Pinecone scales, where do I get them?
+3
I have seen the pinecone scales on a few other things to make, where do I get these or do you somehow get them from real pinecones. If so, how?
6 answers
-
Real pinecones.
Carolyn Faye Blizzard Lanier
on Aug 11, 2015
-
Once pinecones dry thoroughly, the individual "scales" should be easy to separate from their base. Just wear some gloves, since they're prickly!
Linda B
on Aug 11, 2015
-
Once you start searching for your pine cones you will be amazed at how many different looking ones you will find! In your own neighborhood or the sides of the roads as you drive anywhere. My poor hubbie is just starting to get used to me shouting STOP THE CAR!! and I scramble out of the car with a bag or basket in hand. LOLOL i KEEP BAGS AND COLAPSABLE BASKETS AND A PAIR OF GARDEN GLOVES AND SHEERS IN THE CARS FOR JUST SUCH EMERGENCIES lol You can also use a lot of natural grasses and leaves and acorns and once you get started you will never stop! Clean them for bugs-when you gather your own pine cones I would suggest giving them a nice hot quick soapy bath and then drying them on an aluminum foil or parchment paper covered baking sheet ( sometimes they will have a bit of sap that leaks off and you will never get it off your baking sheet) in the oven on a pretty low temp- say 200 or 225( this might take a few hours but your house will smell amazing LOL) This will the bugs that come tucked inside and they won't get loose in your house AND the cones will usually open up nicely for you to be able to pull the scales off. You can use pincers( they might be called plyers? I didn't ask the hubbie LOL OR you can also cut them off with garden sheers and sometimes house hold scissors. Some pine cones are rather hard spikey or sharp and you will do a real number on your fingers if you need to pull a lot of this type of cones apart. Don't forget to add a good coat of varnish - or shelac them when you're done to preserve them and make them waterproof for using on outdoor projects. This makes them easier to dust for indoor projects to. Use flat finish if you prefer a natural look but like to use semi-gloss or high gloss. Just me - I like shiny. Don't forget to post pics for us to see your finished project. I wouldn't heat grass or leaves in the oven but add some protective varnish to preserve it and you'll have a crafty/artsy project that will last for decades!
Linda Hanson
on Aug 11, 2015
-
I would love to send you a box full there all over my yard
Bob Link
on Aug 11, 2015
-
find someone who has them in their yard or go to the forest and gather some up.
Sherry Poore
on Aug 11, 2015
-
i have about a million.
Louise
on Aug 11, 2015
Sign Up to Answer
Related Discussions
Suggested Project Book
