Christmas Paper Pine Cones – Great for Wreaths & Centerpieces!

Instructions

STEP 1: PREPARE AND CUT MY FREE DESIGN FILES

Get Design #260 which is my free Christmas Pine Cones SVG design from my free resource library (get the password to the library by filling out the form at the bottom of this post). If you're going to cut it on your cutting machine, upload the file to your design software. 

If you're not sure how to upload an SVG cut file to Cricut Design Space, watch this helpful video training series I made. If you're on an iPhone or iPad, here's how to download and upload SVG files to the Cricut Design Space app.

The SVG file should import with the Score and Cut lines already designated. This is what the files look like in Design Space when it's uploaded and you’re ready to cut:

Click "Make It" and you will be prompted to select your material settings and place your paper on your cutting mat. Follow the prompts to load the mat and tools into your Cricut.

Gently remove each piece from the mat.

Tip: When you remove your cardstock from your mat, be sure to flip your mat over and peel the mat away from the paper to avoid curling it. Go slowly so you don’t rip your paper.

These are the materials you’ll use to make a glittery paper pinecone. There should be two scale pieces of each size (one in each color) EXCEPT the second to largest (B), of which there should be four AND the smallest (G), of which there should be three. Arrange all your scales in order from largest (A) to smallest (G). I labeled this photo to show you the pieces and how many you should have of each:

STEP 2: PREPARE AND DECORATE THE SCALES

Using the blunt end of a paintbrush or a dowel, curl the ends of your scales.

Note the direction I curled the edges. The largest scales curl downward and the three smallest curl upward. (NOTE: I did not curl the small base piece). As I curled each scale, I arranged the pieces in the order they will be threaded onto the stem from the base to the tip of the pinecone. I alternated each light and dark piece. Use this photo for reference on which direction to curl each piece and the final order in which they will be threaded:

Fold the stem in half lengthwise along the score line, making sure to leave the top 1/4 inch unfolded. This end will be on the top end of the pinecone.

Thread the center scale (the three-pronged piece) onto the stem. Push it toward the unfolded end of the stem. Then fold up the scales to surround the unfolded part of the stem. This is the tip of the pinecone.

Cover your workspace with a Teflon sheet or parchment paper. Apply glue to both the inside and outside of the center scales with a paintbrush.

Generously sprinkle glitter to coat the glue completely.

Set the stem aside and apply glue to the tips of the remaining scale pieces with a paintbrush.

Generously sprinkle glitter on each piece to coat the glue completely. I work on about three pieces at a time to make sure the glue doesn’t set too quickly.

These are all my glittered pieces. Let them dry for about an hour.

After the glue is completely dry, shake off the excess glitter. TIP: To save and reuse the discarded glitter, shake it off onto the Teflon sheet or parchment paper. Fold the sheet in half and pour the glitter back into the glitter container.

STEP 3: ASSEMBLE THE PINECONE

Thread the scale pieces onto the stem in the order you arranged them in Step 2, starting with the smallest and alternating the colors (Gx2, Fx2, Ex2, Dx2, Cx2, Bx2, Ax2, Bx2, Gx1). Be sure to feed the scales with the curve facing the correct direction according to the diagram in Step 2.

Now, carefully push the scales toward the top, making sure to leave some space between each piece and twirling each piece so the scales alternate. Play with the distance between the pieces until you start getting the distinctive pinecone look.

When you’re happy with the shape, add the final small uncurled piece (G) at the bottom.

Either dab the stem at the bottom with glue to adhere it to the bottom piece or tie a knot in the stem. Cut off the excess stem.

Apply glue to the edges of the center scales on the top of the pinecone and hold them together to create a cylinder around the tip of the stem.

Arrange the pinecone pieces until you achieve a natural shape by separating the pieces along the stem and re-curling the scale edges with your fingers as needed.

This is what my finished glittery paper pinecones look like:

STEP 4: SHOW IT OFF

I used these glittery paper pinecones in a table arrangement along with a reduced-scale version of my giant paper poinsettia pattern.

And here's one in all white cardstock!