How To Make DIY Scented Pinecones
Scented pinecones might seem like a non-essential, but if you’re really craving that cinnamon-y, holiday aroma at home, nothing else is quite as cozy. Sure, they sell them at the market and in craft stores, but making your own lets you put together just the right scent for your home. Plus, you get the pleasure of taking a nature walk to gather up pinecones as the fall season comes to a close.
What You Need
Materials
- Pinecones
- Essential oils (cinnamon, clove, peppermint—whatever you like!)
- Gallon zip-top bag
- Large bowl or sink filled with water
- Cookie sheet
Tools
- Oven
Instructions
1. After your lovely walk foraging through the woods to find your cute little cones, bring them home and give ’em a bath to get rid of any debris or critters that might be hiding inside. The easiest way to do this is to fill up the sink or bowl and pour the pinecones in. The pinecones will float, so you’ll need to place a plate or something else with weight over the cones so they’ll sink back under the water. Let them soak for an hour or so before moving on to the next step.
2. Lay the cones out on a foil-lined baking sheet and pop them in a 200º oven for about 30 minutes. This will help the cones open up and will kill off any gross stuff that made it through the bath.
3. Once the cones have cooled completely, transfer them to a gallon zip-top bag. Now, the fun part—bust out your essential oils and have at it! Sprinkle about 30 drops total of your favorite combination of oils inside the bag. I used about 20 drops of cinnamon oil and about 10 of clove oil for a very festive/holiday smell. Seal the bag and give it a good shake.
4. Place the bag somewhere out of the way where it won’t be disturbed for one week so that the cones can soak up all the goodness. The longer you let the pinecones sit, the stronger the smell, so if you can wait two weeks—even better!
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Re-edited from a post originally published 11.26.15 – AL