Pine Tree Craft Ideas Spruce Up the Holidays

Winter storms before the holidays can sometimes be a blessing in disguise, as they generate fallen trees, branches and limbs. Evergreen trees, especially pine, are often the victims of snowstorms and blizzards as their branches cannot hold several inches of ice and snow. As a result, lawn maintenance is needed to clear the trees and trim the branches. Use chainsaws to remove hazards and cut trees into wood. Take down dangling branches with chainsaws, too. While pine wood can be used for outdoor bonfires for snowmobilers and sledders, the branches and pine needles are often strewn about and do not burn well.

This is a good time for homeowners and their children to become crafty and use lost pine trees and branches for crafts around the holidays. Holly trees are also suitable fodder for crafts. The fresh scent of branches and needles will spruce up the home. Give them as gifts or keep them on hand for extra holiday cheer. After bundling up for chilly weather, go outside and gather up a multitude of pine cones, saplings and branches. Also look for berry bunches from other bushes or trees for extra decorations. Shake off any excess snow or ice and set them aside in a dry place. Pick up some festive ribbon, scented candles, small ornaments, garlands and floral wire. If floral wire is not available, twisty ties will do in a pinch.

Wreathes
Shape large flexible saplings into a circle and bind them together with wire at four to eight points. Use several layers of branches with the needles attached. Wrap wide festive ribbon around them, feeding the ribbon coil in the same direction from inside to outside until the entire circumference is covered. Leave gaps between the ribbon so that greenery can peek through. Tie on small ornaments and a large bow. Hang indoors or out with a ribbon loop or floral wire.

Boughs
Tie together two or three wide pine segments in a straight line with strong floral wire. Fashion wire hanging hooks on either end. Add berries, bows and ornaments for a simple decorative bough.

Centerpieces
Celebrate the holidays by placing an unscented pillar or taper candle on a stand in a flat-bottomed glass bowl or inside a glass candle sleeve. Put pinecones, twigs and needle bunches inside with red or green ribbon. Leave enough room for the candle to burn down without touching the decorations.

Pinecone Baskets
Use pinecones and bunches of pine needles. Spray them with artificial snow or gold or silver spray paint. Pile them into a basket and tie pine needles and ribbons on the handle for a fragrant and festive display on an end table or desktop.

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