Pine Cone Winter Decor -- Bleached and Frosted Pine Cone Tassels!
As you transition from your holiday decor, add in elements of nature that are lightened and frosted for cozy warmth.
Start with bleached pine cones.
It's a very simple process requiring bleach and time:
I filled a bucket 3/4 full with a mixture of bleach and water, approximately 2:1 ratio. Then i submerged a large assortment of gathered pine cones. They want to float so I weighted them down with several heavy plates on top. Leave them for 2 - 3 days.
Then set them out in the sun to dry -- or in a bright window. This takes several days. You know when they are dry when they open back up fully and they are a beautiful light color.
I've read that you can speed this up by placing them in an oven set at 225. Have not personally tried that. If you. have, please share your experience in the notes so we can all learn together.
Frosting or Sugaring Your Pine Cones:
Now for frosting or sugaring your lightened pinecones.
Dilute standard white glue with water -- approximately 2:1, glue to water.
Paint glue onto pinecone. Be sure to get the tops and bottoms of all the scales.
I opted to also paint some glue onto the rattan chain I am using for my tassels. This is strictly optional.
I used an old jar of "Crystal Clear" glitter.
Sprinkle generously and even roll them around in the pile of glitter that will accumulate.
Be sure to save the overflow glitter for your next project that needs a bit of sparkle.
You can stop here if your pinecone are for lounging in a bowl or sitting about.
But is you want to hang them, keep going!
I wanted to use my pinecones as tassels hanging from my mantel.
Turning them into Tassels:
Cut 4 – 6 inches of thin wire. I’m using 30 gauge. Remember, the higher the number the thinner the wire. I know, I think they just want to test us.
Attach the wire through the loop of whatever you want your pinecone to hang from whether it be rattan chain like mine or a loop of ribbon or wood beads . . . whatever. Wrap each end of the wire around the hanger so it’s secure.
Now with the two wire ends sticking out in opposite directions, hold that hanger tight against your pinecone and gently pull the wires between and under a couple of scales. Tuck the ends of the wire in tight. Long tweezers can help with this. Even a toothpick can help to push the wire in tight places.
Hang your bleached and frosted pinecone tassels. I hung mine as garland on my winter mantel.
To see the whole mantel and garland check out my garland how-to here.
And if you're looking for ways to cozy up your home for winter relaxing, you might like my huge tufted ottoman. You won't believe what I made from!
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?