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.
Bonus: They work great as a fire starter too.
I'm a big fan of making homemade firestarters. They are fun to use in our own fireplace and are great little gift ideas for all your friends.
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Supplies:
- Pine Cones
- Soy Candle Wax
- (beeswax, soy, even paraffin will work)
- Fragrance (pumpkin spice extract, fragrance oil, or essential oils )
- Container to melt the wax in
- Old pot to heat water to melt the wax
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.
DIY Scented Pine Cones
Equipment
Materials
- Pine Cones
- Soy Candle Wax
- Fragrance
- Container to melt the wax in
- Old pot to heat water to melt the wax
Instructions
- Melt the wax.
- Once the wax is melted, remove it from the heat and add your fragrance.
- Set the pine cone in, on its side, and roll, covering with wax.
- Place them on waxed paper to dry. It works best if you can stand them up.
- Decorate with them and enjoy!
Debra merritt
Hi Patti! I want to know how many drops of essential scented oil to add to melted soy wax for dipping pinecones. Thankyou
Patti Estep
Debra, I believe it depends on the essential oil you use as some are thicker than others. Also, some are much stronger than others. And, it depends on how much you are making and how strong you want your pinecones to smell. I'd suggest testing a small amount of wax and 20-30 drops of essential oil and test it on a pinecone first. Then work from there adding more scent or more wax for the rest of your batch.
Cindy Mott
Is it possible to add glitter to your pine cone after you dip it in wax to use as a tree ornament??
Patti Estep
Hi Cindy,
Although I have not done it, I really don't see why you could not add glitter just after dipping the cones. Great idea!
Patti