DIY Pinecone Frame Ornament with Xin Lu

The most treasured holiday decorations are often the ones that tell a story. They’re the handmade ornaments that carry memories of years past, the charming crafts made by little hands, and the unique pieces that connect us to a special moment in time. This year, what if you could create a new heirloom using the simple, rustic beauty of your own backyard?

Our wonderfully creative Digz Ambassador, Xin (@athomewithxin), has shared a brilliant and heartfelt DIY project that does just that. She shows us how to take a common backyard treasure—the humble pinecone—and transform it into a stunning frame for a cherished photo.

This craft is the perfect way to create personalized gifts, commemorate a special year, and add a touch of natural, rustic elegance to your holiday decor. Let's follow her simple steps to make your own.

Step 1: The Great Pinecone Hunt

Your first step is to head outdoors! The foundation of this project is waiting for you under the pine trees in your yard or a nearby park. Before you go, grab a basket and a good pair of gloves.

As Xin demonstrates, a comfortable pair of Digz Gardening Gloves is essential for this task. They’ll protect your hands from sticky pine sap, sharp needles, and any prickly surprises on the ground, allowing you to forage comfortably.

What to Look For:

• Variety: Collect pinecones of various shapes and sizes. This will give you a range of "scales" to work with for your frame.
• Dryness:  Look for pinecones that are already open and dry. They are much easier to deconstruct. If you find closed, green ones, you can leave them in a warm, dry place for a few days, and they will naturally open up.

Pro Tip: Clean and Prep Your Pinecones

Before bringing your foraged treasures inside, it's a good idea to clean them. Give them a gentle brush to remove dirt and debris. To ensure there are no tiny critters hiding inside, you can bake your pinecones on a foil-lined baking sheet in the oven at 200°F (95°C) for about 30-45 minutes. This also helps fully open and dry them out. Let them cool completely before crafting.

Step 2: Deconstruct for a Rustic Texture

This is where the magic really begins. To create the beautiful, layered frame, you'll need to carefully break apart the pinecones into individual scales. This is another moment where your Digz gloves will come in handy, protecting your fingers as you work.

Using a pair of sturdy craft snips or small garden shears, carefully snip each scale off the pinecone's core. Work your way around and down the cone. You’ll be left with a pile of beautiful, petal-like pieces, each with its own unique shape and wood grain. Don't worry about them being perfect—the slight variations are what give the final ornament its rustic charm.

Step 3: Prepare Your Photo Base

Now it’s time to get your photo ready.

1. Choose Your Photos: Select a favorite photo of a loved one, a pet, or a special memory.
2. Cut it Out: Cut the photo into your desired shape. A circle, oval, or rounded square works beautifully for this project.
3. Create a Sturdy Backing: For durability, glue your photo onto a piece of cardstock or thin cardboard (an old cereal box works great!). Once the glue is dry, trim the cardstock so it creates a neat boarder or is cut flush with the photo's edge. This backing will provide a solid surface to glue your pinecone scales onto.

Step 4: Assemble Your Pinecone Frame

With your photo ready and your pile of pinecone scales prepared, it's time to assemble your ornament.

1. Heat Up Your Glue Gun: A hot glue gun is the best tool for this job, as it provides a strong, quick-setting bond.
2. Start Framing: Place a small dab of hot glue on the back of a pinecone scale and press it firmly onto the edge of your cardstock backing. As Xin shows, you want the wider, rounded edge of the scale facing outward.
3. Layer and Overlap: Continue gluing the scales around the entire perimeter of your photo. Overlap them slightly to create a full, textured look, similar to the petals of a zinnia or dahlia. You can even add a second, inner layer for more depth.
4. Let it Dry: Once you're happy with your frame, set the ornament aside to let the glue cure completely.

Step 5: The Finishing Touch 

The final step is to add a hanger. Cut a piece of festive ribbon—a rich velvet, a simple twine, or a shimmering gold cord all look beautiful—into a 6-8 inch strip. Form it into a loop and use your hot glue gun to secure the ends to the back of your ornament.

And there you have it! A beautiful, personal, and nature-inspired ornament ready to hang on the tree, adorn a garland, or be given as a heartfelt gift that will be cherished for years to come.