DIY Bleached Pinecone Christmas Ornaments: 25 Frosted Ideas for a Winter Tree

There is nothing quite like a pinecone that has been bleached to a soft, snowy white. DIY bleached pinecone Christmas ornaments look like they were gathered from a frosted forest, and they bring a calm, natural elegance to a Christmas tree that no store-bought ornament can match. Bleaching pinecones is surprisingly easy, and a basket of free pinecones from the backyard becomes a collection of beautiful ornaments with a little bleach, a little patience, and a lot of creativity.

Bleached pinecones are wonderfully versatile for crafters of every level. If you can soak a pinecone, you can make a beautiful ornament. The pale, frosted color works with almost any Christmas style, from white winter wonderland to Scandinavian minimalism to rustic farmhouse, and the natural texture of the pinecone adds a warmth that plastic ornaments never have. Most of the projects below take under an hour of active time, cost just a few dollars, and make beautiful gifts, tree decorations, and table pieces that feel far more elegant than they are.

Before you begin, gather your basics: pinecones, household bleach, a large bucket, rubber gloves, a tray for drying, ribbon and twine for hanging, and any decorations you love like glitter, beads, and small bells. Always bleach pinecones outdoors or in a well-ventilated space, and wear gloves and old clothes, because bleach stains everything it touches. Put on some Christmas music, and let us turn a basket of brown pinecones into a whole frosted Christmas.

1. Classic Bleached Pinecone Ornaments

The classic bleached pinecone ornament is the place every pinecone crafter should start. Soak clean pinecones in a bucket of bleach and water for a day, rinse them well, and let them dry completely in a warm spot. The cones open up as they dry, turning a soft, pale cream color that looks like they have been dusted with snow.

These ornaments look beautiful on their own, with just a simple ribbon hanger, and they pair wonderfully with white lights and frosted branches. Make a whole set for a coordinated tree, or mix bleached pinecones with natural brown ones for a lovely contrast. A classic bleached pinecone is proof that the simplest craft can be the most beautiful.

Materials: Pinecones, household bleach, bucket, rubber gloves, ribbon.

Cost: about $1 · Time: about 30 minutes active, plus 1 day soaking.

2. Bleached Pinecones with Glitter Tips

A bleached pinecone with glitter on the tips looks like it has been dusted with frost and starlight. Brush a little craft glue onto the tips of the pinecone scales, sprinkle silver or white glitter over the glue, and shake off the excess. The glitter catches the light beautifully, and the pinecone looks like it came straight from a winter forest.

These ornaments are perfect for a white or silver tree, and they look wonderful mixed with plain bleached pinecones and frosted ornaments. Try gold glitter for a warmer look, or iridescent glitter for a magical rainbow shimmer. A glitter-tipped bleached pinecone is a little piece of winter magic on your tree.

Materials: Bleached pinecones, craft glue, glitter, ribbon.

Cost: about $2 · Time: about 30 minutes each.

3. Bleached Pinecones with Ribbon Bows

A bleached pinecone with a big ribbon bow is a classic, charming ornament that never goes out of style. Tie a generous bow from red gingham, cream velvet, or gold satin ribbon, and attach it to the top of the pinecone with hot glue. The bow adds color and softness to the pale pinecone, and the finished ornament looks like it came from a high-end craft shop.

These ornaments are lovely for a traditional tree, and they make wonderful gifts when tied to a present. Coordinate the ribbon with your tree colors, or use a different ribbon on each pinecone for a playful look. A bleached pinecone with a bow is Christmas charm in its simplest form.

Materials: Bleached pinecones, ribbon, hot glue, scissors.

Cost: about $2 · Time: about 20 minutes each.

4. Bleached Pinecones as Snowy Tree Toppers

A cluster of bleached pinecones makes a beautiful, natural tree topper. Glue three or four bleached pinecones together in a star or a pyramid shape, add a few sprigs of pine and some red berries, and place the cluster on top of your tree. The pale pinecones against the green branches are a lovely contrast, and the topper feels organic and handmade.

