How to clean pine cones
Collecting pine cones to use in arts and crafts is a great autumn activity you can do with the kids. Before you use them it is a good idea to clean them. Grown-ups here's how you can clean pine cones before you and your little ones get creative.
- Pine cones
- 2 parts warm water
- 1 part white vinegar
- Tin foil
- Baking tray
Method
1. Pre-heat your oven to 200 degrees and line a baking sheet with foil.
2. Clean the pine cones before you put them in the oven with warm water and white vinegar, making sure they are fully submerged for 30 minutes, stirring half way through. The pine cones will then close up in the water.
3. Shake off the excess and pop them in the oven to bake for approximately 90 minutes, but keep checking on them to make sure they don’t burn. As soon as the pine cones have opened up again, then they are ready to be removed from the oven.
4. Then leave out to cool and fully dry before you use them for your creative masterpiece.
What should you make with your clean pine cones?
Pine cones are an eco-friendly, biodegradable crafting material that can be used in lots of fun family projects. Why not try out some CBeebies favourite ideas below?
Make a pine cone bird feeder using seeds, string and lard.
For some festive fun, make a pine cone tree.
Looking for more autumn activities for kids?
Check out our CBeebies autumn activities wall chart for families. Download the free CBeebies digital resource packed with seasonal family activities for the October half-term, including crafts, nature ideas and rainy-day fun. Print it out and stick it up for regular inspiration!
