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Painted pine cone garlands are a beautiful and natural way to add festive charm to your holiday décor.
With a little paint, twine, and imagination, you can turn simple pine cones into sparkling ornaments that bring warmth and texture to mantels, doorways, or Christmas trees.
The rustic look of pine cones paired with holiday colors—like white, red, and gold—makes this craft both elegant and timeless.
How to Make Painted Pine Cone Garland
It’s a fun project for all ages, and since it uses materials you can often gather for free, it’s budget-friendly too!
Materials
- Pine cones (10–15, clean and dry)
- Acrylic paint in white, red, and gold (or colors of your choice)
- Paintbrushes or small sponges
- Twine, jute string, or ribbon
- Hot glue gun or strong craft glue
- Scissors
- Small eye hooks or floral wire (optional for hanging)
- Greenery or faux berry sprigs (optional for extra decoration)
Shop the materials
The steps
Step 1: Prepare and Clean the Pine Cones
If you collected pine cones from outdoors, give them a quick rinse to remove dirt and bugs. Let them dry completely—either air-dry for a day or bake them at 200°F (93°C) for about 30 minutes to ensure they’re pest-free and fully dry.
Step 2: Choose and Paint Your Colors
Decide on your color palette—classic Christmas tones like red, white, and gold work beautifully. Use a small brush to paint the tips of each pine cone scale for a frosted, snowy look.
You can also dip the pine cones halfway into paint for a dipped effect or fully coat them for bold color. Let them dry for 20–30 minutes.
Step 3: Add Sparkle (Optional)
While the paint is still a little tacky, sprinkle fine glitter over the painted areas for a shimmering finish. This adds a festive glow that looks lovely when the garland catches the light.
Step 4: Attach the Hanging Loops
Cut small lengths of twine or jute, about 5–6 inches each. Tie each piece into a loop and glue it to the top of a pine cone.
If you prefer a sturdier connection, screw in a small eye hook at the top and thread the twine through it. Let the glue or hooks set completely before moving on.
Step 5: String the Garland
Measure your desired garland length and cut a piece of twine accordingly. Tie or glue each pine cone loop onto the garland string, spacing them about 4–6 inches apart. You can alternate colors (e.g., red, gold, white) for a festive pattern.
Step 6: Add Greenery or Accents (Optional)
For a fuller, more decorative look, weave faux greenery, pine sprigs, or berry picks between the pine cones. Secure them with a dab of hot glue or wrap floral wire around the twine.
Step 7: Hang and Enjoy
Once your garland is complete, hang it along a mantel, staircase, or doorway. It adds a rustic Christmas touch that looks both handmade and high-end.