These toppers are perfect for a rustic or farmhouse tree, where a store-bought star would feel too polished. Make the cluster sturdy with plenty of hot glue, and let it dry completely before you place it on the tree. A bleached pinecone tree topper is the finishing touch that makes a whole tree feel complete.

Materials: Bleached pinecones, pine sprigs, red berries, hot glue, ribbon.

Cost: about $5 · Time: about 45 minutes.

5. Bleached Pinecones with Small Bells

A bleached pinecone with small bells tied to it is an ornament that sounds as pretty as it looks. Tie two or three tiny jingle bells to the top of the pinecone with twine or ribbon, and the bells chime softly every time the tree moves. The sound is gentle and festive, and the bells add a lovely touch of gold to the pale pinecone.

These ornaments are wonderful on a tree near a doorway, where the breeze makes the bells ring. Use bells in gold for a warm look, or silver for a cooler, icier feel. A bleached pinecone with bells is Christmas you can hear as well as see.

Materials: Bleached pinecones, small jingle bells, twine or ribbon, hot glue.

Cost: about $2 · Time: about 20 minutes each.

6. Bleached Pinecone Ornaments in a Wreath

A wreath decorated with bleached pinecones is a beautiful alternative to a traditional evergreen wreath. Start with a simple grapevine or foam wreath form, tuck in sprigs of pine and eucalyptus, and glue bleached pinecones around the wreath at even intervals. The pale pinecones against the green foliage are a lovely contrast, and the whole wreath feels handmade and natural.

These wreaths are lovely on a front door, above a mantel, or on a wall in a living room. Make the pinecones in different sizes for a more interesting look, and add a few red berries and a big bow for a finishing touch. A bleached pinecone wreath is the kind of decoration that makes guests stop and look twice.

Materials: Bleached pinecones, wreath form, pine sprigs, eucalyptus, hot glue, ribbon.

Cost: about $10 per wreath · Time: about 1 hour.

7. Bleached Pinecones with Twine Hangers

Bleached pinecones with twine hangers have a rustic, farmhouse feel that suits a natural Christmas tree perfectly. Wrap a loop of jute twine around the top of the pinecone, tie a simple knot, and hang the pinecone from a branch. The rough texture of the twine against the pale pinecone is a lovely contrast, and the ornaments look like they came from a country Christmas.

These pinecones pair beautifully with wooden ornaments, dried orange slices, and cinnamon sticks. They are a wonderful choice for a cabin or farmhouse tree, and they make lovely gifts when tied to a present with the same twine. A bleached pinecone on twine is simple, honest, and completely charming.

Materials: Bleached pinecones, jute twine, hot glue, scissors.

Cost: about $1 · Time: about 15 minutes each.

8. Bleached Pinecones with Faux Snow

A bleached pinecone dusted with faux snow looks like it was just gathered from a snowy forest. Brush a little craft glue onto the scales, sprinkle faux snow or white flocking powder over the glue, and shake off the excess. The pinecone gains a soft, snowy texture that feels like real winter, and it looks beautiful on a white or flocked tree.

These ornaments are lovely for a winter wonderland tree, where the snowy texture blends into the frosty branches. Use a light hand with the faux snow, because a little goes a long way, and let each ornament dry completely before you hang it. A bleached pinecone with faux snow is a little piece of winter on your tree.

Materials: Bleached pinecones, craft glue, faux snow or flocking powder, ribbon.

Cost: about $2 · Time: about 25 minutes each.

9. Bleached Pinecones as Gift Toppers

A bleached pinecone used as a gift topper turns an ordinary present into something unforgettable. Tie a small bleached pinecone to the top of a wrapped gift with twine or ribbon, add a sprig of pine and a handwritten tag, and the present becomes a work of art before it is even opened. The recipient can keep the pinecone and hang it on their own tree.

Gift topper pinecones are a wonderful way to use up the smallest pinecones in your collection, and they make even the simplest wrapping look thoughtful and special. Coordinate the pinecone with kraft paper and twine for a rustic look, or with white paper and silver ribbon for a more elegant gift. A handmade pinecone on a gift says you spent time, not just money.

Materials: Small bleached pinecones, twine or ribbon, pine sprigs, gift tags.

