Decorating with pinecones

 Pinecones

I'm always looking for budget friendly craft ideas, and who doesn't have pinecones laying around.

                                                                                                                                                                         

(Top left) Pinecone tree. This is a bit elaborate, but is very pretty.  (Middle right) Turkeycones. This is the one of the funnest crafts to get the kids involved in! Click here for instructions

 (Bottom right) Pinecones wreath, this is a craft that the only limitation is your imagination, and for that reason I would say this is the easiest way to use pinecones How to.

Felt Acorns

Fall is here and we are doing our best to welcome it with an easy craft project.  These felt acorns are perfect for filling a glass jar, working into your table scape, or adorning gifts.  You can probably think of many other uses. 

Felt Acorns

Before you start:

Look for wool felt balls versus felt beads.  The beads for sale are often much harder (intentionally) than balls.  The balls are somewhat malleable and allow for the different shapes you will need to fit various "hat" sizes.

Do not keep your sack of felt balls in plain view if you have a cat.  They love them and you will find yourself searching for them under the sofa.

The felt balls come in many colors.  I chose earthy fall colors for this project, but I could definitely see some of these made with vibrant colors for the holidays.

Get far more acorn hats than you need.  Upon further inspection, some will have flaws that you won't like.  The worst thing that could happen is you have extra for another time.

I especially like it when two hats are attached.  I put all of those aside to use for wrapping gifts.  The ribbon tied right through the joint where they are attached.

Be sure to apply glue liberally.  You don't want it to spill over, but understand that some of it will be absorbed into the felt.  You will get the hang of it very quickly.

(Added Note) you can use felt Here's how! (Not as cute or easy, but you may prefer this method) 

You will need:

• acorn hats
• glue – I used fabri-tac, but I’m sure other glues would do.
• clear filament – thin, very low test fishing line is sufficient.
• tape – masking tape is fine.
• needle threader
• felt balls - I bought 2cm balls, but you can purchase a variety of sizes to fit a variety of hat sizes.
• drill
• 1/16 inch drill bit

 The steps:

1. Using a dry, old toothbrush clean away any excess dirt from your collected acorn hats.  Discard any that appear unusable.
2. To make acorns with hangers continue to step 3.  Otherwise skip to step 10.
3. Turn the acorn hat upside down and brace it on the edge of a block of wood between your fingers.
4. Carefully drill a hole in the center with a 1/16 inch drill bit.  Try to get as close to the stem as possible without drilling through it.  Preserving it will add some extra character to your finished product.
5. Measure and cut lengths of filament 6-7 inches long.
6. Double each filament piece and tie a knot as close to the end as possible.  Make it tight.
7. Insert the needle threader from the outside of the acorn hat going in.
8. Feed the loop end of the tied filament into the needle threader and pull through to the outside of the acorn hat.
9. Secure the knot inside the acorn hat with a tiny piece of tape.
10. Hold a felt ball up to an acorn hat.  Decide if you will need to make it smaller.  If so roll the felt ball between your palms to shape more like a grape.
11. When you have the shape that fits properly liberally apply glue inside the acorn hat.
12. Insert the felt ball and hold for a few seconds.
13. Set on flat surface acorn hat end down to dry.
14. Allow to dry completely before use.

 Here are more pics:
Multi-color
Very detailed
For sale: cheat
Adorable
Unique Earrings!

craft from: Today's Nest
I hope you love this as much as I do!