by E K Stapleton

Created on: October 30, 2009   Last Updated: October 31, 2009

Nature provides us with an abundance of craft materials and one of my favorites is pine cones. A leisurely outdoor walk can net you the supplies to make countless pine cone Christmas crafts with your kids. These crafts are easy enough for your kids to create and you can bet they'll create a warm Christmas spirit in all who see them.

This is a helpful tip when working with pine cones. They do come from the outdoors and may have seeds, sticky sap or worst of all bugs that you don't want in your house. Put your pine cones on a foil lined cookie sheet and place them in a 200 degree oven for about an hour. This should kill any bugs, dry up any sap and have your pine cones ready for crafting.

CHRISTMAS CAROLERS

Materials:

Small pine cones

Capped acorns

Small twigs

Colored construction paper

Acrylic paint

Glue

With the capped part of the acorn at the top paint faces and allow them to dry. Next glue the acorn to the top of the narrow end of the pine cone. Glue a twig on either side where arms should be. Fold a little piece of construction paper in half, like a book, and draw musical notes inside to look like a song book. Now glue the book into the caroler's hands. That's all there is to it. These are so adorable you can make just a few or create an entire choir.

REINDEER FACE

Materials:

Well opened pine cone

Small red pompom

Brown pipe cleaner

2 googly eyes

6 inches of red ribbon

4 inches of brown ribbon

Glue

Place the pine cone on its side with the tip facing you. Glue the red pompom to the tip to make the nose. Glue the eyes toward the back on petals that are wide open. Tie the red ribbon in a bow and glue it under the nose. Cut 2 two inch lengths from the pipe cleaner. Wrap the long piece that is left around the bottom and back up to form antlers. Wrap the two smaller pieces around each end of the longer piece to form antler branches. Make a loop with the brown ribbon and glue it to the back (which should be the bottom of the pine cone) to make a hanger.

HOLIDAY AIR FRESHENER

Materials:

Pine cones

Potpourri

Miniature Christmas tree lights

Wide mouth jar

Paper doily

Ribbon

Place pine cones in the jar and tuck a small string of lights in the jar so they can be seen well all the way around. Leave enough of the cord hanging out so it can be plugged in. Fill the rest of the jar with potpourri. Place a doily over the top of the jar and secure it in place by tying the ribbon around the edge of the jar. Once plugged in, it looks great and smells even better. Use them to decorate your own home or give them as a wonderful gift.

TREE ORNAMENTS

Materials:

Pine cones

Glue

Glitter

Pipe cleaner

Q-tip

These ornaments are easy to make, but your kids will love making them and they'll brighten up your tree. Use a Q-tip to apply glue allover the pine cone. Roll the pine cone in the glitter or sprinkle on different colors where you want them. When dry, twist a pipe cleaner around the top and bend into a loop to make a hanger. You can also use these to adorn gifts as well.

There's a vast array of Christmas crafts that kids can make with pine cones. They're easy yet festive and your kids will love making them as well as giving them.

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