New Ways To Use Pine cones
Spiced Pine cones
You will need:
- Pine cones
- Ground ginger
- Ground cinnamon
- Or any crushed dry spice you wish
- craft glue
- foam brush
Mix 1 part glue to 1 part water. Use foam brush to paint the pine cone. Mix equal parts of the spices in a bowl. Sprinkle spice over the pine cone and roll in spice. When coated, allow to dry.
Uses: You can use these in baskets, glued on wreaths, or even solo, as an ornament. Hot glue a ribbon the the very top of the pine cone. Add accents to the top, such a Spanish moss, raffia or dried flowers.
Bleached Pine cones
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You will need:
- Pine cones
- household liquid bleach
- large bucket
- glass plate
- a rock or brick
- foil lined baking sheet
Best done outside in a well-ventilated area. Do not splash bleach. Work carefully. Place pine cones in bucket; add bleach to cover. Place plate on top of pine cones and weight with rock or brick to keep the pine cones covered with the bleach. Allow to sit for five hours. Remove pine cones from bleach (use gloves) and place on baking sheet covered with foil. Place in 250 degree oven for several hours until they reopen completely. The time will depend on how large the pinecone is.
Uses: You can use the same as above. Also they are pretty placed among your garland or even on the Christmas tree itself.
Scented Pine cones
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You will need:
- Pine cones
- paraffin
- double boiler
- tongs
- crayons with paper removed
- cinnamon oil, or other scents
- newspaper
Cover work area with newspaper. Melt paraffin a double boiler over hot water (heat BEFORE adding paraffin). Add pieces of crayon to paraffin after it has melted. Red or green would be good for Christmas. Add until the color is as you would like it. Add scented oil. Holding pine cones with tongs, dip in paraffin. Allow to dry between coats. Continue coating until fully covered. Allow paraffin to dry completely before storing or using pine cones.
Uses: These can be given and used as fire-starters or placed in bowls to scent a room.