Make these easy DIY Cinnamon Scented Pine Cones for all your pinecone home decor. And see suggestions and other uses for fallen pine cones. Also, learn any easy and safe way on how to clean pine cones and the steps to make these cinnamon pine cones.
We once lived in a house that had 3 pine trees and every year, we would have a full “crop” of pinecones. I always looked for crafty ways and other uses for fallen pinecones. I also learned how to clean pine cones. Over the years we have made so many craft projects but these cinnamon pine cones are probably one of these easiest and one of my favorite of all pinecone uses.
This post contains affiliate links which means if you make a purchase we might receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
I’m a lover of cinnamon scented pine cones but not crazy about the ones in the store. Am I the only one that has a reaction of a burning nose when you walk into a store with an abundance of them near the entrance? And are you like me and ever worry about the possibility that the cinnamon scented pine cones are toxic? Well, if you make your own then you know what they contain. These cinnamon pine cones may be as fragrant as you wish, you control the degree of intensity of scent without any chemicals.
How to clean pine cones
Before you start your craft ideas and uses for fallen pine cones, they need to be clean. The best way to clean pinecones is a natural wash and air dry. I do know that some actually place the cones in the oven to dry and that will also cause them to open up more. But I haven’t been that brave yet, a little concerned what my house would smell like and what if I “overcooked them”. So I settle on the air-dry method.
- Fill your kitchen sink full of warm water and add about 1/2 to 1 cup of white vinegar. Allow them to soak for about 30 minutes, I will usually shake them up a few times during this process. Also if there are any little creatures like bugs in the cones, it will run them out.
- Drain the vinegar water and rinse all the cones well with fresh water. Shake out the excess water from each cone and lay on several layers of newspaper to dry for 2-3 days.
Uses for fallen pine cones:
- Bird Feeders- Tie a string around the top two or three layers on a pinecone. Smear and spread natural peanut butter all over the cone and then roll it in birdseed. Hang in a tree near a window so you can watch the birds feed.
- Lady Bug or Mason Bee Hotel- place several pine cones into a small mesh bag or use chicken wire to make a bag. Place in a sheltered spot in your garden or yard or hang in the lower branches of a bush to protect it from flooding or rain.
- Potted Plants- Place in the bottom of large pots in lieu of stones to assist in drainage.
- Pinecone people and Animals-Use felt or paper to make little woodland animals or fun elves or angels. See them here.
- Mulch-break up in a wood chipper or crush them. They will also add nutrients to the soil if you decide to add them to your compost pile.
- Pinecone Home Decor- Use them for Fall or Christmas decorations. Attach a thin wire to them and add them to all your holiday decor or place in bowls or baskets and add decorations or lights for centerpieces. Or make Cinnamon pine cones to make your home smell amazing during the season.
What you need to make Cinnamon Scented Pine Cones:
- Pinecones (you can also buy these)
- Glue
- Paintbrush
- Cinnamon
How to make Cinnamon Pine Cones:
After following the steps above on how to clean pine cones. Place your clean and dry pinecones on a paper plate for easy cleanup. Pour a puddle of white glue on one side of the plate.
Using your paintbrush, paint glue over all the pine cones covering all sides and nooks and crannies.
Sprinkle cinnamon liberally over the pinecone, making sure to cover all the wet glue. Then roll the cones over and cover all the other sides making sure all of the cone is covered with cinnamon.
Now allow the glue to dry completely then tap the pinecone to remove excess cinnamon.
Add these cinnamon scented pine cones to décor to scent the area of your home. Or string them with ribbon and hang on your Christmas tree. We start making these in the fall and they are so versatile we carry them into our Christmas decor.
Other crafts like these cinnamon pinecone home decor:
Click HERE to save these Cinnamon Pine Cones to Pinterest
Cinnamon Scented Pine Cones
Equipment
- Paintbrush
- Paper plate
Instructions
- After following the steps above on how to clean pine cones. Place your clean and dry pinecones on a paper plate for easy cleanup. Pour a puddle of white glue on one side of the plate.
- Using your paintbrush, paint glue over all the pine cones covering all sides and nooks and crannies.
- Sprinkle cinnamon liberally over the pinecone, making sure to cover all the wet glue. Then roll the cones over and cover all the other sides making sure all of the cone is covered with cinnamon.
- Allow the glue to dry completely, then tap the pinecone to remove excess cinnamon.
- Add pinecones to décor to scent the area.
This is such a fun creative way to use pine cones – and so festive! The smell of pine and cinnamon together at Christmas must be amazing! I’m so inspired to make these (and your other ideas) and I bet my kids would love to help. Thanks for sharing!