Pine Cone Christmas Trees DIY

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We have a yard filled with pine trees that have provided many pine cones just waiting to be transformed into pine cone Christmas Trees. So, after gathering a bushel of pine cones, I was ready to start creating some pine cone trees. 

I almost forgot I also had a ton of groovy vintage furniture legs that needed to be upcycled. Therefore I thought it would be fun to mail some to a few of my DIY blogger friends and challenge them to make some Christmas decor with them.

You can see their amazing projects after this one, so read all the way to the end for more Christmas craft projects.

 

This post may contain affiliate links. That means that if you purchase from one of these links, I will make a small commission.

How to Make Pine Cone Christmas Trees

The best part about these adorable pine cone trees is you can use them all winter to decorate.

Before using my pine cones, I like to bake them on a foil-lined cookie sheet at 225 degrees F for 30 minutes. This process will rid the pine cones of any bugs.

Supplies and Materials for Pinecone Christmas Trees

• Pinecones
• Garden snips
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Old furniture leg, foam cone, or heavy paper cone
• Small wood slices
• Sticks (tree trunk)
• Gardening gloves
• Sanding sponge
• Vise-Grip Pliers 
• ***You can find all the craft supplies for this project in my Amazon Store

What Types of Pine Cones Can I Use

You can use any pine cone that you can snip the cone scales off. I used Florida white pine cones. They are easy to use since the space between the scales is large.

However, I tried using some gorgeous pinecones my sister-in-law sent us from Wisconsin, but their cone scales are tight and very thin. Therefore, I will save those beautiful pinecones for another project coming soon.

Look for female cones since they will have larger spaces between the scales than male cones. Also, the male cones are small cones that are not best suited for this Christmas craft.

Step-by-Step How to Make a Pine Cone Tree 

I recommend you watch the how-to video before starting this craft.

 

Preparing the Pine Cone Scales

The first step is carefully snipping off all the pine cone scales of a few pine cones. I use a paper plate to help contain the mess as I snip the scales.

Then separate the scales into three piles according to their size.

Prepare the Furniture Cone

Since I used a furniture leg that had a dowel screw that needed to be removed. I used vise grip pliers to easily remove it.

Creating the Tree Texture

Fold a tea towel and place it under your cone as you work to help prevent your cone from rolling.

Starting at the widest end (the bottom), start placing the largest pine cone scales in a tight row along the bottom by adding a line of hot glue along the cut end of the scale. Hold the scale for a few seconds before adding the next one. 

For the next few rows, you can use the largest scales. Place the second row of scales, overlapping about 1/8″ t0 1/16″ the scales in the first row. Be sure to cover the cut ends of scales in the row before as you continue each row.

For the middle rows, use the middle-sized scales and continue with that size until the last few rows, then switch to using the small scales. 

Creating the Pointed Tip

Using a cone without a pointed tip, you will need to create a pointed tip using the smallest scales and hot glue.

First, you will need to glue a row of small scales on the last scale attached to the cone form to create the tip.

Then, while the glue is still hot, angle it towards the center. You may need to repeat that step for another row or two to achieve the pointed tip shape. 

The pine cone has a center scale at the top with a small ball on the top (the cherry on the top) that you can use to fill in the tiny opening of the tip. 

I used a small wood slice as the base for the pine cone Christmas tree. Next, I cut a 5/8″ piece of stick for the tree’s trunk and sanded the cut ends. 

Add a generous amount of hot glue to one of the cut ends of your trunk and allow it to cool for a few seconds before gluing it to your cone. 

To attach the tree to the wood slice base, I added a generous amount of hot glue and then waited for a few seconds before placing it in the center of the wood slice. 

DIY Pine Cone Tree Options

1. You can use a foam form or a piece of poster board shaped into a cone for your cone.
2. Next, you could use gathered pine cones, or you could purchase them.
3. You can make trees without a trunk or a base, but instead, they sit on the bottom edge of the form.
4. Additionally, you could paint the trees with spray paint or craft paint. They would look gorgeous painted white (snow) or green for a more “real” Christmas tree.

Decorating with Pine Cone Trees

 

 

More Christmas tree craft ideas I think you will enjoy:

Creating handmade holiday decor is a tradition in our family, and this year, we will be using found objects as part of our decor. 

My daughter, Olivia, made this amazing paper Christmas tree with her furniture leg. 

If you like rustic decor, you will enjoy Rebecca from Zucchini Sisters’ rustic DIY Christmas trees.

Cindy from Cloches and Lavender’s upcycle furniture leg makeover is borderline genius. She made a “real” working candle from a wooden furniture leg complete with wax drippings. 

This furniture leg challenge was a blast, and I love all the projects my creative blogger friends have shared. 

 

You might also enjoy these DIY projects:

How to Decorate a Christmas Tree with ribbon.

Want a Stress-Free Holiday?

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Join me HERE by sharing your email address. And have the best of everything this holiday.

Thank you for your visit today. I hope you found some sweet inspiration. What is your favorite Christmas cookie?

Merry Christmas,

Kippi