Pinecone art

When I was mowing the lawn the other day I collected a bunch of pinecones from the yard. I figured I could do something with them better than just running them over with the tractor.

I remembered seeing wax covered pinecones at a store and thought maybe I could try that. I found candle wax and dye at Micheal's. The wax melts easy and the dye mixes right in. I found it was best to let the wax cool a few minutes before dipping as the wax fresh from the stove was so hot it didn't stick well. But once it reaches optimal temperature it only takes about 3 dips to make a nice pinecone. I dipped them in cool water between wax dips. Next time I think I will fill my cups a little fuller so I can dip all the way up to the stem. I actually have some gold dye too and I think the three colors together will make a nice Christmas collection. Add a cute basket and you have a pretty easy project! Clean-up however, is a downside. I would recommend disposable cups for the dipping and minimal use of any other dishes or utensils you use. It's a little hard to get the wax off but letting hot water run over it for a little while seemed to rinse most of it off. You have to use water hot enough to burn your hands though so it's a bit tricky!

These are not the best photos but you get the idea.