All Spruced Up
by MIRANDA CROWELL photos AMY BATOG produced by EDDIE ROSS
“Glamorous” isn’t a word you’d typically associate with pinecones, but that’s just how we’d describe these front porch decorations. They’re made by applying high-gloss red spray paint—using two shades creates nice variation—to pinecones then gluing them to a straw form for the wreath and foam balls for the topiaries.
These pinecones evoke a snow-dusted landscape indoors. The effect is created by coating the pinecones in melted beeswax (the longer you dip the cones, the thicker the coverage). Once the wax has cooled and hardened, you can tie the pinecones onto a garland or hang them from a tree. At the end of the season, be sure to store the pinecones in a cool place so the “snow” doesn’t melt.
Pieces of cut pinecones can be arranged to create any number of sweet, little items—a bird, a flower, a mushroom. Add thread loops to use them as gift toppers, opposite, and tree ornaments, this photo. This task involves sharp scissors, but kids will enjoy helping with the gluing and painting.
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For complete how-tos, see the Workbook on page 151.
As fun as it is to paint, wax, and glitter them, pinecones also look fantastic just as they’re found on the forest floor. Arranged under glass domes and in special dishes, they stand out on a wintry mantel along with mercury glass ornaments and a little tinsel. (This display also works beautifully for fall—just take away the shiny objects.)
“I COLLECT PINECONES YEAR-ROUND TO USE IN PROJECTS. THEY’RE FREE, THEY’RE EVERYWHERE, AND WITH ALL THEIR SHAPES AND SIZES, THEY LOOK GREAT EVEN JUST CLUSTERED IN A BOWL.” —EDDIE ROSS, stylist
A pinecone’s transformation into a dainty flower requires a steady hand and some time, but the results are worth it. After adhering small metallic beads onto their centers, hot-glue the flowers onto wood napkin rings or a branch for an elegant decoration for any occasion.
Hot-glue pinecones onto bottle stoppers or corks and you’ve got a bar that looks exponentially cheerier. These toppers would also make sweet hostess gifts or could be used for water carafes in a guest room.
CRAFTS BY: MARCIE MCGOLDRICK & HEIDI SHARKEY