How to preserve pine cones. Tips on how to clean, dry and preserve pine cones for crafts and home decor projects.
Last year we decided to completely update our Christmas tree! Oh that’s not a thing? Well, we did it anyway.
We made it taller, fuller, took off the broken lights and added….. you guessed it, pine cones.
Instead of buying that $300 dollar tree we liked, we fell back in love with our old boxed tree. At least until we find one heck of a deal after the holidays.
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This is our own personal experience. Be sure to follow manufacturers instructions and seek professional advise.
But in the process of that experiment, we learned how to preserve pine cones. Not only has it come in handy for our Christmas tree makeover, but the kids also love using the pine cones for crafts around the house.
HOW TO PRESERVE PINE CONES
We went on a walk around the neighborhood, with a few cloth bags in tow, and found some pine cones along with some sticks the kids insisted we bring home as well.
- Clean
- Bake
- Seal
HOW TO CLEAN A PINE CONE
To clean and remove any small bugs, fill sink or container with approximately 1-2 gallons of warm water. Add 1 cup of vinegar for each gallon warm water. Allow to soak, fully submerge for 20-30 minutes.
Pat dry with paper towel.
HOW TO DRY A PINE CONE
Preheat oven to 200°. Line a baking tray with foil and arrange pine cones on tray. Bake 1-2 hours keeping a close eye on them.
When the pine cone are dry they will become fully open.
Allow to cool.
HOW TO PRESERVE PINE CONES
In a well ventilated area, arrange fully dried pine cones on newspaper or paper bags.
For this project we sprayed them with Rusto-olem Satin clear enamel.
Spray both sides with clear coat. Allow to dry.
We originally made these pine cones to update our old boxed Christmas tree, but they are great for crafts, ornaments ect.
It’s been over a year since we preserved these pine cones and they still look as perfect as the day we made them.
Best Wishes for a safe and happy holiday season! ~Sara
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