How to Create a Pinecone Vase

Pinecones. So.Many.Pinecones!

My home is surrounded by White Pine trees, which means each fall we are blessed with pinecones. HOWEVER, 2014 must be the year of the pinecones as our ENTIRE yard (and driveway, and roof, and porches, etc., etc., etc.) is COVERED with pinecones. I love decorating and creating with pinecones & by the looks of this year's bounty, I have enough pinecones to complete a project every single day from now until next October. LOTS of pinecone projects are currently in the works, so get ready! ;) :D

Before working with pinecones, they must be clean & ready to use. When I bring pinecones into my home, they must be properly cleaned to (1.) prevent an insect infestation (ain't nobody got time for that) & (2.) dry up the sap. Cleaning pinecones is an easy process. I fill both sides of my kitchen sink with water & add a cup of white vinegar per side. Then, add the pinecones & soak for approximately 30 minutes. While they're soaking, I line a section of my kitchen countertop with paper towels for drying. After soaking, shake excess water from the pinecones & lay them (in a single layer) on the paper towels to dry. The pinecones close quite a bit after being submerged in water, but will open back up when completely dry. It takes a few days for pinecones to dry & open (remember, patience is a virtue ;) ).

I'm excited to share the first of many pinecone creations with you. Almost everything used in this project is recycled materials, costing me practically nothing to make. I LOVE how this particular project turned out; it's exactly what I envisioned & I'm thrilled! :D

Below you'll find everything needed to create this nature-inspired, rustic fall vase:

Pinecone Vase

MATERIALS:

• Empty container (I used an empty french fried onions can)
• Small brown paper bag
• Rubber band
• Hot glue gun
• Glue sticks
• Pinecones (The quantity will depend on the size of your container; I used 10 pinecones.) I used long, White Pine pinecones (because that's what I have in abundance)
• Raffia (or any ribbon desired)
• Fall flowers of choice

  HOW-TO:

1. Wash & allow pinecones to dry.
2. Crumple a paper bag into a ball & straighten out. Place the container inside the bag & fold the sides of the bag over so the edges are flush with the container. Place a rubber band around the top of the container to keep the bag in place. 
3. Fold any extra paper bag areas over & glue so they don't stick out when pinecones are added.
4. Generously apply hot glue along the length of the container as well as a pinecone. Stick pinecone to the container (stem side down) & apply pressure for a couple of minutes to ensure a good seal. 
5. Repeat this process until the entire container is covered. 
6. Tie raffia or ribbon around the top of the container (this covers the rubber band). 
7. Add fall florals of choice.

   I intend to change these flowers to a bunch of wheat with maybe a few sprigs of fresh bittersweet tucked in the raffia bow, but that will have to wait until I have a chance to get to Michaels next week.

8. Add to your favorite fall decor or use as a lovely centerpiece on your fall tablescape. 

My pinecone vase is a very simple & VERY inexpensive fall project that adds lots of wonderful texture & interest to existing decor. I love mixing rustic & elegant pieces & will definitely incorporate this natural vase with silver & bronze pumpkins & candelabras to create a beautiful Thanksgiving tablescape (stay tuned to see that finished product ;) ).

Interested in more fall decorating projects??? Click my links below for more inspiration:

Fall Is In The Air

Fall Is In The Air...Part 2

Fall Is In The Air...Part 3

Fall Is In The Air...Part 4

Apple Spiced Pumpkins

Thanks so much for visiting! How are you preparing your home for fall in your corner of the world? Please leave me a comment below--I'd LOVE to hear from you!

Lori :)
www.becomingdrlah.com