Some Fun With Pine Cones

May 2, 2016

Good morning.  I guess today is going to be another cloudy day, with temps in the mid 50's.  We might even see a bit of sunshine now and then.  During the night, we had a little bit of rain.  Everything is beginning to look so green.  My "leafy" trees are putting on their leafy spring green look.  I love it!!

My yard, on the other hand, is looking like a pine cone garden.  They are everywhere!  I hate to just rake them all up and toss them out, so I've started looing on Google to see what they can be used for.  So far, I've found a great craft website that has lots of ideas for making things from the cones.  They have other crafts too, so check them out.  http://www.craftaholicsanonymous.net

Here are a few of the ways to use your pine cones for Holiday/event decorations.

Before using the cones for crafts, you need to clean and dry them.   First, leave the cones dry, put them on a foil covered baking sheet and spread them out in a single layer.  Bake them in a pre-heated oven at 200 degrees for about 20-30 minutes.  This will have any bugs living inside the cones crawling out.  You don't want bugs in your crafts.  You might want to spray the cones with a little acrylic at this point to protect them as they are pretty fragile.

Next you want to wash the cones in a sink full of warm water with 1/2 cup to 1 cup of vinegar.  Let them soak for 20 or 30 minutes.  Lay down two or three layers of newspapers on the workspace that you will be drying the cones on.    The cones should be fully opened when they are completely dry.  (cones close up when wet, and are open when dry)  Have fun.

Well, that's it for today.  I want to get a few things done here before Pogo and I go out.  He has an appointment with his doctor for a regular check up.  Hopefully, his groomer will be able to fit him in this week too.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.