Cost: about $1 · Time: about 10 minutes each.

10. Bleached Pinecones with Cinnamon Sticks

A bleached pinecone tied with cinnamon sticks is an ornament you can smell as well as see. Bundle two or three cinnamon sticks together with twine, glue the bundle to the back of the pinecone, and the whole ornament smells like Christmas every time you walk past the tree. The warm brown of the cinnamon against the pale pinecone is beautiful too.

These ornaments are wonderful for a kitchen tree or a tree near the front door, where the scent greets everyone who comes in. Replace the cinnamon sticks each year if the scent fades, or refresh them with a drop of cinnamon oil. A bleached pinecone with cinnamon sticks is Christmas for all five senses.

Materials: Bleached pinecones, cinnamon sticks, twine, hot glue, ribbon.

Cost: about $2 · Time: about 20 minutes each.

11. Bleached Pinecones with White Paint Wash

A white paint wash gives a bleached pinecone an even softer, frosted look that is perfect for a winter tree. Brush a thin coat of watered-down white acrylic paint over the pinecone, letting the natural texture show through the paint like snow on bark. The effect is subtle and beautiful, and it makes the pinecone look like it has been dusted with frost.

These pinecones are lovely on a white or flocked tree, where the frosted look blends into the snowy branches. Use a dry brush for the lightest touch, and let each coat dry completely before you add another. A whitewashed bleached pinecone is a little bit of winter magic on your tree.

Materials: Bleached pinecones, white acrylic paint, paintbrush, ribbon.

Cost: about $2 · Time: about 25 minutes each.

12. Bleached Pinecones as Table Centerpieces

Bleached pinecones make beautiful table centerpieces for a Christmas dinner. Arrange a dozen bleached pinecones down the center of the table among pine branches, candles, and red berries, and the whole table glows with a soft, natural light. The pale pinecones against the dark green branches are a classic Christmas combination.

Table centerpieces work best when the pinecones are in different sizes, because the variety makes the arrangement look natural and interesting. Add a few white candles and a string of fairy lights for extra warmth, and let the pinecones do the rest. A bleached pinecone centerpiece is the kind of decoration that makes a whole dinner feel special.

Materials: Bleached pinecones, pine branches, candles, red berries, fairy lights.

Cost: about $8 per centerpiece · Time: about 30 minutes.

13. Bleached Pinecones with Gold Leaf

Gold leaf gives a bleached pinecone a warm, luxurious glow that is perfect for an elegant tree. Apply a thin coat of gilding size to the tips of the pinecone scales, press on small pieces of gold leaf, and brush away the excess with a soft brush. The gold catches the light beautifully, and the pinecone looks like a treasure from a winter forest.

These pinecones are lovely on a gold and white tree, where the warm tones blend into the elegant branches. Work slowly and gently, because gold leaf is delicate and tears easily, and seal the finished pinecone with a clear spray sealer. A gold-leafed bleached pinecone is a little piece of luxury on your tree.

Materials: Bleached pinecones, gold leaf, gilding size, soft brush, clear sealer, ribbon.

Cost: about $4 · Time: about 40 minutes each.

14. Bleached Pinecones as a Garland

A garland of bleached pinecones turns a whole mantel or doorway into a frosted Christmas display. Tie a dozen bleached pinecones to a length of twine with a few inches between each one, add sprigs of pine and red berries, and hang the garland across your fireplace, along a banister, or in a window. The pinecones catch the light as they turn, and the whole garland feels warm and festive.

Garlands are a wonderful way to use up a big basket of pinecones in one project, and they look beautiful in a living room or a bedroom too. Space the pinecones evenly, add a cinnamon stick or a small bow between a few of them, and tie the ends with big red bows. A bleached pinecone garland is the kind of decoration that makes a whole room feel like Christmas.

Materials: Bleached pinecones, twine, pine sprigs, red berries, hot glue.

Cost: about $8 per garland · Time: about 1 hour.

