Heirloom Ornament

Trim your tree with this beautiful "cheap but chic" ornament.

Pine cones are one of the most versatile crafting mediums in nature. You can turn them into tons of holiday decorations for virtually every season of the year. And the best thing is they're FREE!!! For Christmas they make beautiful sconces, medallions and of course ornaments. Here I'll show you how to make a personalized, simple but elegant heirloom ornament that will give your tree a fantastic sparkle for years top come. Its very easy enough for kids to make too!

What you'll need:

Pinecones

White Glue

Glitter

Thin String or Curling Ribbon

Pretty Organza Ribbon and/or sheer tulle

"Charm" such as a small photo, toy, figurine, or jewelry remnant

Scissors

Hole Punch

Paintbrush

1. First set out all your materials...use a plate to catch falling glitter. For a more modern look you can spray your pinecones first with a metallic spray paint like silver or gold. I like to keep them in their natural state for a more vintage, rustic look. Just make sure they are free of dried pine needles. Try to choose pinecones with attached stems, it makes it easier to tie your ribbons to them.
2. Holding the stem of the pinecone, or the top if there isn't one..."paint" the pinecone with the white glue in a downward motion, this will ensure that the glue collects at the tips of the pinecone scales.
3. Sprinkle the pinecone with your choice of glitter. I like silver and gold together, it gives it an opulent look-Set aside your glitterized pinecone to dry
4. Next make an heirloom "charm" for your pinecone by attaching a small photo or toy to the thin string or curling ribbon. It should be something that reminds you of a family member at a certain time. Use a small hole punch to make a hole in the upper left hand side of the photo. I used a picture of "baby" Chase :)
5. Next tie your charm to the top of your glitterized pinecone...leaving a couple rows of scales free at the top if your pinecone has no stem
6. Last...tie a bow at the very top of the pine cone....If your pinecone has no stem, slip the ribbon under the free row of scales on top and tie.
7. VOILA...attach it to your tree with a wire ornament hook.

When you're taking down the tree, wrap the pinecone ornaments in tissue paper and put them in a cardboard box by themselves. Take care to place the ornaments with the heavier charms on bottom so they won't crush the pinecones-they're very delicate ;)

Enjoy!