The beauty of traditional accessories made of pine flowers is incomparable. However, to get it, you don't need to buy it at a craft store because fallen pine flowers are usually in your yard, in a nearby park, or in a forest area. However, the fallen pine flowers are usually dirty and infested with small insects that make them spoil quickly. However, when cleaned and dried, pine flowers become more durable. If you want your pine flowers to last longer, you can coat them with varnish, paint, or wax.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Soaking Pine Flowers
Step 1. Collect enough pine flowers
You can use blooms or buds. The buds of pine flowers will open as they dry as a result of the roasting process.
Store-bought pine flowers are clean and ready to use
Step 2. Remove any debris on the inside of the pine flower, including seeds, moss, and pine leaves
To clean it, you can use tweezers or a brush. However, don't be too perfectionist because the soaking process also makes the pine flowers cleaner.
Step 3. Prepare a mixture of water and vinegar
Fill a sink, tub, or bucket with 2 measures of water and 1 measure of white vinegar. The amount of water and vinegar you use will depend on the amount of pine needles you want to soak and the size of the container.
If you want, you can use 4 liters of water mixed with 1 teaspoon of mild dish soap
Step 4. Soak the pine flowers in the solution for about 20-30 minutes
At this stage, the pine flower should remain completely submerged. If something floats up, cover it with a heavy, wet towel, pot lid, or even a dinner plate. At this stage, the pines may be budding. However, don't worry, after drying the pine flowers will bloom again.
Step 5. Lift and place the pine flower on top of the newspaper, let it dry overnight
Make sure you place it in a well-ventilated area so that there is plenty of airflow. If you don't have newspapers, use old paper bags or towels.
Part 2 of 3: Roasting Pine Flowers
Step 1. Preheat the oven to 94-122°C
The oven does not need to be set too hot because the pine flowers only need moderate heat to fully dry and bloom again after the soaking process.
Step 2. Place the pine flowers onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper
If you don't have parchment paper, use aluminum foil. Leave some space between the pines so that the hot air can flow between them better and the pines have room to bloom.
Step 3. Bake the pine flowers until they bloom
For it to bloom, you may need about 30 minutes to 2 hours. However, check often so that the pine flowers don't burn. The dried pine flowers are shiny and in full bloom.
If you want, you can leave the pine flowers out in the open so they can bloom again. However, it can take 2-3 days to bloom, so roasting is a better option if you're in a hurry
Step 4. Transfer the pine flowers to a cooling wire rack
Use oven mitts, tongs, or even a soup spoon to transfer the pine cones from the oven to the cooling rack. Be careful when moving because pine flowers are easily damaged.
Step 5. Refrigerate the pine flowers, at least 10 minutes
Once cool, you can paint it, display it, or coat it again. At this stage, the pine flower already has a glossy finish due to the melted sap. The coating acts as a natural preservative. To be even more durable, pine flowers need to be given a final coat.
Part 3 of 3: Applying the Finish
Step 1. Prepare the work area and select the desired coating method
Regardless of the coating method used, be it spray, paint, or dip, cover the table or work surface with newspaper. If you use a spray-type coating, it's best to do it outdoors. Once the work area is ready, your chosen coating method can begin.
Step 2. If you want something easy and quick, just spray the pine flowers
Choose a non-yellowing spray varnish. Place the pine flower sideways, then spray evenly. Wait about 10 minutes for the pine cones to dry before turning them over to spray the back side. Allow the coating to dry for at least hour before reapplying.
- There are different types of spray coatings: matte, satin, and glossy. Choose the one you like the most. However, for the most natural look, choose a matte one.
- Hairspray can be used as an alternative to spray varnish.
Step 3. Use a varnish that is for the ship if you want a longer lasting result
Purchase varnish for your boat from a building materials store or home supply store. Put on disposable gloves and hold the tip of the pinecone. With a cheap disposable brush with stiff bristles, apply the varnish all over the pine flower, except for the base. Allow the varnish to dry, at least 30 minutes, then hold the sides, then coat the base and ends. Place the pine flower sideways and wait for it to dry.
- You can apply varnish for boats multiple times, but wait until the previous coat has completely dried.
- Alternatively, tie the top with twine, then dip the pine flowers in the varnish. Remove and let the excess varnish drip off. Hang the pine flowers with wire to dry.
Step 4. If you want a thicker coat, dip the pine flowers in paint or varnish
Wrap a thin thread/wire around the top of the pine flower, then dip it in a can of paint or varnish. Remove the pine flowers, then place them on the can for about 1 minute to allow excess paint/varnish to drip onto the can. Use twine/wire to hang the pine flowers to dry.
- Line the pine flowers with newspaper so that any drops of paint or varnish fall on them.
- Please note that this method may cause the pine flower to bud again.
- If the paint or varnish is too thick, thin it with water. Mix 4 doses of paint or varnish with 1 measure of water.
Step 5. In addition to varnish and paint, you can dip pine flowers in beeswax
Melt enough beeswax in a skillet so that the pine flowers can be completely immersed. Tie the end of the pine flower with twine and then hold the knot to dip the pine flower in the melted wax. Remove the pine flowers, then immediately dip them in a bucket of cold water. Repeat this step until you get an even layer.
- Melt the wax in the slow cooker on high heat for 2-3 hours until completely melted. If you don't have a slow cooker, you can also melt the beeswax on the stove using a steamer.
- Remove the pine flowers after soaking in the wax for at least 3 minutes.
- The more you dip into the wax, the more visible the wax layer will be. Therefore, it is possible that your pine flowers will turn yellow or white.
Tips
- Wait for the coating to dry and adhere completely before you use the pine flowers or display them. Information on drying time and instructions can be found on the label on the coating can.
- Generally, store-bought pines are clean, insect-free, and preserved.
- Use preserved pine flowers to make Christmas door decorations or vase fillers.
- Tie small pine flowers with twine to use as ornaments.
- Display a large pinecone on a fireplace shelf or on a table.
Warning
- Keep varnished pine flowers away from heat and fire as spray coatings/varnishes are flammable.
- Check the pine flowers frequently while they are roasting, as they are flammable and combustible.
