- 1 can of enamel spray paint (forest green color)
- 1 small tube or jar of tacky glue (thick sticky glue that dries
clear)
- Styrofoam cups
- Pine cones
- Lightly moistened hand towels

(Collect pine cones from regional parks, mountains or wooded areas)
You’ll need to decide how you want to use this project in order
to determine how many cones you will need. See my comments
below.

The following are usually available at many sewing and/or arts &
crafts stores.

- Packages of sequins (multi-packet of different colors, shapes
and sizes)

- Packages of small colored jewelry stones

- Tacky glue

Instructions:

Fully cover the cones with the green spray paint. Allow sufficient time to dry - usually 24 hours of more.

Take each sequin or jewel and neatly dip into tacky glue Apply the jewel or sequin onto the cone. Use the hand towel to remove excess glue from hands between application.

Each should be placed near the outer part of the cone so that when all sequins/jewels are applied, the cone looks like a decorated Christmas tree. Allow the sequins and jewels to dry completely (The glue will dry clear.)

Using scissors, cut each styrofoam cup in half, so that the cup is half the original size. Turn the cup upside down, so that the bottom is up and facing you. Liberally apply glue onto this surface. Next, apply glue to the bottom of the cone as well. Place the bottom of the cone onto the cup surface. Allow at least 24 hours for the glue to dry

I have also used this project in the classroom. The young students were old enough to become involved with applying the sequins and jewels to the cones. They also applied the glue to the base of the styrofoam cups.

I collected enough cones so that each student could make two cones; one was taken home, and the other cone was donated to a nearby children's hospital.

As mentioned initially, our family has enjoyed this project as well. In fact, one year we even enlisted the help of other friends and relatives to make enough finished cone trees for the residents of a nursing home in our community

The amount of supplies, i.e. cans of spray, packages of sequins will depend upon how many cone trees you want to make.

The sequins and jewels can be costly; however, you will be surprised to see where you can find sequins. Look on tathered costumes and other clothing and sewing materials you have packed away. Try to collect the sequins throughout the year. That way you’ll have enough for the next Christmas holiday.

This project is not suitable for very young children. Children need to be mature enough to not put the sequins and glue in their mouths.

Older children really enjoy the artistic aspect of the project.

Find other free hands on recipes, art projects and more by visiting AMC Website
Click on the AMC Fall and Fall/Winter Hands-On Lesson Planning Newsletters
located under New and Notable.

Heidi