Christmas Star Decoration Made from Pone Cone Scales

Look at the lovely natural texture in this pine cone scale star! A nice addition to any tree. Great for anyone who likes to do jigsaw puzzles! 










Materials:

  • pre-cut pine cone scales (removed from cone stem) 
  • piece of flat cardboard or plastic (yogurt lid etc)
  • sharp scissors
  • glue gun
  • glue sticks
  • glitter glue (optional)
  • tacky glue (optional)

Step 1
Cut out a 5 point star from cardboard or plastic. I found an outline on Google Images and printed it off in the size I wanted for my star. Then traced the outer edge and cut it out. Mine is about 12 cm (4.5 inches) across.













Step 2
Separate out about 100 scales into a pile.

Make sure each scale is approximately the same width and length. Making them uniform size makes them easier to fit together. 













Step 3
Start by cutting a few of the scale tips off and gluing one scale to each point of the star. Make sure the scale hangs over the edge slightly so the cardboard tip does not show. These are placed so the outside of the scale is side up.








Next, glue one scale on each inner point of the star.

Step 4
Build the star one section at a time. Start at the outer edge. Overlap the scales so each layer nestles into the previous layer.
Here is the outer layer.


 







Adding one scale, finishes the next row.







Tip:
If the scales seem to be the right length, you can stop here and cut the rest of the tips off the same length. They don't have to be exact. It's best to cut them a little long as you can always cut some off as you go. if you cut them too short, you can't add the length back on. This speeds the process.

Repeat with each star point.













Here are three points done.












And 5 done. At this point, you can add more of the same scales, paint the rest a different color or use scales from other pine species or even other nature materials to fill in the middle. 











This is a basic star. The centre is finished off by using three smaller rounded scales (lower right in photo above). An acorn cap of other round nature item could be placed here instead.








Step 5

Paint on glitter glue if desired. The thicker you paint it on, the more sparkle it will have!









Step 6
Add ribbon to hang it with. Use an overhand knot on the ribbon and glue the knot to the back of the star near one tip. Once it has dried, glue over it a second time to ensure the ribbon is firmly attached. 









With this star, I placed the inside of the scale side up. That allows us to see the grain of the wood in the cone.








Have fun with the many possible variations!

Pine Cone Scales are available for purchase! 

Location: Nanaimo, BC, Canada

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