Create a Handcrafted Cone Wreath in a Snap!

This beautiful project can be a labor of love without too much labor!

Many of us don’t have a lot of time during the holidays to devote to holiday crafts projects. If you enjoy accenting your home with handcrafted holiday items, this project fits the bill…it’s quick, inexpensive, and unique!

Cone wreaths can be absolutely stunning, however, they can be very time consuming to make yourself. I found myself wanting a beautiful cone wreath for the entrance door of our home, but I just didn’t have a lot of time to spare during the holidays, so I created this quick method. In the past I have made cone wreaths the old-fashioned way, where you wire each cone individually to a circular wire frame. And when you’re using 100 cones or more to create your wreath, it can be a slow, laborious endeavor. So this year, I decided to accelerate the process using a hot glue gun instead of wire, and instead of attaching each cone to a metal frame, I decided to mount the cones on a circular straw form.

The results were beautiful! And best of all, it took me half the time to create this than if I had done it the old-fashioned way. I’ll admit that a wired cone wreath is sturdier than this glued version, however, properly cared for, it will be hanging around for many years to come. (Note: When storing this wreath, be certain to box it separately from other items.)

Instructions for Creating a Handcrafted Cone Wreath

Assembly Time: 1 hour

Cost of Materials: $15-20

Materials and Tools Needed:

1 Straw Form

Pine Cones (approx. 100. If you plan to hang the wreath outdoors, avoid the cinnamon-scented type, which may interfere with the varnish)

1 can of Marine Varnish (optional)

Adornments such as silver or gold painted cones, holly, bow, ribbon etc.

1 wire coat hanger

Twine (optional)

Hot Glue gun with glue sticks

Needle Nose Pliers with cutting edge for snipping

Note: Make certain to work on an appropriate surface (one where it will be okay if hot glue drips fall on it)

Step One: Attach the coat hanger to the straw form. Cut the bottom half of the coat hanger away to create wire spears at each end of the hanger. Insert these ends into the straw form. You can reinforce the hanger by wrapping twine around the straw form and the metal hanger.

Step Two: If you have adornments which have wire ends, you’ll want to attach these in the same manner as you have attached the hanger.

Step Three: Place the wreath on a flat surface (Note: The back side of the form, which will be out of view when the wreath is hung, does not get covered in cones). Begin attaching the cones with hot glue. Start by outlining the wreath’s circumference, and then continue to build upon this bedding row. Be generous with the glue. I can’t stress this enough. While this may seem like a small detail, if you’re stingy with the glue your project will fail to stiffen and be a cohesive form. You will be gluing the cones not only to the straw ring but also to one another. Interlocking the cones together will create a sounder bond.

Step Four: Once you have covered the sides and the front, you may elect to spray the wreath with a coat or two of marine varnish to protect it from the elements, in the event you intend to use it outside of the home. Make certain to read the varnish manufacturer’s instructions to make certain the product is appropriate for the material