Nothing says winter quite like bringing the outdoors inside your warm home. Today, I’m sharing my secret on How to make glitter pine cone ornaments that sparkle beautifully under tree lights. These beauties add a high-end touch to your tree for practically zero dollars.
As a mom of three, I absolutely love Nature inspired holiday decor. However, I draw the line at inviting spiders or beetles into my clean living room. That is why we are also mastering How to clean pine cones for crafts properly today.
If you have ever wondered How long do you bake pine cones to kill bugs?, I have the exact timing below to keep your home safe. This tutorial creates stunning, Easy homemade Christmas gifts that even the kids can help make during a quick afternoon nap.
📸 [Image-1: A stunning, high-resolution photo of the finished Glittery Pine Cone Ornaments, styled on a Christmas tree with warm twinkle lights in the background.]
📝 Key Materials
Pine Cones (foraged or store-bought), Mod Podge (Gloss), Extra Fine Glitter, Foam Brush, Screw Eye Hooks.
Supplies & Equipment List
Before we start, gather your tools. Having a “glitter station” ready saves so much cleanup time later!
Consumable Materials:
- Pine Cones (Open, dry cones work best)
- Glitter (Gold, Silver, or White/Iridescent)
- Mod Podge (Gloss finish)
- Ribbon or Jute Twine
Tools:
- Aluminum Foil & Baking Sheet (For the cleaning phase)
- Small Paintbrush or Foam Brush
- Paper plate or shoebox (To catch glitter)
- Hot Glue Gun (Optional, if not using screw eyes)
Step-by-Step Tutorial: *DIY Rustic Christmas Ornaments*
Step 1: The “Bug Bake” (Crucial Prep)
This is the most important step. Do not bring raw pine cones directly onto your crafting table! Preheat your oven to 200°F.
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil to catch any dripping sap. Spread your pine cones out in a single layer. Bake them for 30 to 45 minutes.
📸 [Image-2: A baking sheet lined with foil holding several pine cones inside an oven.]
This heat kills bugs and dries up sticky sap. It also causes the cones to “bloom” and open up fully. Let them cool completely before touching them.
Step 2: Set Up Your Glitter Station
Glitter can get everywhere if you aren’t careful. I place a paper plate inside an old shoebox or plastic bin.
This catches the excess sprinkles so you can pour them back into the jar later. Keep a damp paper towel nearby to pick up stray sparkles from your fingers.
Step 3: Apply the “Icing”
We want these to look like Frosted pine cone DIY masterpieces, not messy blobs. Dip your brush into the Mod Podge.
Paint the glue onto the tips of the pine cone scales. Brush downward to mimic how snow naturally falls on a tree. If you want a super glam look, coat the entire scale.
📸 [Image-3: Close-up macro shot of a hand brushing white Mod Podge onto the tips of a pine cone.]
Step 4: Add the Sparkle
Sprinkle your glitter over the wet glue immediately. Do this over your paper plate to catch the mess.
Gently shake the pine cone to remove loose glitter. Set it aside on a sheet of wax paper to dry. Mod Podge crafts usually take about 20 minutes to dry to the touch.
📸 [Image-4: A pine cone being sprinkled with gold glitter over a paper plate.]
Step 5: Attach the Hanger
Once dry, you need a way to hang your ornament. Take a small screw eye hook and twist it into the woody center at the top of the cone.
If the wood is too hard, you can use a dab of hot glue to attach a loop of ribbon instead. Tie a festive bow for an extra pop of color.
📸 [Image-5: Hands screwing a small silver eye hook into the top of a glittered pine cone.]
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
*How long do you bake pine cones to kill bugs?*
You should bake them at 200°F for 30 to 45 minutes. Check them frequently to ensure they don’t burn. This low temperature effectively kills pests and melts the sap without scorching the wood.
*Can I use hairspray to seal glitter on pine cones?*
Yes, you can use hairspray as a quick fix. However, a clear acrylic spray sealer works much better for long-term storage. Hairspray may yellow over time, while acrylic spray keeps the DIY rustic Christmas ornaments looking crisp.
*How do you bleach pine cones for ornaments?*
To get a whitewashed look, soak the cones in a solution of 2 parts water to 1 part bleach. Let them sit for 24 hours until the color fades. Rinse them thoroughly and let them air dry completely before adding glitter.
*What glue works best on pine cones?*
For attaching ribbons or heavy items, hot glue is the strongest option. For adding glitter or snow effects, Mod Podge or white school glue is superior. These glues create a crust that holds the fine glitter in place perfectly.
Final Thoughts
I hope you love these sparkling additions to your tree! This project is my favorite way to enjoy Pine cone crafts for kids without the mess or stress.
Now you know exactly How to make glitter pine cone ornaments that look professional and keep your home bug-free. Happy crafting!
