Pimping up Pine Cones

It is a great time for picking up fallen pine cones in the UK.  I picked up a few handfuls at Capel Manor last week that had fallen from a giant Scots pine tree.

Unadorned the pine cones were lovely but I wanted to add a little extra to them .  I melted down some old candles that were too short to use and some wax that was left in the bottom of tea lights.  I did this in a heatproof bowl over some simmering water until just melted.  I then removed any wicks from the melted wax.  I had prepared a tray to use and had a packet of glitter to hand.  I carefully dipped the cones, pointy end down into the wax, placed them upright on the tray and sprinkled with glitter.  I did this for each cone and then left them until the wax had hardened.

I now have some very pretty bowl fillers (ssshh - for C*******s).  I guess you can hang them in garlands or as hanging decorations but you would have to keep them away from heat in case the wax started melting.

Don't forget to collect pine cones as soon as possible - everything is so early this year!  If you plan ahead you will have the materials you need for your festive projects!