DIY Christmas decorations round up, which has over 400 ideas for you to craft!