15. Bleached Pinecones with Dried Orange Slices

A bleached pinecone paired with a dried orange slice is a beautiful combination of pale and warm, natural and festive. Glue a thin dried orange slice to the side of the pinecone, or hang the pinecone and the orange slice together on the same ribbon, and the warm orange against the pale pinecone is a classic Christmas pairing. The orange adds color, scent, and a lovely translucent glow when the light hits it.

These ornaments are wonderful on a natural or rustic tree, and they look beautiful mixed with cinnamon sticks and pine branches. Dry your orange slices in a low oven until they are crisp, and let them cool completely before you glue them. A bleached pinecone with a dried orange is Christmas in two textures at once.

Materials: Bleached pinecones, dried orange slices, hot glue, ribbon.

Cost: about $2 · Time: about 20 minutes each.

16. Bleached Pinecones with Silver Leaf

Silver leaf gives a bleached pinecone a cool, moonlit glow that is perfect for a winter tree. Apply a thin coat of gilding size to the tips of the pinecone scales, press on small pieces of silver leaf, and brush away the excess with a soft brush. The silver catches the light in a way that gold cannot, soft and shimmering like moonlight on snow.

These pinecones are lovely on a white or silver tree, where the cool tones blend into the frosty branches. Work slowly and gently, because silver leaf is delicate and tears easily, and seal the finished pinecone with a clear spray sealer. A silver-leafed bleached pinecone is a little piece of winter moonlight on your tree.

Materials: Bleached pinecones, silver leaf, gilding size, soft brush, clear sealer, ribbon.

Cost: about $4 · Time: about 40 minutes each.

17. Bleached Pinecones in a Glass Vase

A glass vase filled with bleached pinecones is a simple, elegant decoration for any room. Fill a tall glass vase or a hurricane jar with bleached pinecones, add a string of fairy lights, and place the vase on a mantel, a dining table, or an entryway console. The lights glow through the pinecones beautifully, and the whole display looks like a frosted forest in a jar.

These vases are wonderful for a living room or a bedroom, where they add a soft, natural glow. Use pinecones in different sizes for a more interesting look, and add a few sprigs of pine or red berries for color. A vase of bleached pinecones is the easiest elegant decoration on this list, and it takes just five minutes to make.

Materials: Bleached pinecones, glass vase or hurricane jar, fairy lights, pine sprigs.

Cost: about $8 · Time: about 10 minutes.

18. Bleached Pinecones with Wooden Beads

Wooden beads give a bleached pinecone a natural, rustic finish. String three or four wooden beads onto a loop of twine, knot the twine at the top of the pinecone, and the beads become both the hanger and the decoration. The warm wood tones pair beautifully with the pale pinecone and the faded cream color.

These pinecones are lovely on a woodland or Scandinavian tree, where natural materials are the whole theme. Try beads in different sizes, or paint a few beads red or green for a pop of color. A pinecone on a wooden bead hanger looks handcrafted in the best possible way, simple, honest, and warm.

Materials: Bleached pinecones, wooden beads, twine, hot glue.

Cost: about $2 · Time: about 20 minutes each.

19. Bleached Pinecones for a Scandinavian Tree

A whole tree of bleached pinecones is the ultimate tribute for a Scandinavian Christmas. Hang bleached pinecones of different sizes all over a simple green tree, add white lights and a few white paper stars, and the tree becomes a vision of calm, snowy elegance. The pale pinecones against the green branches are a classic Scandinavian combination.

These trees are beautiful in a living room that leans minimal, where the simplicity of the pinecones is the whole point. Add a few sprigs of eucalyptus and a simple white tree skirt, and the whole tree feels like a breath of fresh winter air. A Scandinavian pinecone tree is the most peaceful Christmas tree you will ever decorate.

Materials: Bleached pinecones, white lights, paper stars, ribbon, twine.

Cost: about $1 per pinecone · Time: about 20 minutes each.

20. Bleached Pinecones with Felt Flowers

Felt flowers give a bleached pinecone a soft, handmade touch that is perfect for a cozy tree. Cut small flowers from wool felt in red, burgundy, or cream, and glue one flower to the top of each pinecone. The soft felt against the rough pinecone is a lovely contrast, and the finished ornament looks like a little winter bouquet.

