Pine Cone Mini-wreath and Candle Collar

To make winter more enjoyable you can bring it indoors using pine cones. This is a fun project for kids, too. You don't need much to get started.

Materials and Tools

Small, dry pine cones

White spray paint

Paper clips or thin wire

A hot melt glue gun

A small bowl, about 6-7" in diameter

A paper towel

The Wreath Process

Moisten the paper towel and line the bowl with it. The towel helps keep the cones from slipping. Arrange the pine cones around the perimeter of the bowl with the points down. Add another pine cone in the center of the pine cone circle. Apply small spots of hot glue wherever the cones touch. Too much glue will seep through to the bottom (front) of the wreath. As the glue cools and hardens, add more so that, after 3 or 4 applications, the cones are securely joined.

Bend the paperclip or short piece of wire into a hanger for the back of the wreath. Position the hanger so it won't be seen from the front and glue it in place using sequential applications.

When all the glue has hardened remove the wreath from the bowl and check for glue strands that may have seeped through. These are easily removed with a scissors. Hang the wreath so you can paint it and give it several light sprays from above. When the paint has dried you can hang it to decorate inside or out or even on your Christmas tree.

The Candle Collar Process

Making candle collars is very similar to the wreath process but instead of putting a cone in the center of the ring of cones you insert a small spacer such as a pill bottle. For a large candle you may need a larger bowl and spacer. Glue the cones together, leaving the spacer free.

Once the collar glue has set simply place it on the surface of your choice and insert your candle. Add a couple of pine sprays for color and interest.