This simple, yet beautiful, holiday craft can be fun for the whole family. It is simple enough for your preschooler to master, yet will still engage older children's sense of creativity. The following article presents some basic guidelines, as well as ways to extend this craft into a more learning focused lesson.
Planning for Materials Needed
The most obvious material needed for this project are pinecones. These can be bought in craft stores, and often seasonally where Christmas trees are sold. Or, for the more adventurous, take the family on a nature walk and collect your own pinecones. This presents an opportunity for both learning about nature and spending extra time together.
The other materials that you will need are glue, paintbrush (optional), glitter, scissors, and fishing line. Remember, when working with children choose a glue that is non-toxic and non-flammable. It is very important to read the label carefully in order to make sure that the chosen glue meets your needs. School glue, such as Elmer's works well.
Starting the Pinecone Craft
The first step is to apply the glue to dry pinecones. Decide how you would like your ornaments to look in order to ensure proper glue placement. For example, glue placed on the tipe of the pinecones may look freshly snow covered. For fuller coverage, use a paint brush to "wash" the glue over the pinecones.
Next, decide on the glitter color to be used. Opal or silver colors will give a more snow-like effect. Brightly colored glitter such as red, green, or blue may compliment an already established holiday color theme. Gently sprinkle the glitter over the pinecones. Then, lightly shake and tap to remove any excess. Place the pinecones aside to dry. If possible stand the pinecones up so that the glue does not adhere to the drying surface.
Once dry, cut and tie fishing line to the top of the pinecone.
Added Fun and Learning
For added fun allow your child to mix and match glitter colors. This will create beautiful multi-colored works of art. Or ask each family member to pick a specific color that is meaningful to them. Use this time for a special family discussion and show and share. Ask why the color is important, and what it means or signifies.
To enhance this project with learning activities, create a mini-science experiment. Use old measuring spoons or cups to discover how much glitter is used to cover the pinecones. Weigh each pinecone to see who has the biggest, smallest, or middle sizes.
Finishing the Project
Now you are ready to hang your pinecone ornament. Before you find that special place remember these ornaments are made out of art materials and dried pinecones, they could be very flammable. Take caution not to hang them anywhere near any type of heat source, light, fire, or candle. Also, as a home made ornament the stability of the materials can not be assessed. Glitter may come off and land on anything beneath it.
The pinecone ornament craft is an easy holiday craft that can become a new family tradition. Starting with a group nature walk and finishing with a lovely product, this craft can be fun for the family from tots to teens.
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