These pinecones are lovely on a farmhouse tree, where the mix of natural and handmade feels just right. Make the flowers in different shapes and sizes for a more interesting look, or make them all the same for a coordinated collection. A bleached pinecone with a felt flower is a little piece of handmade warmth on your tree.

Materials: Bleached pinecones, wool felt, scissors, hot glue, ribbon.

Cost: about $2 · Time: about 25 minutes each.

21. Bleached Pinecones as Place Card Holders

A bleached pinecone as a place card holder is a dinner party detail your guests will never forget. Stand a bleached pinecone on the table, tuck a small card with a guest’s name into the top scales, and the pinecone becomes a beautiful, natural place card. The pinecones double as favors, because every guest takes theirs home.

Place card pinecones work best when they are small and sturdy, so they stand up on the table without tipping over. Use a flat-bottomed pinecone, or glue a small wooden disc to the base for extra stability. A bleached pinecone place card is the kind of thoughtful detail that turns a dinner into a celebration.

Materials: Small bleached pinecones, place cards, hot glue, wooden discs.

Cost: about $1 · Time: about 10 minutes each.

22. Bleached Pinecones with Pine Sprigs

A bleached pinecone with a pine sprig tucked behind it looks like it was just picked from the forest. Glue a small sprig of fresh or faux pine to the back of the pinecone, add a few red berries, and the pinecone gains a lovely natural frame. The green against the pale cream is a classic Christmas combination.

These pinecones are beautiful on a woodland or cabin-themed tree, and they smell wonderful if you use fresh pine. Use a dab of hot glue to attach the sprig securely, and replace fresh sprigs each year if they dry out. A bleached pinecone with a pine sprig is a little piece of the forest on your tree.

Materials: Bleached pinecones, pine sprigs, red berries, hot glue, ribbon.

Cost: about $2 · Time: about 20 minutes each.

23. Bleached Pinecones in a Shadow Box

A bleached pinecone in a shadow box becomes a piece of wall art you can enjoy all year. Mount a beautiful pinecone on a piece of linen or burlap inside a deep frame, add a small sprig of pine and a label with the year, and the shadow box protects the delicate pinecone and turns a simple ornament into a keepsake.

Shadow box pinecones make wonderful gifts for nature lovers, because you can choose a pinecone from a place that means something to them. Hang the shadow box in a hallway or a living room, where it will be seen every day. A bleached pinecone in a frame is art made from a forest.

Materials: Bleached pinecones, shadow box frame, linen or burlap, hot glue.

Cost: about $8 · Time: about 30 minutes.

24. Bleached Pinecones with Frosted Tips

Frosted tips give a bleached pinecone an even more wintry look, like the pinecone has been kissed by frost. Brush a little white paint onto the tips of the scales, add a sprinkle of white glitter while the paint is wet, and the pinecone looks like it has been dusted with snow. The effect is subtle and beautiful.

These pinecones are lovely on a white or flocked tree, where the frosted look blends into the snowy branches. Use a dry brush for the lightest touch, and let each coat dry completely before you add another. A frosted bleached pinecone is a little bit of winter magic on your tree.

Materials: Bleached pinecones, white acrylic paint, white glitter, paintbrush, ribbon.

Cost: about $2 · Time: about 30 minutes each.

25. Bleached Pinecone Ornament Gift Sets

When you have made a whole collection of bleached pinecone ornaments, turn them into a gift set that anyone would love to receive. Choose four or five of your best pinecones in coordinating styles, nestle them in a small kraft box lined with tissue paper, and add a handwritten tag and a sprig of pine. You have a handmade gift that looks like it came from a high-end craft fair.

Gift sets are perfect for teachers, neighbors, coworkers, and hostess gifts, and they are a wonderful way to sell your crafts at a holiday market if you enjoy making pinecone ornaments in batches. Make the sets in a consistent style, all frosted, all glittered, or all with bows, so each box feels like a curated collection. A gift set of handmade bleached pinecone ornaments is a gift that says you spent time, not just money.

Materials: Finished bleached pinecone ornaments, kraft gift boxes, tissue paper, gift tags, pine sprigs.

