![[Childcare] Simple craft ideas using pine cones](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/8c45bg0p4Tw/sddefault.jpg)
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!
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[Childcare] Simple craft ideas using pine cones (1–10)
flower(s)
This project uses the spread scales of a pine cone to create a flower.
Start peeling off the scales from around the middle of the pine cone.
Once you’ve removed a fair amount, use pliers or a similar tool to cut it.
The cut surface and the area where you removed the scales will look soft, like the center of a flower.
After that, just paint it in your favorite colors to complete your flower.
It’s recommended to use different colors for the center and the outside to make it look more vibrant.
The way the scales spread changes the flower’s character, so it’s fun to try this with various pine cones.
hedgehog
If you look closely, don’t pine cones resemble hedgehogs? Make a face and feet out of paper clay so they fit the flat surface of the pine cone.
Since paper clay tends to stick to other things, lay down some plastic or similar material while you work.
Paint the eyes and nose, and once the paper clay has hardened, glue the parts onto the pine cone.
Finally, add rosy cheeks with a pink colored pencil, and you’ll have an adorable, round little hedgehog! Make them together with everyone and line up your hedgehogs to enjoy their unique, expressive faces.
ornament
Let me introduce you to a pinecone ornament that’s easy to make and fills your home with Christmas cheer.
You can hang it on your door or entryway, and it would also look great as a decoration on your Christmas tree.
All you need are pinecones, ribbon, screw eye hooks, and, if you have them, faux greenery, red berries, and nail polish.
If you use glitter nail polish, just dab a little on the tips of the pinecone scales to instantly make it more festive.
You can buy everything at a 100-yen shop.
bagworm
A simple plant-based art project I recommend for early childhood settings is a bagworm (minomushi).
Use pine cones gathered from autumn paths or forests.
First, attach a string to the underside of the pine cone.
Next, glue on eye pieces made from clay, then hang it by the end of the string you attached—done! Since you don’t need scissors, children can try it safely.
It’s a great item to hang in a nursery or kindergarten playground, or to take home and display.
Totoro
Speaking of Totoro, it’s that mysterious creature that lives in the forest, right? Since forests are the common theme, pine cones make the perfect motif for a craft project.
First, paint the pine cone gray to evoke Totoro’s fur.
Then place the wider end of the pine cone at the bottom and arrange it so it gradually flares out toward the top; this will represent Totoro’s round belly.
Wrap yarn into the gaps of the pine cone and attach the face and belly parts to finish.
The key points are whether you can find a nicely rounded, spreading pine cone and how well you can express a sense of softness.
mobile
We tried making a wind-swaying mobile using pine cones.
In addition to the pine cones, attach straws and drawings while checking the balance.
For small children, threading straws onto string is relatively difficult, but it’s good hand training, so encourage them to try it.
Figuring out the weight balance to keep it from tilting also makes for good brain exercise.
It’s a good idea to change the length ratios of the horizontal rods and think about where they balance.
Decorating the pine cones with ribbons gives them a more Christmassy feel.
snow globe
Because pine cones look like miniature trees, this kind of craft is highly recommended.
Here, we’re introducing a snow globe made with pine cones.
The dome part of the snow globe is easy to make using an empty plastic bottle that most households have on hand.
The other items you’ll need are a ribbon to tie around the bottle’s neck, thick paper for the base, and acorns or small decorations to put inside with the pine cone.
It’s a craft you can put together on a whim, so have fun making it with your child.