The rustic charm of crafts made with pinecones is hard to top.You don't have to go to the craft store to get your supplies, fallen pinecones are often available in your yard, local park, or other wooded areas.pinecones are often dirty and filled with tiny bugs, which can cause them to degrade sooner.You can help them last longer by cleaning and drying them.If you want them to last a long time, you should seal them with varnish, paint, or wax.
Step 1: There are pinecones to be collected.
You can use ones that are open or closed.When they are dry, closed pinecones will open up.Store bought pinecones are ready to use.
Step 2: There is debris inside the pinecones.
This includes seeds, moss, and pine needles.You can use a brush or a pair of tweezers.Don't worry about being too precise, soaking the pinecones will help clean them further.
Step 3: Prepare a solution of water and food.
The sink, tub, or bucket needs to be filled with two parts water and one part white vinegar.Depending on how many pinecones you're going to soak and the size of your container, the amount of water and vinegar you end up using can vary.If you prefer, you can use a solution of 1 gallon of water and a small amount of mild dish soap.
Step 4: The pinecones should be soaked for 20 to 30 minutes.
The pinecones need to be submerged during this step.If they don't stay down, weigh them down with a heavy towel, a pot lid, or even a dinner plate.During this step, the pinecones may close.They'll open up again when they dry.
Step 5: Put the pinecones in the newspaper and let them dry.
Leave them in aventilated area, as this will help increase air flow.If you don't have a newspaper on hand, use paper bags or an old towel.
Step 6: The temperature in your oven should be 200 to 250F.
The oven isn't necessary to get very hot.The pinecones need some gentle heat to fully dry, so they'll open again after soaking.
Step 7: The pinecones should be placed on a baking sheet.
You can use aluminum foil if you don't have any parchment paper.There should be some space between each pinecone.The hot air will flow better between them and they will have more room to open up.
Step 8: The pinecones should be baked until they open.
It could take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours.The pinecones don't catch on fire if you check them frequently.When they are shiny and open, they're ready.The pinecones can be left to air dry so they open up again.Baking is a good idea if you don't have a lot of time.
Step 9: The pinecones should be moved to a wire cooling rack.
You can use a ladle or oven mitt to do this.The pinecones are very fragile and should be moved with care.
Step 10: Allow the pinecones to cool.
You can paint them, display them or seal them further once they're cool.They will have a shiny coating on them.This can be used as a natural preservative.If you want to preserve them further, you should finish them.
Step 11: Decide on a finishing method after preparing your workspace.
You should cover your counter or table with newspaper if you're spraying, painting, or dipping pinecones.It's better to work outside if you're using a spray sealer.Go ahead and use your chosen method once you have your space set up.
Step 12: If you want something quick and easy, spray the pinecones.
A non-yellowing spray varnish is the choice.Use an even coat to spray the pinecones on their sides.Wait for the pinecones to dry before rotating them and spraying the other side.Apply a second coat after the first one has dried for at least a half hour.There are many different sprays that come in different finishes.Pick the one that you like the best.The most natural look is usually offered by the matt.If you don't have spray varnish, you can use hairspray.
Step 13: If you want something that is more durable, use a marine varnish.
A marine varnish can be purchased from a hardware store.Put on a pair of gloves to hold the pinecone.The varnish should be applied all over the pinecone, except for the bottom.Allow the varnish to dry for 30 minutes, then coat the bottom and tip.The pinecone should be dried on its side.You have to let the previous coat dry completely before applying more than one coat of marine varnish.You can dip the thread into the varnish if you tie it to the pinecone.Lift it out and let the varnish fall off.To dry the pinecone, hang it by the string.
Step 14: If you want a thicker coating, dip the pinecones.
Wrap some string or wire around a pinecone.The pinecone should be dipped into a can of paint or varnish.Hold the pinecone above the can for about a minute to let the excess paint/varnish trickle back in.The pinecone can be hung somewhere where it can dry.If you want to catch drips of paint or varnish, place a newspaper or tray under the pinecone.The pinecones may close up again if this method is used.Thin the paint or varnish with water if it's too thick.To get 1 part water, use four parts paint or varnish.
Step 15: It is possible to dip the pinecones in beeswax.
To fully submerge the pinecone, melt enough solid beeswax in a crockpot.You can dip the pinecone into the melted wax by tying a string around the tip.Drop the pinecone into a bucket of cold water.You may have to repeat this step a few times to get an even coverage.The wax can be heated in the slow cooker for 2 to 3 hours.You can melt the beeswax in a double boiler if you don't have a slow cooker.The wax should be set on the pinecone for at least 3 minutes.The pinecone will become visible when you dip it into wax.You could end up with a yellow or white pinecone.