by Grace Shellito

Created on: September 25, 2010   Last Updated: September 27, 2010

Pine cones from nature can be created into hundreds of useful and decorative items. They’re used as fire starters for camp fires, Christmas ornaments to hang on the tree and they’re used in all sorts of wreaths and decorations. A very unique way to use them is as a flower for flower arrangements.

Pine Cone Flowers

The things you’ll need are :

6 to 8 pine cones

Coping saw

Liquid acrylic paints

Wire, 24 gauge or heavier, one 12 to 14 inch piece per pine cone

Green floral tape, green crepe paper or bamboo skewers painted green.

Spray varnish, if desired

Use the coping saw to cut about a one inch wide slice from the bottom of the pine cone. Wrap the center of a piece of wire around the scales at the bottom of the pine cone. Twist the two ends of the wire together to form the stem. As you paint each flower bend the wire to make a hook so you can hang them on a coat hanger to dry. Once they are dry, wrap the stems in the green floral tape or other wrap. Spray them lightly with varnish. Arrange them as you would flowers in the centerpiece.

Miniature Pine Cone Gardens

For this garden you will need:

Pine cones

Circular flat piece of wood

Small flower seeds or grass seeds

Flat dish such as a saucer

Choose a well formed pine cone that is upright and straight. Nail the circular piece of wood to the bottom of the pine cone. Stand the pine cone in the saucer, add water to keep the cone moist. Place flower or grass seeds between the scales of the pine cone. The seeds will grow as the water feeds up to them through the wood.

Gluing the wood is not recommended as it would prevent the water from being absorbed.

To use pine cones in a centerpiece wrap a piece of wire around the bottom scales. Bring both ends of the wire down and twist them together to form a sturdy stem. Cover the wire with green floral tape, crepe paper or use liquid acrylic paint to paint the stems green.

Pine cones can also be painted and sprinkled with glitter. They can be hot glued to use them in wreaths or to be hung on the tree. Painting them with white glue and sprinkling them with glitter will allow the natural color of the pine cone to show through.

Learn more about this author, Grace Shellito.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.