The 2nd Day of Holiday Crafts brings natural decorating with pinecones and rosehips. This garland is simple to make and provides plenty of interest and texture to your decorating.

You will need:
pinecones
rosehips (cranberries would be a good substitute)
clear monofilament or fishing line
a needle

1. Thread the needle with monofilament and tie a strong knot at one end, leaving a 12” tail at the end for hanging. (I recommend making four feet of garland at a time; otherwise it may get too heavy).
2. If your cones are smaller, fir cones like those pictured, you should be able to poke a strong needle right through them, if they are larger, more open pinecones, wrap the filament around the cone, between the layers of a couple of times. 
3. Alternate by threading the needle through a rosehip or cranberry. (If you’ve wrapped the filament around the cone, this will anchor the cone in place).
4. Continue until you have a length of garland to suit your space. 
5. Tie off the end, again leaving a tail for hanging—and voila!

I think my love of pinecones may be genetic. My grandmother has never seen a pinecone she hasn’t picked up or tried to put in her pocket. In fact, every time she visits, she leaves with at least one paper grocery bag full of cones from the gigantic pine tree in my yard. (“They’re just so pretty!”). And she is right: pinecones are quite beautiful (and abundant! and free! and a sustainable decorating source!).

 

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