Pine cones are a quintessential holiday decorative element. Their soft, rustic, and elegant appearance makes them the perfect addition to seasonal displays, wreaths, centerpieces, or even stand-alone accents in any room.
Luckily for me, I have a steady supply of them right out my back door. But if you don’t you can buy pine cones in bulk here for all of your crafting and decor needs.
Regular brown pine cones are great, but here’s a simple way to elevate your home décor and craft projects—bleach them! The bleaching process lightens their natural tones, creating a unique and stylish look that complements various décor styles.
Bleaching Pine Cones
Tools and Materials
- Pine cones (If you can’t forage your own, you can source pine cones in bulk online. Here’s a listing for 24 rustic pine cones.)
- Household chlorine bleach
- Large bucket or plastic container.
- Water
- Gloves
- Tongs or stirring stick
- Newspaper (for drying)
Prepare the Bleach Solution
Make sure you work in a well-ventilated area. Use gloves to protect your hands when handling bleach. Mix one part bleach to two parts water in a large bucket or plastic container.
Soak the Pine Cones in Bleach
Submerge pine cones in the bleach solution, ensuring they’re fully covered. Use a stick or tongs to push them down as they tend to float. You can place a large rock or heavy bowl on top of the pine cones to make sure they stay submerged. Let them soak for 24-36 hours (depending on how light you want them to be). For the color shown in the lead image, I soaked them for 36 hours. Also, just to note, pine cones will close when submerged in water, but don’t worry; once they dry, they will reopen.
Dry the Pine Cones
Use tongs to remove the pine cones from the solution. Handle them gently, as they’ll be delicate after bleaching. Lay pine cones on a surface or newspaper to dry. Initially, they may appear unchanged, but within a few minutes, you will see the color lighten. Allow them to dry for several days in a well-ventilated area (in the sun if you can), flipping them occasionally for even drying. They may take up to 24 hours before they open again.
Display or Craft
The pine cones are ready for display or use in various crafts! Add them to wreaths and garlands, scatter them around your mantel for a cozy, natural vibe, or fill a decorative bowl with them for a simple yet stunning coffee table accent.
You can incorporate them into holiday crafts, such as tree ornaments or place card holders for festive gatherings. Their neutral tones make them perfect for any season.
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