What's the best way to get rid of pine cone spines/thorns?

Joffler
by Joffler
We picked up a lot of pine cones from the neighborhood park Sunday evening and have cleaned them (vinegar soak and low temp bake) for my daughter to craft with them nexst month. I still need to prep them further before letting her use them because they're rather thorny or spikey. I'm thinking I may use a nail clipper (mine or the dog's) to snip them off or maybe a needle-nose pliers to pull them off. Does anyone have any experience with these little suckers or a better suggestion for making them friendlier to little one's fingers?
  5 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Oct 19, 2015
    Once the pine cones are totally washed ,dried,and baked ,lightly sand the thorns.
  • Joffler Joffler on Oct 19, 2015
    Good idea! I'll try that too. Thanks!
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Oct 19, 2015
    Let me know I think it will work.
    • See 1 previous
    • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Oct 20, 2015
      @Joffler I do not want your little one to get hurt either. good luck with the project.
  • Fransje Fransje on Oct 25, 2018

    I use nail clippers. It is fast and works like a charm.

  • Charolette Charolette on Nov 11, 2019

    When the cone is wet, after washing, they will close back up after about 20 minutes. Once it is almost closed and basically dry on outside, the barb can easily be sanded off with 80 grit sandpaper. THEN put them in oven for drying.

    GLOVES ARE A MUST.