With the fall season upon us, I decided to try my hand at a craft I’ve been wanting to do for ages—a pine cone wreath! It’s simple, tasteful, and easy on the budget. I’ve seen these wreaths in stores and thought, “I could make that!” So, I rolled up my sleeves and gave it a go.
And you know what? This wreath isn’t just pretty — it’s proof that a little creativity (and a pile of pine cones) can go a long way. It’s the kind of project that feels like fall, looks like it came from a boutique, and costs next to nothing. Plus, let’s be honest — any excuse to play with a glue gun is a good one, right?
Here’s how I put mine together:
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Supplies You’ll Need:
- Pine cones – washed, dried, and optionally sealed
- Wire wreath frame – I used an 18″, but any size will work
- Dark brown pipe cleaners
- Wire cutters
- Sheet or towel – to protect your work surface
- Glue gun & glue sticks
- Wire – for hanging
- Optional: Seasonal ribbon (wired is best for shaping)
Step 1: Gather and Prepare Pine Cones
From previous projects, I knew of some pine trees behind a local shopping center. I scooped up a big bag full (free is for me!) and headed home.
- In a large bucket, I washed the pine cones with a bit of Dawn dish soap.
- Rinsed them well and laid them out on a towel in the sun to dry completely.
Fun Fact: Pine cones close up when submerged in water! I panicked at first but learned they’ll open back up in the sun. Crisis averted. 😅
Optional:
Once dry, I sprayed a thin layer of clear polyurethane to both protect the cones and enhance their rich natural color. Let dry completely before moving on.
Tip: You can also buy pine cones to skip the collecting and cleaning steps.
Step 2: Prep Pine Cones for Attachment
- Sort pine cones into small, medium, and large sizes. (Don’t worry if the sizes aren’t drastically different—it’ll still look great.)
- For each cone, wrap a pipe cleaner tightly around the base, weaving it between the scales to hold it securely.
- Twist the ends of the pipe cleaner so it sits snugly against the cone—this helps avoid any wobbling when attaching it to the wreath frame.
Step 3: Attach Pine Cones to the Wreath Frame
- Start with the largest pine cones on the outer ring of the wreath frame.
- Use the pipe cleaners to twist and secure each cone tightly to the wire.
- Attach the cones as close together as possible to avoid gaps.
- Move to the next inner ring using medium-sized cones.
- For the remaining inner rings, use small or medium cones—whatever fits the space best.
Hint: Flipping the frame over can help you thread the pipe cleaners more easily.
Step 4: Final Touches & Jeuging (a.k.a. Fluffing & Finishing)
- Trim any excess pipe cleaner and tuck it against the frame for a neater look.
- Flip the wreath over and inspect for any sparse areas.
- Use hot glue to attach smaller pine cones to fill in gaps and add dimension. (Only glued in three small pine cones to fill it out. Don’t critique every space—it’ll look great, I promise!)
Optional: Add a wired ribbon bow for a seasonal touch.
I personally loved the natural, simple look—but a beautiful deep red bow could take it straight into the holiday season. So versatile!
Final Thoughts & Takeaways
I absolutely love how the wreath turned out. It’s perfect for the front door or indoor decor!
Here are a few things I learned:
- Skill level: Very beginner-friendly (perfect for me!)
- Time vs. Money: It’s simple, but time-consuming—which explains why store-bought versions cost more.
- Weight: It’s heavier than expected! Choose sturdy hardware when hanging.
- Hands-on: This project was touch on my ole manicure. Even with short nails, I broke a few. Crafter beware! 😉
I absolutely love how this wreath turned out—it’s rustic, warm, and just feels like fall. But the best part? With a quick switch of ribbon or a few added accents (think red berries or a festive bow), it easily transitions into Christmas decor too. One simple wreath, two cozy seasons!
Would I do it again? Absolutely. I’m even thinking of making smaller versions for the dining room or another large one for outdoors.
So throw on Netflix, binge that series you’ve been meaning to watch, and have fun making this beautiful, budget-friendly pine cone wreath. Honestly, it’s a decor piece you could use all year long.
For another fabulous fall project, check out how to make fall leaf tendrils HERE!
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🍁 Happy Crafting!
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I am SO going to do that! Your instructions were perfect too. Thanks for making that so easy! I need to start collecting pinecones now.
xo
It was really easy and I loved the result. So glad you liked it! Be sure and send me a pic of yours when it’s complete…would love to see 🙂
I love it! Can’t wait to make one!!great instructions!
Thanks so much! Can’t wait to see yours. Be sure and send a pic! 🙂