Ingredients
- 35 clean, dry pine cones, about 2 to 4 inches long each
- 8 fluid ounces washable acrylic craft paint in assorted colors
- 1 small bottle, about 4 fluid ounces, of white craft glue
- 1 package of 35 small wooden beads or pom-poms for noses and faces
- 1 package of 70 small wiggle eyes or paper eyes, about 1/4 inch wide
- 10 sheets of colored construction paper, 9 by 12 inches
- 1 sheet of orange cardstock, 8.5 by 11 inches
- 1 sheet of green cardstock, 8.5 by 11 inches
- 1 sheet of brown cardstock, 8.5 by 11 inches
- 1 package of 35 small craft feathers, about 2 to 4 inches long
- 1 package of 35 inches of cotton cord, cut into 12-inch pieces
- 1 set of 6 round paintbrushes, sizes 2 through 8
- 1 foam brush, 1 inch wide
- 1 pair of child-safe scissors
- 1 pair of adult craft scissors
- 1 pencil, sharpened
- 1 plastic paint palette or recycled plate
- 1 cup of clean water for rinsing brushes
- 1 roll of paper towels
- 1 plastic tablecloth or drop cloth, about 4 by 6 feet
- 1 small stack of newspaper or scrap paper, about 20 sheets
- 1 box of washable markers, 8 to 12 colors
- 1 small jar of fine craft glitter, about 2 ounces, optional
- 1 roll of painter’s tape, 1 inch wide, optional
Instructions
- Cover the table first with the plastic tablecloth, then add newspaper where paint and glue will sit.
- Sort the 35 pine cones by size and shape.
- Plan the collection before you paint.
- Paint the base colors with a round brush or the 1-inch foam brush.
- Leave the first coat on the newspaper for 30 to 45 minutes.
- Make simple paper details while the paint dries.
- Turn 10 cones into little trees by brushing them green, then adding small paper stars or dots of white paint.
- Make woodland animals from 10 painted cones.
- Create five birds by painting the cones in soft colors and gluing on paper beaks, feather wings, and small paper feet.
- Use five cones for seasonal figures.
- Turn the final five cones into hanging ornaments.
- Add finishing details after the paint feels dry to the touch.
- Give mistakes a place to be.
- Leave the finished pieces on newspaper for 2 to 4 hours, then check the glue by touching one hidden spot.
Notes
Keep small eyes, beads, pom-poms, and feathers away from children under 3 because they can create a choking hazard. Use washable materials when possible, and keep the work area ventilated.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
