Welcome to our blog on how to make pinecone ornaments with ribbon! Look no further if you’re ready to add a touch of natural beauty to your Christmas tree. In this blog post, we will show you how to make stunning pinecone ornaments with the help of a little ribbon. These DIY ornaments are not only easy and fun to create, but they also bring a rustic charm to any holiday decor.

So, grab your crafting supplies and get ready to unleash your inner artist as we dive into the beautiful world of pinecone ornaments. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a beginner, we’ve got you covered with step-by-step instructions and plenty of inspiration to help you create unique and personalized ornaments that will make your tree special.
So, let’s get started and make this holiday season a little more beautiful!
What Will You Need?
Before we get started, let’s take a look at the materials you will need to make your very own pinecone ornaments with ribbon.
- Pinecones: You can collect them from your backyard or purchase them from a craft store.
- Ribbon: Choose any color and texture that suits your style. We recommend using wired ribbons as they are easier to manipulate.
- Scissors: To cut and trim the ribbon to your desired length.
- Glue Gun: A hot glue gun is perfect for attaching the ribbon to the pinecones securely.
- Decorations: You can get creative and add additional embellishments such as glitter, beads, or small ornaments to enhance your pinecone ornaments.
Now that you have all your supplies let’s get crafting!
10 Easy Steps on How to Make Pinecone Ornaments With Ribbon
Step 1. Prepare Your Pinecones:
If you’ve collected your pinecones from a natural setting, you must prepare them first. This process involves baking the pinecones at a low temperature in your oven to remove any sap residue and kill potential bugs. Place your pinecones on a lined baking sheet and bake at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20-30 minutes. Allow them to cool before moving to the next step. If you’ve purchased your pinecones, you can skip this step.

Step 2. Cut Your Ribbon:
Next, you’ll need to measure and cut your ribbon. The length of the ribbon will depend on how large you want your bow to be and how long you want the hanging loop to be. A good rule of thumb is to cut a piece about 12 inches long. This allows for a three-inch loop and a generous bow.
Remember, it’s better to have too much ribbon at this stage, as you can always trim it later. Once you’ve cut your ribbon, fold it in half to create a loop at one end. This will be used to hang your ornament.
Step 3. Attach Your Ribbon:
Now, it’s time to stick your ribbon to the pinecones. Apply a generous dot of hot glue at the base of the pinecone. Press the end of the ribbon (opposite the loop) into the glue. Ensure it’s secure before moving on to the next step. Be cautious during this step to avoid any burns from the hot glue.
Step 4. Create Your Bow:
Creating the bow is the next step in making your pinecone ornament. With the remaining length of the ribbon, form two loops (or “bunny ears”) and cross one over the other. Tuck the top loop under the bottom one and gently pull it to tighten.

Adjust the loops and ends as needed to form your desired bow shape. Once your bow is ready, apply hot glue at the back and stick it on your pinecone close to where you’ve attached the hanging ribbon. Again, be careful with the hot glue to avoid burns. Now, your ornament has a beautiful ribbon bow!
Step 5. Add Your Decorations:
The final step in creating your pinecone ornament is adding your decorations. This step is entirely up to your taste. You could sprinkle some glitter over the pinecone for a sparkling effect, attach tiny beads with the hot glue for added texture, or even nestle a small ornament into the pinecone scales for a surprise element.
Just remember, less is often more when it comes to decorations. Once you’re happy with your ornament, allow the glue to dry completely before hanging it on your tree. Congratulations, you have now created a beautiful pinecone ornament with ribbon!
Step 6. Hang Your Ornament:
Now that your pinecone ornament is complete, it’s time to find the perfect spot for it on your Christmas tree. Thread the ribbon loop over a branch and gently pull until the ornament is securely hanging. Adjust the position to ensure the ornament hangs straight and the bow is apparent.

Repeat the process for all your handmade pinecone ornaments until your tree is full of natural, rustic charm. Remember, there’s no “right” place to hang these ornaments — the beauty of a Christmas tree is in its unique, personal touches. Enjoy seeing your homemade ornaments bring joy to your holiday celebrations!
Step 7. Care for Your Ornaments:
After the holiday season, taking care of your handmade pinecone ornaments is essential to ensure they last for years to come. Gently remove the ornaments from your tree and dust off any tree residue. If you use glitter, gently shake off any loose pieces. Store your pinecone ornaments in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading or discoloration. By carefully looking after your ornaments, you can enjoy their natural charm for many holiday seasons.
Step 8. Be Creative and Try Different Designs:
Don’t hesitate to experiment with different designs and make each of your pinecone ornaments unique. You could try using different colored ribbons, adding a variety of embellishments, or even painting the pinecones for a completely different look. The possibilities are endless, and the joy of creating homemade ornaments is that you can make them your own. Show off your creativity and have fun crafting!
Step 9. Share Your Creations:
After you’ve finished making your pinecone ornaments, take a moment to share your creations with friends and family or on social media. This spreads holiday cheer and inspires others to get creative and try making their own ornaments. Consider gifting your handcrafted ornaments as a personal and thoughtful holiday present. Remember, the beauty of a handmade ornament is that it is imbued with the love and care of the person who made it, making it an extraordinary gift.
Step 10. Reflect on the Experience:
As you finish your crafting session, take a moment to reflect on the experience. Did you enjoy the process of creating something by hand? Was there a particular step you found more challenging or enjoyable? Remember, crafting is about the end product and the journey.
The time and effort you spent creating these pinecone ornaments with ribbon, the moments of concentration, and the joy of seeing your ideas come to life are as valuable as the beautiful ornaments you now hold in your hands. May the joy of crafting fill your holidays with warmth and cheer!

