Crafting Sparkly Pine Cones: Painting & Glittering Guide

Glittery pinecones are a fun, festive, and inexpensive way to decorate your home. They can be used as ornaments, placed in a bowl as a table centerpiece, or displayed on a mantel or console table. You can make them in a variety of colours and styles, and the process is simple and can be done in a single afternoon. In this guide, you will learn how to paint and add glitter to pinecones, as well as some tips and tricks to make the process easier and more enjoyable.

Choosing the right paint and glue

When it comes to choosing the right paint for your pine cone project, you can opt for spray paint or regular paint. Spray paint is a popular choice for coating pine cones as it is quick and easy to apply. Metallic spray paint is commonly used to create a sparkly base for the glitter. Silver is a good option if you don't want to use too much spray paint, as it works well with most glitter colours. Alternatively, you can choose a paint colour that matches your glitter shade. For example, a white paint base with clear glitter on top can create a wintery theme.

If you opt for regular paint, you can use a paintbrush to apply it. Consider the size of the pine cone and the speed at which you want to work when choosing a brush size. A larger brush will allow you to cover more surface area quickly, while a smaller brush will be better for detailed work. You can also mix the paint with glue to help the glitter stick better.

When it comes to glue, you have a few options. School glue, also known as white glue, is a popular choice as it dries clear. You can apply it to the tips of the pine cone with a paintbrush or by dipping or rolling the pine cone in a bowl of glue. Spray adhesive is another option, which you can spray onto the pine cone before applying glitter. Super sticky adhesive is best, as it will ensure the glitter adheres well.

Whether you use regular glue or spray adhesive, it's important to work on one pine cone at a time to prevent the glue from drying before you apply the glitter.

Preparing the pine cone

Collecting and Baking the Pine Cones

Start by collecting pine cones, either from your yard or by purchasing them. If you opt for the former, it is recommended to bake the pine cones in an oven at 200° for around 45 minutes. This step helps eliminate any potential bugs that may be lurking in the pine cones.

Choosing a Work Area and Preparation

Pine cones can get messy, especially when paired with paint and glitter. Choose a suitable work area that can accommodate the mess, such as a spare room or a garage. Cover the area with newspaper or brown craft paper to catch any stray glitter or paint.

Painting the Pine Cones

Before adding glitter, you can paint the pine cones to create a more sparkly base. Use spray paint or regular paint, depending on your preference. If using spray paint, ensure you elevate the pine cones to spray all around them evenly. Let the paint dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

Applying Glue or Adhesive

To make the glitter stick to the pine cones, you will need an adhesive. You can use a spray adhesive, school glue, or a mixture of glue and paint. If using glue, set up a bowl with a generous amount of glue, and roll the pine cones in it to ensure all the tips are covered. You can also use a paintbrush to apply the glue more precisely.

Choosing the Right Glitter

Select the glitter colour(s) of your choice. You can opt for traditional options like silver and gold, or experiment with colours like purple or blue. Fine glitter is available, but larger flakes, such as vintage mica flakes or crystal glitter, will make your pine cones stand out.

Now that your pine cones are prepared, you can move on to the fun part—adding the glitter! Follow these steps, and you'll be well on your way to creating beautiful, glittery pine cone decorations.

Applying paint

Painting pine cones is a fun and simple activity that can be done by people of all ages. It is a great way to add a personal touch to your holiday decorations and can be done in a variety of ways. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Before you begin painting, it is important to prepare your workspace. Lay down some newspaper or brown craft paper in your chosen crafting area to catch any paint drips or spills. You can also use a flexible cutting board or a large tray to contain the mess.

Once your work area is ready, you can start by mixing your paint. In a small bowl, combine equal parts paint and glue. You can use a variety of paints, such as latex interior paint, acrylic paint, or metallic spray paint. White paint can help create a winter wonderland vibe, while metallic paint adds a sparkly touch.

When choosing a glue, opt for school glue or white glue, as it dries clear. If you are using a spray adhesive, make sure it is super sticky so that the glitter will adhere well.

Now, it's time to start painting! You can use paintbrushes of various sizes, depending on the size of your pine cones and how detailed you want to get. Dip your brush into the paint mixture and carefully apply it to the pine cone, ensuring that all the surfaces are coated. If using spray paint, hold the can about 6-8 inches away from the pine cone and spray in a steady back-and-forth motion. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for safety when using spray paint.

After you have applied the first coat of paint, let it dry completely. This may take a few hours or even overnight. Once dry, inspect the pine cone for any missed spots and apply a second coat of paint as needed.

By following these steps, you can create beautifully painted pine cones that serve as a great base for adding glitter. Remember to let the paint dry completely before moving on to the next step, as this will ensure the best results for your glittery creations.

Adding glitter

Another method is to use glue. Set up two bowls, one with glue and one with glitter. Roll the painted pine cone in the glue, then in the glitter. You can also paint the glue onto the pine cone with a paintbrush before applying the glitter. If you want to avoid getting glue everywhere, you can also try dipping just the tips of the pine cone into the glue and glitter.

If you want to avoid using glue, you can try dipping the pine cone into the glitter immediately after painting it. This method may result in less glitter adhering to the pine cone, but it is a good option if you want to avoid stickiness.

Once you have applied the glitter, be sure to shake off any excess. You can also use a leaf blower to remove loose glitter.

Drying and displaying

If you are using spray adhesive, it is a good idea to work on one pine cone at a time, as the glue may dry before you get to the glittering stage. You can also use a hairdryer on a low setting to speed up the drying process. Once the glue is dry, give your pine cone a good shake to remove any excess glitter. This will prevent a mess and ensure your pine cone has a neat finish.

After shaking off the excess glitter, you can leave your pine cone to dry further. If you are using a slow-drying adhesive, you may need to leave your pine cone for a few hours or even overnight again. You can also use a leaf blower to blow nearly dry pine cones and remove excess glitter. This will help to keep loose glitter out of your house.

Now, your glittery pine cones are ready to be displayed! There are many ways to display your creations. You can place them in a bowl as a table centerpiece, or hang them as ornaments. You can attach a ribbon or wire to the base of the pine cone and hang them on your Christmas tree or from a mantel. You can also use floral wire or floral picks to insert them into a Christmas tree, banister, or railing for a rustic touch.

Get creative with your display! You can fill a vase with glittery pine cones or create a wreath by attaching them to a wire frame. You can also use them to fill up a spare bowl or decorate a mantel or console table. Whatever way you choose to display them, your glittery pine cones are sure to add a sparkly, whimsical touch to your home.

Frequently asked questions