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This pine cone painted and decorated tree is a festive and nature-inspired craft that adds rustic charm to your holiday decor. It’s made entirely from real pinecones, making it both eco-friendly and visually stunning.
With just a bit of paint, glue, and creativity, you can turn a simple foam cone and gathered pinecones into a beautiful tabletop tree that sparkles with holiday spirit. It’s a wonderful family activity and makes for a cozy handmade centerpiece or mantel decoration.
You can customize this project with different colors, from traditional red, green, and gold to soft winter whites or metallic tones.
How to Make Painted Pine Cone and Decorated Tree
The textures and layers of pinecones give it a full, natural look that feels both elegant and festive — perfect for creating that warm holiday atmosphere.
Materials
- Assorted pinecones (various sizes)
- Acrylic paint (red, green, white, gold, or your chosen colors)
- Small paintbrushes
- Foam cone (as a base)
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Small beads, mini ornaments, or glitter accents (optional)
- Protective sheet or newspaper (for painting area)
Shop the materials
The steps
Step 1: Prepare and Clean the Pinecones
Start by cleaning your pinecones to remove any dirt or debris. If you collected them outdoors, bake them at 200°F for about 25–30 minutes to get rid of moisture and insects.
Let them cool completely before painting. Place them on a covered surface to keep your workspace clean and organized.
Step 2: Paint the Pinecones
Using your chosen colors, paint the pinecones with a small brush. You can fully coat each one for a bold look or just highlight the tips for a frosted, snowy effect. Mix up your colors — some red, some green, a few gold — to create visual variety.
Allow them to dry completely before handling. For extra shimmer, sprinkle a bit of glitter on the wet paint or use metallic paint for a luxurious touch.
Step 3: Prepare the Tree Base
Place your foam cone on a flat surface. If desired, paint it in a color similar to your pinecones (like green or brown) to help any small gaps blend in.
Let it dry for a few minutes. This step makes the finished tree look fuller and more polished.
Step 4: Attach the Pinecones
Starting at the bottom, apply hot glue to the base of each pinecone and press it firmly against the cone. Continue gluing pinecones around in a circular layer, making sure each one sits snugly next to the others.
Move upward in rows, overlapping slightly as you go to create fullness. Alternate colors as you move up the cone for a balanced, festive pattern.
Step 5: Add Decorative Details
Once your tree is fully covered, glue small beads, mini ornaments, or gold-painted berries between pinecones to mimic ornaments.
You can also brush a little white paint or fake snow on the tips for a wintry touch. Finally, top your tree with a small star or bow to complete the look.
Let the glue and paint set for at least an hour before moving your finished tree. Display it as a centerpiece, on a mantel, or by your entryway for a natural yet festive statement.
