Craft: Decorate for Christmas with Pine Cones

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  Combine pine cones, evergreen boughs and candles on a mantelpiece for a rustic take on Christmas decor.

  

Save money on holiday decor by incorporating nature into your decorating scheme. Collect pine cones and acorns when walking in the woods, and then dress them up for the season following these simple steps.

1. Wipe them clean with a paper towel or soft rag and keep them in a dry place.
2. If you want to add a bit of bling, paint them with gold or silver spray paint. Be sure to do this outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, protecting any nearby surfaces with newspaper or a drop cloth.
3. When dry, arrange them in a decorative bowl or on a mantel.
4. Add a rustic touch to your decoration with twigs or evergreen boughs arranged around the base of the bowl or tucked under the pine cones on the mantel. Placing candles between the pine cones is a great way to add a bit of color to the arrangement.