DIY Scented Pine Cones for Gifts or Decor

Learn how to make scented pine cones with wax and scent for a wonderful fragrant decor. These pumpkin spice pine cones are easy to make and you could use them as a great fire starter too. Make a big batch and bag them up as gifts.

Here's a fun and easy tutorial to make scented pine cones. I'm displaying them with felted pumpkins in my fall decor, but they would look great for the holidays and throughout the winter.

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How to Make Scented Pine Cones

Melt the wax. You only need enough to be able to roll the pine cone in; about 1/2 inch. I have a large Pyrex measuring cup that I use only for waxes and crafts. I also purchased a really cheap pot which is also reserved for crafting.

To melt the wax you can either set the measuring cup in a pot with about 1-2 inches of water and melt it double boiler style. Or you can use your microwave. If using a microwave start with 30 second increments and stir before continuing.

Tip: If you are using your own pine cones that you have gathered outdoors bake them on some foil in the oven on low heat (~ 200 degrees) for about an hour to get rid of any bugs or unwanted larvae.

Once the wax is melted, remove it from the heat and add your fragrance.

Fragrance Options

• I used 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice extract from the grocery store. There is a little water in this extract, but most of it was alcohol, so it blended well with the wax.
• Cinnamon extract or oil would work great here too.
• Consider one of the many fall blended fragrance oils on the market.
• Use essential oils such as cinnamon, peppermint, citrus or frankincense and myrrh.

Next set the pine cone in, on its side, and roll, covering it with wax.

Then place them on waxed paper. It works best if you are able to stand them up.

The one in the back was laid on its side. See how the wax gathered and made it stick to the wax paper.  They're still worth keeping.

That's all there is to it. They are perfect for your holiday displays. Place them in a nice bowl in your foyer near the front door, on your coffee table, sideboard, or dining table.

These will last from fall until spring and maybe even longer. You can always freshen them up by placing them in a paper bag, sprinkling on a little scent, and shake.

An easy and inexpensive way to add a little cozy factor to your home. Another great gift idea too. Just put a few in a cute bag with a pretty ribbon and pass them out during the holidays.