Cost: about $8 per set · Time: about 30 minutes to assemble.

Frequently Asked Questions About DIY Bleached Pinecone Christmas Ornaments

How do I bleach pinecones safely?

Always bleach pinecones outdoors or in a well-ventilated space, and wear rubber gloves, old clothes, and safety glasses. Mix one part household bleach with two parts water in a large bucket, submerge the pinecones, and weigh them down with a plate or a brick so they stay underwater. Let them soak for 12 to 24 hours, then rinse them thoroughly with clean water and let them dry completely in a warm, sunny spot for several days. Never mix bleach with any other cleaner, and keep children and pets away from the bleach bucket.

Why do pinecones close up in bleach?

Pinecones close up when they get wet, because the scales absorb water and swell shut. This is completely normal, and the pinecones will open up again as they dry. Let bleached pinecones dry for at least two or three days in a warm, dry place, and they will open fully, revealing their beautiful pale color. If a pinecone is still closed after drying, place it in a low oven at 200 degrees for 30 minutes, which helps it open up and also kills any insects hiding inside.

How long do bleached pinecones last?

Bleached pinecones last for many years if you store them properly. Keep them in a dry box lined with tissue paper, away from direct sunlight and humidity, and they will stay pale and beautiful for a decade or more. Avoid storing them in a damp basement or a hot attic, because moisture and heat can cause the pinecones to close up or grow mold. A silica gel packet in the storage box helps absorb any humidity, and a cedar block keeps moths away naturally.

Can I bleach pinecones that I bought at a craft store?

Yes, you can bleach pinecones from a craft store, but they may already be treated with a sealant that prevents the bleach from soaking in evenly. Check the packaging first, and if the pinecones feel waxy or shiny, wash them with warm soapy water and let them dry before you bleach them. Pinecones gathered from your backyard usually bleach more evenly, because they have not been treated. If a store-bought pinecone does not bleach evenly, you can still use it, because the uneven color often looks beautifully natural.

What kind of pinecones work best for bleaching?

Small to medium pinecones with open scales work best for bleaching, because the bleach can reach every part of the cone. Ponderosa and sugar pinecones are excellent choices, because they are large and open, but any pinecone will work. Choose pinecones that are fully open and dry, with no sap or debris stuck to the scales. Avoid pinecones that are green or closed, because they will not bleach evenly. A mix of sizes makes the most interesting ornaments.

Are bleached pinecones safe to use around children and pets?

Yes, bleached pinecones are safe once they have been rinsed thoroughly and dried completely, because the bleach is fully washed away and only the pale color remains. Rinse the pinecones at least three times with clean water after bleaching, and let them dry for several days before you use them in ornaments. If you are concerned, you can seal the finished pinecones with a clear acrylic spray, which locks in the color and prevents any residue. Always supervise young children with small ornaments, because pinecones have small parts that can be a choking hazard.

Conclusion

DIY bleached pinecone Christmas ornaments are proof that the most beautiful decorations do not come from a store, but from a quiet afternoon in the backyard with a basket of pinecones and a bucket of bleach. Each pinecone carries the frost of a winter forest, the warmth of your hands, and the little imperfections that make handmade things so much more meaningful than perfect ones. Whether you made a classic bleached pinecone, a glitter-tipped pinecone, or a pinecone with a big red bow, your ornaments are now part of your family’s Christmas story.

Start with one pinecone tonight, even if it is just a simple bleached one, and see how quickly the collection grows. Before you know it, your tree will be full of soft, frosted warmth, your gift list will be shorter, and you will have a new Christmas tradition to look forward to every year. Happy crafting, and may your holidays be as bright and peaceful as a snowy pine forest.

If you loved these bleached pinecone ornaments, you will love these handmade Christmas ideas too:

• DIY Cinnamon Stick Ornaments — warm, spicy ornaments with a natural, rustic charm.
• DIY Paper Honeycomb Ornaments — colorful paper ornaments that pop open like magic.
• DIY Christmas Gnome Ornaments — adorable gnomes with fuzzy beards and pointy hats.
• DIY Egg Carton Christmas Bells — charming bells made from recycled egg cartons.