Snowy Pine Cone Cluster

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Want to add a little snowy sparkle to your Christmas decorating? These DIY snowy pine cones are such an easy way to bring a touch of winter into your home!

I made these using Epsom salt and Mod Podge to give ordinary pine cones a beautiful frosted look. Then I added strips of burlap to the bottom of each pine cone and gathered them together to create a rustic hanging cluster.

I originally hung mine in our bathroom, but these snowy pine cones are pretty enough to display just about anywhere. You can hang them from a mirror, add them to a Christmas mantel, or use them as part of a winter centerpiece.

This is also a fun craft to make with kids. My youngest daughter helped brush on the Mod Podge and sprinkle the Epsom salt over the pine cones. It’s a simple project with a lovely wintery result!

Supplies for Snowy Pine Cones

Here’s what you’ll need to make your own Epsom salt pine cones:

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• Pine cones
• Epsom salt
• Mod Podge
• Foam brush
• Burlap ribbon
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Scissors

You can use pine cones you’ve collected outdoors or purchase them at a craft store. I love using natural pine cones because their different shapes and sizes give the finished cluster a collected, rustic look.

How to Make Snowy Pine Cones

Step 1: Prepare Your Pine Cones

Start with clean, dry pine cones. If you’re collecting them outdoors, remove loose dirt, needles, and debris before beginning.

Lay out your supplies so everything is ready to go. I like working over a tray or piece of paper because it makes it easier to catch the extra Epsom salt.

Step 2: Brush on the Mod Podge

Using a foam brush, apply Mod Podge to the pine cone.

Work the adhesive over the outer scales of the pine cone, adding enough to give the Epsom salt something to stick to.

You can cover as much or as little of the pine cone as you’d like. Leaving some of the natural brown pine cone showing creates a pretty contrast with the white crystals.

Step 3: Sprinkle on the Epsom Salt

While the Mod Podge is still wet, sprinkle Epsom salt over the pine cone.

Turn the pine cone as you work so you can cover the different sides. The salt crystals catch on the adhesive and create that lovely snowy appearance.

I recommend doing this over a tray or shallow container so you can catch the excess salt and reuse what hasn’t been contaminated with glue.

Set the pine cones aside until the Mod Podge has dried.

Step 4: Add the Burlap Strips

Once the snowy pine cones are dry, cut strips of burlap ribbon.

Using your hot glue gun, attach one end of a burlap strip to the base of each pine cone. These strips will allow you to gather the pine cones together into a hanging decoration.

I love the combination of the rustic burlap with the frosted white crystals. It gives the finished project a simple, natural Christmas look.

Step 5: Gather Your Snowy Pine Cone Cluster

Once the burlap strips are attached, gather several pine cones together to create a cluster.

Arrange the pine cones so they hang at slightly different heights and the snowy surfaces are visible. Adjust the burlap strips until you’re happy with the shape and balance of the cluster.

Secure your gathered arrangement so the pine cones stay in place, then choose a spot to display your finished decoration.

How to Decorate with Snowy Pine Cones

I originally hung my snowy pine cone cluster in our bathroom for a little wintery touch. I loved how the frosted pine cones looked hanging together!

There are plenty of other ways to use this easy Christmas craft:

• Hang them from a mirror: A cluster of snowy pine cones makes a pretty addition to an entryway or bathroom mirror.
• Decorate a Christmas mantel: Drape or hang the cluster alongside greenery, candles, and other rustic decorations.
• Add them to a winter centerpiece: Place snowy pine cones in a bowl or arrange them with evergreen branches.
• Use them on a Christmas tree: Make smaller versions and use them as rustic ornaments.
• Decorate a holiday vignette: Add them to a basket, tray, or shelf with other natural winter decorations.

You can also make individual snowy pine cones without the burlap strips and tuck them into bowls, baskets, and other holiday displays.

Do Epsom Salt Pine Cones Shed?

A reader asked whether the Epsom salt crystals fall off after the pine cones are finished.

I gave mine a gentle shake to remove loose salt that might have been caught between the pine cone scales. That helps remove excess crystals before displaying them.

Some loose crystals may still come away over time, especially if the pine cones are bumped or handled frequently. I recommend displaying them somewhere they won’t be constantly touched and placing a tray or decorative surface underneath if you’re concerned about loose salt.

More Ways to Use Snowy Pine Cones

You don’t have to stop with a hanging cluster! Once you’ve made a batch of frosted pine cones, you can use them throughout your home.
Try mixing them with natural pine cones, evergreen clippings, burlap ribbon, white candles, or other rustic Christmas decorations.
I also love the idea of using them in winter decor after Christmas. Pair them with neutral colors, greenery, and natural wood accents for a cozy winter look that doesn’t feel overly holiday-specific.

An Easy Christmas Craft with a Pretty Winter Finish

I love simple projects that take an inexpensive natural item and turn it into something special. These snowy pine cones are a great example!

The Epsom salt gives the pine cones a frosted look, and the burlap strips make it easy to turn several into a pretty hanging cluster.

Whether you hang yours from a mirror, add them to your mantel, or use them in a winter centerpiece, they’re a lovely way to bring a little snowy charm into your home.

Happy crafting!

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