When the months that end with “-ber” are finally here and fall is definitely on its way, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about fall crafts. When you step outside, you can almost smell the seasons changing. You feel that hint of a cool breeze whispering in your ear, and you aren’t going crazy — it is indeed a couple of degrees cooler than yesterday. Leaves and pine cones are starting to scatter over the ground, and they make the perfect materials for festive crafts using pine cones.
Many stores start putting out their fall and Halloween decor as early as July, but if you somehow miss out on all of that fall-foliage decor goodness, decorating your house for fall is as simple as stepping outside and looking on the ground. As long as you properly clean them first, using pine cones as fall decor can be as simple as painting them to place in a pretty bowl on the kitchen island or stringing a garland for the dining room mantle.
If you’re looking for some fun crafts for kids that will get everyone in the fall spirit, then look no further than these 15 DIY crafts with pine cones.
15 fall pine cone crafts for kids
1. Painted pine cone flowers
This flower pine cone craft from The Little Life Lately may require a bit of adult help at the beginning (those pine cones are tougher than they look!), but once a grown-up has cut the pine cones, kids will love going to town and painting them to look like flowers.
2. Easy pine cone bird feeders
This tried and true pine cone bird feeder from Skip To My Lou is the epitome of childhood fun. Plus, it is easy, fun and helpful to the critters outside of your home. Grab some birdseed, peanut butter, twine — and a paper plate to catch the mess — and you’re all set to start this craft.
3. DIY pine cone owls
Minnie And Munchie has a unique craft idea for kids with their pine cone owls. Your child will need some cotton balls to tear, some pre-cut eyes, wings and beaks. They’ll love filling in the spaces between the “petals” of the pine cones with cotton to make owl feathers and gluing on the rest of the owl parts — perhaps with a little help from a grown-up.
4. Turkey craft using pine cones
If you’re looking for a cute and easy pine cone turkey craft, this fun idea from One Little Project will be the perfect fit. The turkey’s feathers are painted onto the pine cone in fall colors, and pipe cleaners, card stock and google-eyes complete the piece. This craft may be best suited for older children or younger ones who have some help from an adult.
5. Painted candy corn pine cones
While there is much heated debate over the merits of candy corn (Are you team candy corn or do you think they taste like wax?), there’s no debate over how cute this pine cone candy corn craft turns out. Jane and Sonja at Sustain My Craft Habit make adorable candy corn pine cones with orange, yellow and white paint, as well as some festive fall ribbons.
6. Creepy pine cone spiders
One Little Project has another fun craft for kids: pine cone spiders. Grab some pipe cleaners, silly eyes and black or brown paint, and have your child get to work making the legs for their awesome spider.
7. Squirrel pine cone craft for kids
Squirrels go wild when those fall temperatures start to come around. They’re foraging for all those fallen nuts and acorns to store for the upcoming winter. This paper roll squirrel pine cone craft from Karla and Sam at Unlocking Fun is the perfect homage to everyone’s favorite tree dweller.
7. Cute and spooky pine cone bats
If you’re looking for a spooky halloween pine cone craft, look no further than Timm Sevitz’s pine cone bats over on Timm Arts and Crafts. Some adult assembly or prep may be required for younger children, but older kids can totally do this pine cone craft on their own.
9. Pine cone penguins
You may want to save some of those fall pine cones for winter just so you can do this penguin pine cone craft from Manda Panda Projects with your family.
10. Paint-dipped pine cone garland
This pine cone garland from Smile and Wave will make beautiful decor for your home. Depending on the colors you choose, this craft can go from festively fall through winter. You just need some pine cones, clothespins, paint and twine for hanging.
11. DIY pine cone ghost craft
These pine cone ghosts from Sorens House are spooky-cute perfection. Kids just need to gather pine cones and some white and black paint. If you want to hang them in all their adorable glory, use twine.
12. Colorful painted pine cones
Here’s a cute and simple pine cone craft for toddlers: painted pine cones. TikTok mom Aly Floss uses these to practice colors with her toddler. She also recommends using lots of glitter and putting them in glass jars so they look extra festive. Your toddler will be so proud they’re on display!
13. Fall tree craft using pine cones
This pine cone tree craft is so meta. You find fallen pine cones from pine trees, then you paint them fall colors, add glitter and turn them back into trees using a cork. Genius work from Abcdee Learning on TikTok.
14. Pine cone potpourri
This pine cone potpourri from A Beautiful Mess is great for older kids and also fun for grown-ups. You need dried herbs and spices, fruits and flowers of your choice, plus pine cones, an essential oil and a glass jar. You can give them out as beautiful Thanksgiving gifts.
15. Sunflower vase DIY craft with pine cones
Another one for adults and kids alike: this sunflower pine cone vase from Glamed Up Home. Kids can help decorate the cones before they’re added to the vase and flowers.The result is a gorgeous fall centerpiece.
