Patriotic Pinecone Stars: Budget 4th of July Craft Idea
Y’all, I love using free-foraged materials to create stunning seasonal decor. If you are looking for a pinecone craft for patriotic holidays, look no further than this adorable 4th of July craft idea made with pinecone stars. With just some paint and glue, plus free pinecones and recycled cardboard, you can create simple pinecone stars to decorate your porch, wreaths, mantels, and more. Want to see how easy it is? Let’s get started.
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Supply List
- 5 forged pinecones for each star
- recycled cardboard box to cut stars from
- Hot Glue Gun
- E6000 glue
- Red, White and Blue Spray paint
- Pruning Shears
- S hooks for hanging (optional)
Gather Pinecones For Patriotic Stars
To create the red, white, and blue pinecone stars, I ventured into the woods to gather some pinecones. I decided to use oblong cones for a fun, whimsical-looking star. However, you can use any shape of pinecones for this project.
You will need five cones per star, and I gathered several different sizes so that I’d have options when I began the project. I also used small pieces of pinecones for the centers of each star. I created the centers by using pruning shears to cut the pinecones into small sections.
How To Create a Cardboard Star For Pinecones
The second step is to create a cardboard star cutout to attach the pinecones to. I recycled an old box for this. Here’s how I made the cardboard stars.
- Cut the cardboard box into sections larger than your stars.
- Lay the pinecones on the cardboard in the design you plan to use.
- Trace a rough outline around the pinecones onto the cardboard with a pen.
- Remove the pinecones and cut inside the drawing to make a star that is smaller than the pinecone star will be.
- Then lay the pinecones back onto the star and see if the majority of the cardboard will be hidden. You may need to trim more of the cardboard.
- Place pinecones around the cardboard star so you remember which one goes where.
How To Attach Pinecones To The Cardboard Stars?
To attach the pinecones to the cardboard stars, I began by adding a good amount of E6000 glue to the cardboard. Then immediately go over the E6000 glue with a generous amount of hot glue. This will create a permanent bond and a quick-drying adhesive to hold the pinecones in place.
Arrange the pinecones and press them into the glue. Hold in place until the hot glue dries.
Once the pinecones feel secure, add the centerpiece. Apply a generous layer of both glues to the center of the pinecone star and then add some to the back side of the centerpiece. Press into the middle of the pinecone star and hold until secure.
Double-check that all the pinecones are securely attached to the cardboard. I used the hot glue to add extra adhesive where needed.
Paint Pinecone Stars With Spray Paint
Once all your stars are assembled, move them to a well-ventilated area and spray paint them your choice of colors. I painted five stars on each of the shutters beside my front doors, using red, white, and blue. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly before decorating with the stars.
Insider Tip
I recommend placing the pinecone stars on something that you can either turn or walk around while you are painting. It’s important to get a good coverage of paint inside and all around the edges of the pinecones.
How To Hang The Patriotic Pinecone Stars
I plan to hang the patriotic pinecone stars on the shutters beside my front door. However, they would look adorable added to a wreath or hanging from a light fixture. They can even be propped on shelves or added to baskets or bowls for a fun, patriotic touch.
If you want to hang the stars, here is what I did. I punched a hole in the cardboard backing with an ice pick. Then I added an S hook to the back and used it to hang over the shutter slats.
Then I randomly hung five stars on each shutter above my planters.
4th of July Porch Decorations
Rudy wanted to get on the 4th of July porch decorating. The whimsical pinecone stars float above theย DIY porch planters, which are filled with a realistic-looking faux boxwood plant and several American flags. The patriotic porch decor is completed with a flag pillow, a thrifted handmade basket, and red flowering plants.
You can add as many stars as your space allows. I initially thought I’d hang them from the light fixture, but securing them to the shutter keeps them from becoming damaged during high winds.
The stars combined with DIY and vintage crocks give the front porch a simple, welcoming country feel. You can see more country farmhouse decorating ideas atย Decorating with Vintage Stoneware Crocks.
I hope you enjoyed this sustainable and eco-friendly patriotic DIY idea. Thank you for stopping by, and I look forward to sharing my next adventure with you.
Oh my goodness Rachel. These are adorable. I think I’m going to make this project with my grandson this weekend. He’ll love giving his to his Mom. He just loves to craft <3 Thank you for sharing.
Cindy,
Oh how fun. If you get a chance send me a photo of your finished project or of your grandson working on them. I’d love to share on my DRA adventures on Sundays
Rachel, Your red, white and blue pinecone stars look charming hanging on your shutters. Each one looks unique because of the shapes of the pinecones – so cute!
Angie,
I’m so glad you like them. They are easy to make and I love the whimsical unique look. Have a blessed day.
These are so cute, Rachel! I love how you use so many natural and foraged ideas in your decor. Will share these on the next From the Front porch. They’re all fabulous and perfect for the season. Big hugs, CoCo
Coco,
Thank you for sharing.