Fall Pine Cone Decorations

Have you ever wished that you could put your Christmas tree up earlier? Do you switch your pumpkins out for candy canes and holly as soon as Thanksgiving dinner is over? Here is a fun craft you can do with your family to get a little extra time with your beautiful Christmas tree.

:) My living room after I finished!

Finding my Inspiration

About a week ago on an out of town retreat in the country I came across pines! Where I live (in the hill country of Texas) we don't see pine trees very often and I honestly am often sad about the shortness of the trees that grow in this area, though they are beatuiful in their own way. Growing up in West Virginia I spent my childhood climbing in the tall branches and collecting the cones that were alwasy scattered on the ground among the pine needles. So you can imagine the since of nastalgea I felt when I climbed out of the van into the crisp autumn air to see a forrest of tall furs. Of course I spent a good bit of time in the 3 days I spent there collecting tresures. (that what i tell my husband they are) I came home with a full bag of pine cones with the intent of using them in a very special way!

My Delma

I was immediately busy when arriving home and it was almost a week before I opened my bag again. When I did I realized that when I had collected my pine cones they had been wet and had yet to open up! So I began to search the internet to find a way to solve my problem. The following craft was done absolutely FREE! I hope you enjoy and try to start a new fall tradition in your own home!

Before and After

Step 1- Set Your Oven to *250

I started at 250 with mine but becease mine where really wet I ended up turning my oven up to *400. I suggest starting on the lower end, if you notice that they arn't opening up very quickly I would increase the temperature every 10 mins. Online it said that they would take about 30 mins. but mine where in the oven for over an hour.

Step 2- Cookie Sheet

After you have set your oven to the correct temperature you will need to get a large enough cookie sheet to hold all of your pine cones with room for them to open to about twice there current size. You will want to line your cookie sheet with foil because any dirt that is caught inside will fall to the bottom of the pan as they open. You will then place your pine cones on the top shelf of the oven...and wait!

Closed Pine Cones

When your pine cones are finished there should be considerable gaps between all of the scales! Give it time, some of the sides will be done before others. Also your house is going to smell like Christmas! I love that fresh Pine smell! :)

Step 3- Tying on the Twine

Twin is one of my most favorite supplies! I use it on every thing. I spent nothing on this project because I was given my twin by my father 4 years ago! I have never run out and i have used it on too many projects to even count. Mine is 2250 Binders Twine and it can be purchased on amazon for $20.94 (Here is the link) https://www.amazon.com/Rope-King-ST-2250-Sisal-Twine/dp/B005TLVN9C/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1540329665&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=2250+binders+twineI In rarity any twine will do and it comes in many variations of weights and colors.

I like to tie my twin on at the bottom so that the cone looks natural poking out of the branches of my tree.

Because I have 2 crazy dogs everything on my tree HAS to be secured so the first thing that I do is tie a knot as close to the core as possible without breaking the scales.

I then tie a simple knot at the end of the two to create a loop so the the pine cone can easily hang on the branches.

Step 4- Decorate your Tree

I personally pefer real trees, as I'm sure alot of you do. I never had a fake one until I moved into my first TINY home. My childhood was full of thick, beautiful, real trees and I will be keeping it that way, but because I am such a Christmas nut I also have a fake tree for my bedroom. This is my first year decorating it for fall and I LOVE it! I used orange, tan, and black wreath mesh that can be found at any craft store and orange leaf ribbon. Mine was from Hobby Lobby and I believe it was $7.99 for a small roll and $9.99 for the big roll.

(With a 40% off of course because the fall decorations are on sale) If the fall decorations are not on sale yet you can always use the 40% off Hobby Lobby coupon found on there web site! It can be used on one non-clearance item every time you go in the store. Simply show to cashier your coupon and let them know what item you want to use it on. (Fun Tip-Joan Fabrics

will also honor Hobby Lobby's 40% off coupon!)

Here is the link! https://www.hobbylobby.com

The end result!

I was very proud of my end result. Not only did I learn how to open pine cones fast but I also started a new tradition that I believe adds to this wonderful, thankful season! Enjoy your decorating and remember NEVER STOP CREATING.

Love, IVY BELLE ART