HOW TO CREATE A PINE CONE CHRISTMAS TREE

Pine cones are natures offering to the tradition of homemade Christmas decorations. There are tons to be found simply laying on the ground in many areas, all throughout the year. If none are naturally available, craft stores sell individual cones for extremely cheap. They can be used in so many different ways and in so many different crafts, that they almost seem specifically created for decorative purposes.

One of the favorite well-known holiday ornaments crafted from pine cones is the classic "Pine Cone Christmas Tree". There are many simple variations that can be added or extracted to any cone tree technique.

1. The easiest tree to make is with a simple, single, cone.

- Jazz it up. You can use spray-paint to color the cone in a even coat, or hand paint to create effects like tip color, dots, or stripes. Let dry. Add any additional paint, beads, fabric, ribbons, or dried berries as ornaments.

- Use foil or plastic and paper to create a tiny shining star for the tree top. Use spray snow or glitter to add that overall wintry effect.

- Use a small bowl, flower pot, or weight as the cones base. Or use clay, play-dough, or salt-dough to create a handcrafted base. Stick cone, with stem side, into the base so that it sticks straight up. Now it's a tree.

- Set out to display and enjoy.

2. A slightly more complicated tree uses a bunch of cones.

- Paint cones as desired or leave plain. Take a group of pine cones and create a stacked Christmas tree. Lay cones on side, say four for the bottom, then three, then two, then one for the top. Use glue to keep cones together. Once dry, glue stacks, one on the other, to create that tree shape. You will now have a large triangle pine cone pile.

- Use ribbon and drape around base and up thinner sides of the "tree". Pull tight, this helps secure the cones, and tie at the top in a big bow. The bow serves as the tree-top adornment. Add trinkets between the cones, red ribbon and holly work best, to give it a decorated look.

- With a little extra care, paint and beads can also be used as ornaments. Spray glitter and snow can add a winter touch if used lightly. Set out to display and enjoy.

3. An elaborate tree uses a ton of cones, and some patience.

- Paint cones as desired, or leave plain. Make sure to break all stems off so there is a relatively even surface left. Set all cones on their stems, standing upright. Gather round groups of cones, say

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