Looking to add a touch of cozy, natural beauty to your home this season? A pinecone garland is the perfect way to bring a little woodland charm indoors. This easy DIY project uses simple materials and creates a timeless accent that works beautifully for fall, winter, and even Christmas decorating. Whether you drape it across your mantel, layer it on a shelf, or wrap it around a mirror, this handmade garland adds warmth and texture to any space.
Every year, I love finding creative ways to incorporate natural elements into my decor—and pinecones are one of my favorites! Their organic shape and earthy tones instantly make any room feel inviting. If you can’t gather them from your yard, no worries—craft stores have plenty of options ready to go.
So grab your crafting supplies and let’s make a DIY pinecone garland that you’ll love for years to come.
Supplies for Your Pinecone Garland
You’ll only need a few basic supplies to create this project, most of which you might already have on hand.
- Pinecones (I used 19 for my garland, spaced about 4″ apart, with a smaller pinecone in the center)
- 5/8” eye screw hooks
- Rub’n Buff in Antique Gold (or your preferred finish)
- Small paintbrush
- Brown paper or wax paper for drying
- Twine or jute cord for stringing
If you don’t have pinecones available locally, you can purchase a bag from Hobby Lobby or Amazon. Look for natural pinecones in assorted sizes for added texture and dimension.
Shop for supplies
Step 1: Prepare the Pinecones
Before you start assembling your pinecone garland, take a few minutes to prep your pinecones. If you’ve gathered them from outdoors, it’s best to bake them to remove any hidden bugs or moisture.
Place the pinecones on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake them at 250°F for 1–2 hours. This process not only ensures they’re bug-free but also helps them open up fully. Allow them to cool completely before handling.
If you’re using store-bought pinecones, you can skip this step—they’re typically pre-cleaned and ready to use.
Step 2: Add the Eye Screw Hooks
Next, it’s time to attach the hooks that will allow you to string your pinecones together. Carefully twist a small eye screwinto the base of each pinecone. You may need to gently push the hook into place at first to get it started.
Make sure the screw is snug so it doesn’t come loose when hanging. Repeat this process for all of your pinecones. Once they’re ready, line them up on a piece of paper or wax paper so you can easily move on to the next step.
Step 3: Add a Touch of Shine
This step adds just the right amount of elegance to your DIY pinecone garland. Using a small brush, lightly apply Rub’n Buff in Antique Gold to the edges and tips of each pinecone.
Rub’n Buff dries quickly and gives a soft, metallic shimmer that catches the light beautifully. I love using the Antique Gold shade for fall—it’s warm, vintage-looking, and pairs perfectly with neutral decor. If gold doesn’t fit your color scheme, try Silver Leaf or Spanish Copper for a different look.
Let your pinecones dry completely before moving on.
Step 4: String the Garland
Once your pinecones are dry, it’s time to bring everything together! Cut a piece of twine or jute cord to your desired length, leaving extra on each end for hanging.
Tie a small knot around the first eye screw to secure it in place. Continue attaching each pinecone, leaving about 4 inches between each one for a balanced, natural look.
When you reach the end, tie a knot around the last pinecone and trim any excess twine. You can add loops or small wooden beads to the ends for extra detail if you’d like.
Step 5: Style Your Pinecone Garland
Now for the fun part—decorating! Your pinecone garland is perfect for:
- Draping across a mantel layered with greenery
- Hanging on a mirror or window frame for rustic charm
- Adding texture to your holiday tablescape
- Wrapping around a Christmas tree or woven through a wreath
I love using mine in the fall and keeping it displayed through the winter months. Its neutral tones blend beautifully with both seasonal and year-round decor.
Tips for Success
- Secure the hooks tightly. Pinecones can vary in density, so take your time when twisting in the eye screws.
- Test the weight. If your pinecones are large, use a thicker twine or jute cord for extra support.
- Play with finishes. You can leave your pinecones natural, paint them white for a snowy look, or use metallic Rub’n Buff to add holiday sparkle.
- Reuse year after year. Store your garland in a dry place, loosely wrapped in tissue paper to keep it from tangling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should my pinecone garland be?
It depends on where you plan to display it! A standard mantel usually looks great with a garland between 4–6 feet long, but you can easily adjust the length to fit your space.
Can I make this garland without eye hooks?
Yes! If you don’t have eye screws, you can hot glue twine directly to the top of each pinecone. It’s not quite as durable but works well for lighter decor.
What’s the best way to clean pinecones before crafting?
Baking them in the oven is the safest way to ensure they’re free of insects and sap. Just remember to line your baking sheet and keep an eye on them as they dry out.
How can I make my pinecone garland more festive for the holidays?
You can add small bells, dried orange slices, ribbon bows, or bits of greenery between the pinecones for a beautiful Christmas version.
A DIY pinecone garland is such an easy and rewarding project. It adds organic texture and a touch of handmade charm to your home—perfect for cozy autumn days or festive winter decorating. I love the way the golden tones shimmer in the light and bring a warm glow to my living room.
If you’d like to see a short video of this project in action, you can check it out on Instagram. And if you try making your own garland, I’d love to see your creations—tag me or send me a message!
Happy crafting, friends. May your season be filled with creativity and cozy moments.
