I use pinecones from my yard in so many different ways both inside and out. I’ve shared before how I love using nature’s free gifts to decorate. We have many pine trees around our property so pinecones are always plentiful and FREE. It’s time to replenish my stock before decorating for Christmas so I’m sharing how I bake them in the oven to eliminate any bugs or sticky sap when I bring them inside.

Here I am collecting pinecones after work one day. I can only imagine what the neighbors think of my crazy antics outside.

To dry the pinecones, I just place them on a foil-lined cookie sheet and bake at 275 degrees for about 45 minutes to an hour. The whole house smells like fresh pine while they bake. When done, I remove them from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes to allow the sap to harden on the foil. Once cooled, I store mine in a large plastic shopping bag until I’m ready to use them. When we first moved into this house I dried my first batch of pinecones. They have lasted me for the past 5 years and are still going strong. They last forever as long as they don’t get crushed.

I realize not everyone has pine trees in their yard. If that’s the case, go on the hunt. Get out in the fresh air, find a nature trail and see what goodies you can find – pinecones, acorns, sweet gum balls, berries, branches, etc. Just make sure to stay away from the poisonous stuff! Or take a drive down a rural gravel road. This works especially well when looking for fresh cedar clippings at Christmas.

Look at how pretty pinecones are up close.

Here are just a few ways I have used my dried pinecones. The possibilities are endless.