By following these simple steps, you can easily create beautiful pinecone ornaments with ribbon that will add a touch of rustic charm to your Christmas tree.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Select the Perfect Pinecone: Seek out pinecones that are open, dry, and free of damage. They can be found in various shapes and sizes, so select ones that suit your preference.
- Wash and Dry the Pinecones: To ensure your pinecones are clean, wash them with water and white vinegar. After washing, dry them thoroughly in an oven set at 250°F for one hour.
- Add Glitter or Paint: Want some sparkle to your pinecone ornaments? You can use glitter or paint to decorate them. Simply apply the glitter or paint using a brush and let it dry completely before handling.
- Use Different Types of Ribbons: Get creative with your pinecone ornaments using different ribbons. You can use colorful ribbons, burlap ribbons, or twine to add personality to your ornaments.
- Experiment with Different Hanging Techniques: Don’t limit yourself to hanging your ornaments with a simple ribbon loop. You can also use ribbons to create bows, knotting them differently or adding beads for an extra touch of elegance. The possibilities are endless for creating unique and beautiful pinecone ornaments with ribbon.
Remember, the beauty of making pinecone ornaments with ribbon is that you can customize them to suit your style and the holiday decor in your home.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Avoid Using Wet Pinecones: While it may seem like a good idea to paint or add glitter to wet pinecones, it prevents the decoration from adhering correctly. Always ensure that your pinecones are fully dry before starting the ornament-making process.
- Don’t Rush the Drying Process: Speeding up the drying process can cause your pinecones to crack or lose their shape, compromising the quality of your ornaments. Always allow ample time for your pinecones to dry naturally after washing.
- Avoid Using Flimsy Ribbon: While skinny ribbon may look delicate and pretty, it may not be strong enough to hang your ornaments. Opt for a thicker, sturdier ribbon to keep your ornaments safe and secure.
- Don’t Overdecorate: Remember, sometimes less is more. Overloading your pinecones with less glitter, paint, or extra decorations can overshadow the natural beauty of the pinecones.
- Avoid Using Damaged Pinecones: Lastly, avoid using damaged or broken pinecones. Even though they might still be usable, they won’t produce the best results. Always opt for intact, good-quality pinecones when creating your ornaments.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your pinecone ornaments turn out beautifully and last for many holiday seasons.
Conclusion
With just a few essential components—pinecones, ribbons, and hot glue—you can quickly assemble your gorgeous set of pinecone ornaments this holiday season! Not only are they easy on the budget and breathtaking in their beauty, but they’re also an excellent way to pass down memories of family gatherings for years and generations to come.
Hopefully, these tips and tricks on how to make pinecone ornaments with ribbon have inspired you to create your unique pinecone ornaments with ribbon.
So don’t settle for store-bought decorations this season; create something special you and your loved ones can take joy in and treasure for a lifetime! Start crafting your personalized pinecone ornaments by collecting some pinecones, selecting the perfect ribbon, breaking out the hot glue gun, and having at it!
About the Author
Adrien Rowe, an expert in knitting, fiber arts, and bookbinding, promotes sustainability and creativity through workshops and tutorials. Passionate about education and community, he inspires crafters of all levels to learn, share, and grow in a supportive, idea-driven environment.
Professional Focus
Specializes in advanced knitting techniques, fiber manipulation, and textile innovation.
Expert in book arts, including cotton papermaking, handmade paper techniques, and bookbinding.
Dedicated to educating and inspiring crafters of all skill levels through tutorials, workshops, and hands-on learning experiences.
Passionate about creating a supportive community where makers can share ideas, learn, and grow.
Education History
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) – Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Textiles.
University of Iowa Center for the Book – Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Book Arts.
Expertise:
Advanced knitting, fiber manipulation, papermaking, bookbinding, sustainability-focused crafting, educational workshops, creative tutorials, and fostering a supportive maker community.