You can make your own scented pine cones to decorate your home using this quick and easy method. It's perfect for fall and the holidays!
Do you have a favorite home fragrance? I don't like heavy scents in the house, but during the holiday season, I want the house to smell as warm and cozy as possible. Most commercial air fresheners and scents bother me, so I decided to make scented pine cones, using essential oils. Not only do these cinnamon pine cones smell heavenly, but they also look nice in the room.
I just adore cinnamon. I love how it smells and how it tastes, and if you've seen some of my recipes, you know I add this spice to almost everything! So, I would definitely sat that this is one of my favorite home fragrances.
I also love decorating with pine cones, and I keep some in bowls throughout the year. Whenever we go up north, the kids and I collect pine cones whenever we find some. And you know those bags of cinnamon pine cones you can buy? Those are waaaay too strong for me!
So when I made my own, I went easy on the cinnamon scent, and these smell much better than the ones from the store. I also added a few drops of orange essential oil, and now the room smells like Christmas!
Supplies for Scented Pine Cones
- Pine cones
- Large zipper freezer bag
- Cinnamon and orange essential oils or your favorite scents
- Distilled water
- Spray bottle
Now, here's where it gets tricky. Just kidding -- this is one of the easiest crafts ever!
Add a little bit of distilled water to a spray bottle, and then add a few drops of your favorite essential oils or fragrance oils.
I didn't really measure the amounts, but you can see the bottle isn't even half full. I added about 8 to 10 drops of essential oils until I was happy with the scent. Then, I shook the bottle and sprayed the pine cones liberally with the mixture. You can spray directly in the bag or do this on a different surface and then add them to the bag.
Close the bag and then leave the pine cones sit for about a day or two, or until the scent is strong enough for you.
I opened the bag after just one day, and the pine cones were definitely done. They really do smell wonderful!
I dumped them all into a large silver bowl, and they look so elegant, especially when the sun hits in the late afternoon. I also added a few cinnamon sticks just because I like the way they look, and they help with the scent too.
And that's all it takes to make your own scented pine cones. Isn't it easy?! This method is also a lot cheaper than buying a bag from the store, and there are no harsh chemicals to worry about.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
cookie rivera says
If I wanted to paint the pinecones for the holidays should I apply the SCENT before or after this process?
Dee says
I would add the scent after painting. Otherwise, the paint would mask the scent. 🙂
Christine says
Thank you so much for the idea. I can smell them in my mind right now ???????? I have all the items already so I know what I'm making today!
Anne Alexander says
Dee,
Hi Dee... just wanted to say that I have received my oil for my Pinecones... I had ordered a few different scents to try...
one that I ordered is nice but not my thing... It is Cranberry Balsam. If interested, can send to you to try... I will not use it and would love for someone who likes it to be able to use it...can send to you... , I live in Ash Fork, about an hour from Prescott, Az... can mail it on the 21st, will be going back into town on that day...let me know by then...Anne Alexander...
Dee says
That's very sweet of you, Anne. My husband is not a fan of any kind of pine scent, so don't think I would be able to use it. But thank you so much for thinking of me!
Pam says
Do you dry the cones first. I have lots of them but they ooze sap when warm
Dee says
The cones I use are already pretty dry, so I don't need to dry them.
Alma Angelina Aguilar says
What a wonderful idea!!! I think store bought scented cones sometimes don't last long. So this is great.
Unknown says
The people who bake their pinecones are usually worried about bugs living in them, it has nothing to do with the craft itself. I've never had that issue, myself.
Dottie says
So do you just rinse an let dry before adding you oils? Love this idea, beats simmering scents on stove.
Diane says
Love the idea! Bookmarking for Christmas 🙂
Dee M says
Thanks, Sarah! I think these are much better than the commercial scented ones, and anyone can do this. 🙂
Sarah Moore says
This is wonderful! Looks super easy and a lot healthier than candles and commercial scents. Thanks for the tutorial.
http://pebblesandpeonies.blogspot.com/
Dee M says
Thanks, Sheila. They really do smell wonderful! 🙂
Dee M says
I wish we had more around here! 🙂
Pinky at Designs by Pinky says
Thanks! I am going to try this, I have TONS of pine cones!
My Kentucky Living says
I LOVE cinnamon sented pine cones! Thanks for this lesson. Sheila
Dee M says
I was going to do that, but then it decided to get cloudy! I'll do that when I make some more because yes, that would definitely speed it up! 🙂
Carol says
This is a much easier method than others I've read that require the pinecones bake in the oven for awhile. It would probably speed up the process even more if you put that zipped up bag outside in our AZ sun for an hour or so!
Dee M says
Thanks, Fabby -- these are perfect for Christmas! 🙂
FABBY'S LIVING says
Thank you so much pretty lady for the tutorial; I love this, perfect for the season and come C'mas.
Hugs,
FABBY