What is the best kind of pinecones for crafts?

Kellet
by Kellet
I collected pinecones from 2 different places. I put them in the oven to kill the bugs. The first ones were fine. The next bunch had a lot of sap and caused my kitchen to become full of smoke. These also had the long pine needles stuck to the sap. What a mess. So, if someone could tell me the name of the tree I should look for I will do my research to find it and the proper pinecones for crafts I'd like to try.
Thank you.

  5 answers
  • FL FL on Nov 21, 2017

    Use pinecones from the trees that produced the batch that turned out fine.

    :)

    • Kellet Kellet on Nov 21, 2017

      Yes, I will, Thank you. I want to find all different kinds. I like the short fat ones. there are real tiny ones. I'll just have to get out hiking. The dogs will love that.

  • M. M.. M. M.. on Nov 21, 2017

    Loo for pinecones that are very open,dry and woody. Don't get any that are still closed or nearly closed. I've never baked the cones I collect and haven't ever had any bug problems. Now, acorns?? THOSE you want to bake!

    • See 1 previous
    • Kellet Kellet on Nov 21, 2017

      Great help. I thank you.

  • Rita Rita on Nov 21, 2017

    i soaked mine in a bucket wit's warm water and vineagar. About two to three cups of vinegar in bucket then fill with warm water. Soak for several hours then lay out in sun or on a towel in garage in bad weather to dry. It's gross what came out in the bucket lol! Worked great on both kinds of pine cones I used.

    • Patricia Reese Patricia Reese on Nov 21, 2017

      I use the same soaking technique and allow them to dry in direct sunlight in the Summer. I bake if the weather isn’t cooperating. Line cookie sheet with foil to catch any sap.

  • Lisa S. Lisa S. on Nov 21, 2017

    I just let mine dry out and fine for years. Never any bugs. Use different types, depending on the craft.

  • C. D. Scallan C. D. Scallan on Nov 21, 2017

    You can also soak in bleach and water too.