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[Childcare] Simple craft ideas using pine cones

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I’ve been playing the Electone since I was six, mainly performing Disney music, anime songs, and music from dramas and films. I post performance videos on YouTube and social media, and I also give concerts. Building on my Electone experience, I took up synthesizer and piano during my student years and performed at school-sponsored events. As a writer, I’ve covered not only music-related topics but a wide range of genres, so I hope to draw on my experience to deliver articles that make readers think, “I want to try that!” or “I want to listen to that!”

Pine cones that fall in places with trees, like forests and parks, appear in autumn.

They’re shaped like tiny trees and are very cute!

These pine cones are the fruit of pine trees, and they often fall naturally as they grow larger.

Some teachers may wonder if they can use the pine cones children pick up during nursery or kindergarten walks for crafts.

For those teachers, this article introduces craft ideas using pine cones.

They’re all easy enough for children to make, so give them a try and enjoy the autumn season!

[Childcare] Simple craft ideas using pine cones (11–20)

Shisa

Using pine cones to create Shisa, the legendary guardian beasts famous in Okinawa and elsewhere, is a unique and recommended activity.

Use construction paper to make the parts—eyes, nose, mouth—in order.

If making it three-dimensional is difficult, you could instead stick the parts like the eyes onto a flat sheet of construction paper.

Once your pine-cone Shisa is finished, try displaying it in front of your home.

Since they are guardian deities, it might bring you good fortune.

By the way, Shisa are said to be based on lions from the ancient Near East.

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reindeer

Why not make a cute reindeer using pine cones and acorns you find in autumn forests or parks? First, gather items for the head, body, and legs.

Next, attach the pine cone that will be the body to the twig legs.

Then place the acorn on top of the pine cone and glue on ears made from twigs.

Finally, decorate it with a bell or ribbon to complete your reindeer.

Try creating this item—it pairs perfectly with Christmas trees and Santa decorations.

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Candle tree

Pinecone Tree & Candle Decoration ① Using Straws – How to Make ❤︎ How to make a Pinecone Tree/Straw Candle ❤︎ #418

Candle tree

The idea of decorating a pinecone tree with candles is also highly recommended.

First, dip a sponge in white paint and dab the pinecones lightly to create a snow-dusted look.

Next, prepare two types of yarn—white and red—and cut them so they resemble a candle and its flame.

Once the candles are ready, apply glue to the bottom and attach them to the scales of the pinecone.

That’s it—your room will instantly feel more festive!

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hanging tree

How to Make a Pinecone Tree – Hanging Type with Beads ❤︎ How to make Pinecone Tree / beads candle / hung ❤︎ #421

hanging tree

How about the idea of hanging decorated pinecones? First, brush glue onto the pinecones you picked up, stick on some larger beads, and let them dry.

Finally, screw an eye hook into the top of each pinecone so you can hang it.

Then just hang them from a light fixture—your room will instantly feel more stylish.

Besides beads, colorful stones or marbles also pair well with pinecones, so try arranging them with those materials too!

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horse

Let’s try making a cute horse by using a pine cone as the base and attaching facial features to it.

The opened scales of the pine cone will represent the horse’s coat, the tapered tip will suggest the shape of the face, and the facial parts will be made from felt.

Using soft materials makes the horse look gentle.

Another nice point is that each pine cone has its own personality in how its scales open—using one with widely spread scales can make the horse look more valiant, which adds to the fun.

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New Year’s decorations

These items are perfect for making New Year decorations to celebrate the start of the year.

Since you’ll use pinecones as the main body of the ornament, prepare ones with shapes and colors you like.

Place a pinecone on the prepared base and add decorations with a New Year theme.

It can be nice to create with natural tones in mind, such as those of wood and flowers.

By preparing a variety of items like small fans and ribbons, you can make the most of your child’s free imagination.

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In conclusion

We introduced some craft ideas using pine cones that even children can easily try—what did you think? Many of them are perfect as Christmas decorations, so go ahead and make them to display at daycare or kindergarten, or at your Christmas party at home!