Pine trees are plentiful in Tennessee. This bodes well for crafters who like to recycle with easily accessible items from Mother Nature. Below, you’ll find instructions for a versatile pinecone decoration that can be used as a door wreath, an advent wreath or a centerpiece.

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One of the upsides of pinecone crafts is that they last a while. In the past, I have made pretty evergreen wreaths that dry out, drop needles and end up being recycled with the tree. When stored in a cool dry place, a pinecone wreath will last for several years. Place yours in a box with a lid or a secure plastic bag. You can freshen it up with a new bow each holiday season. (It won’t help you this year, but after-Christmas sales are the very best time to score some great holiday ribbon buys.)

SEE ALSO: Trek to a Tennessee Christmas Tree Farm

Keep pinecone wreaths in mind for Thanksgiving too. Fill the center with miniature pumpkins and squash, and a few pillar candles for a showy centerpiece. Beautiful!

You will need:

• pinecones
• grapevine wreaths, wire wreath forms, square or round Styrofoam forms, or wire coat hangers
• floral wire
• spray paint (optional)
• ribbons, bows and other décor, as needed

First, gather your pinecones. If your own yard is pine free, grab a bucket and gather from the nearest park or a friend’s house (with permission, of course). The gathering phase is a fun way to involve kids.

Next, wash off the pinecones in the sink to remove any dirt or bugs that may have come along for the ride. At this point, you should also remove any extra pine needles. Allow to dry.

While holding the wreath form in one hand, use the floral wire to secure pine cones one at a time onto the form. Repeat this process until you shape an even ring of pinecones. Continue with another layer of pine cones if you prefer a thicker wreath.

When you finish shaping the pinecone wreath, add spray paint, if desired. Allow the wreath to dry thoroughly. At this point, you can add any other decorative touches, such as a bow, holly and/or ball-shaped ornaments, as well as a ribbon for hanging.

A flat wreath can be displayed on a door or over a mantle. However, it also works as a tabletop decoration. Put four candles in the center for an advent wreath. Make small wreaths and string them together with ribbon to use as a garland. Use your imagination.

More Pinecone Crafts

Pinecone Place Card Holder

Spray-paint pine cones in metallic or other desired color, and allow to dry. Write the name of your guests on individual small white cards (cut to size, if needed), and stick each card in between the scales at the top of each cone. You can also use the scales of the cones as a unique way to display holiday pictures or postcards.

Scented Pinecones

Place pine cones on a foil-lined pan, and bake at 200 degrees for 45 minutes to melt the sap. Allow to cool. Put the pine cones in a zip-close plastic bag, add several drops of your desired essential oil scent (such as peppermint or cinnamon), seal the bag and shake to distribute oil evenly. Leave cones in the sealed bag for at least 48 hours. Put them in baskets, jars or other containers for a fragrant display.

Pinecone Bird Feeder

Gather a pine cone, butter knife, smooth peanut butter, birdseed in a large bowl or plate, ribbon or yarn, and scissors. Cut a long piece of the yarn or ribbon (to hang the cone), and tie in a knot around the top of the pine cone, as well as another knot at the end of the ribbon. Next, use the knife to spread the peanut butter on the pine cone and around the edges. Roll the pine cone in the birdseed until it’s covered, hang it on a tree and watch the birds enjoy your creation.