I fell for easy frozen ice crystal pinecones the first time I saw one catch the light on a dull winter afternoon, all blue and white and quietly sparkly. They look like something from a frosty forest, yet most of them start with a plain pinecone from the garden or the craft store and a handful of cheap supplies. That mix of simple and beautiful is exactly why I keep coming back to them every winter.
In this list I have gathered twenty ways to make them, from a classic cobalt-blue crystal pinecone to a soft lavender one under a glass cloche. Some use a salt or borax soak, others just need paint and glitter, so you can pick the version that fits your time and budget.
Quick Picks
Short on time: the White Frost Epsom Salt Pinecone — paint, glue, salt, done.
Most magical: the Classic Cobalt Blue Crystal Pinecone — deep blue with pale crystals.
Best for the tree: the Icy Blue Ombré Pinecone Ornament — light and easy to hang.
Best for a table: the Pinecone and Fairy Light Winter Centerpiece — soft glow.
Best with kids: the Kids' Friendly Glitter Pinecone — no hot water, just sparkle.
How to Choose
Start with how you will use them. A hanging ornament needs to be light, while a centerpiece can be chunkier. Then think about colour: icy blues feel calm, while gold and teal add warmth. Soaked pinecones need a full day to dry; painted ones are ready in an hour or two.
Pick dry, open pinecones: damp cones will not hold paint.
Match the method to your day: soak when you have overnight; paint when you do not.
Keep it indoors: salt and crystal finishes dissolve in rain and snow.
Mind little hands and pets: keep borax and glitter away from children and pets.
Test one first: try colours on a single cone before a whole batch.
1. Classic Cobalt Blue Crystal Pinecone
Deep cobalt-blue paint covers every scale, while pale blue and white crystals cluster thickly on the raised tips, catching the light like fresh frost. This is the look that started my love for frosted pinecones, and it still feels the most magical on a mantel or a Christmas tree. The strong blue base makes the white sparkle stand out. I like to display it on its own first, just to enjoy that icy glow.
You'll need: pinecone, cobalt-blue paint, pale blue crystals, glue, brush
Time: 1 hr + overnight
Approx. cost: $4
Difficulty: Easy
Reusable?: Yes
Tip: Paint in thin layers and let each coat dry fully.
Make it your own: Swap the clear crystals for icy aqua ones.
2. White Frost Epsom Salt Pinecone
Fine white Epsom salt crystals dust every scale tip, giving this pinecone the soft, powdery look of snow that has just settled. It is the simplest of all the DIY winter crafts in this list, and it suits almost any room because white goes with everything. I love how forgiving it is — uneven patches just look like natural snowfall. Pop a few in a bowl and you have instant winter.
You'll need: pinecone, white paint, glue, Epsom salt crystals, glitter, brush
Time: 30 min + drying
Approx. cost: $3
Difficulty: Easy
Reusable?: Yes
Tip: Brush glue only onto the tips, so the brown scales show through.
3. Silver Glitter Snow-Tipped Pinecone
Silver glitter sparkles across the very tips of the scales, like sunlight hitting a frosty morning. The base stays a warm natural brown, so the pinecone still looks like something you found on a walk, just dressed up a little. This is one of my favourite glitter pinecones for a calm, elegant table, because the silver is bright without being loud. It pairs beautifully with white candles and a linen runner.
You'll need: pinecone, white paint, silver glitter, glue, brush
Time: 25 min + drying
Approx. cost: $3
Difficulty: Easy
Reusable?: Yes
Tip: Sprinkle glitter over a tray so you can reuse the extra.
Make it your own: Add tiny clear beads for an icicle effect.
4. Icy Blue Ombré Pinecone Ornament
Pale ice blue fades into white at the tips of this pinecone, with a slim ribbon loop ready for hanging. The ombré effect makes it look soft and dreamy, and it is light enough to hang on even the thinnest tree branch. I think of it as the gentlest of the winter pinecone ornaments here. A small cluster looks like a little frozen cloud. I hang mine near a window, where the pale blue glows softly.
You'll need: pinecone, pale blue and white paint, ribbon, glue, glitter
Time: 40 min + drying
Approx. cost: $3
Difficulty: Easy
Reusable?: Yes
Tip: Blend the blue into the white while both are slightly damp.
5. Frosted Pinecone in a Mason Jar Snow Globe
A single frosted pinecone stands inside a clear mason jar, surrounded by a pinch of fake snow at the base and a soft glow from behind. The jar turns an ordinary pinecone into a little winter scene you can pick up and move anywhere. I keep one on my desk all winter because it feels like a tiny snow globe without water to spill. The clear glass shows every crystal clearly.
You'll need: small frosted pinecone, mason jar, fake snow, twine
Time: 20 min
Approx. cost: $5
Difficulty: Easy
Reusable?: Yes
Tip: Glue the pinecone to the jar lid, so you can lift it out to dust.
Make it your own: Tuck a sprig of greenery beside the cone.
6. Pinecone and Fairy Light Winter Centerpiece
Warm fairy lights wind through a shallow tray of frosted pinecones, casting a soft golden glow over white crystals and pale greenery. This snowy pinecone centerpiece is the one I reach for when friends come over, because it takes minutes to put together. Keep the lights battery-operated. The lights do most of the work, turning plain pinecones into something warm and welcoming for guests. It looks lovely without any fuss.
You'll need: 3–5 frosted pinecones, shallow tray, battery fairy lights, greenery
Time: 15 min
Approx. cost: $8
Difficulty: Easy
Reusable?: Yes
Tip: Hide the battery pack under a pinecone at the back.
7. Rose Gold Blush Crystal Pinecone
Blush pink paint softens the scales, while rose-gold glitter and pale crystals add a warm, rosy shimmer. This pinecone feels softer and more romantic than the icy blues, and I love it in a bedroom or on a dressing table where the light is gentle. The pink and gold make Christmas pinecone decor feel less traditional and more personal. It is a lovely choice if blue is not your colour, and the soft pink feels calm.
You'll need: pinecone, blush pink paint, rose-gold glitter, pale crystals, glue
Time: 45 min + drying
Approx. cost: $4
Difficulty: Easy
Reusable?: Yes
Tip: Use a light hand with the glitter, so the pink stays visible.
Make it your own: Pair it with cream candles.
8. Mini Pinecone Garland with Icy Beads
Tiny pinecones, each frosted white at the tips, hang in a row along twine with clear icy beads between them. The garland is light and delicate, and it looks wonderful draped across a mantel, a doorway, or a bookshelf. The beads catch the light like drops of ice. This pinecone garland is quick to make and easy to store flat. I drape mine across a bookshelf, where it catches the light.
You'll need: 6–8 mini pinecones, twine, clear beads, white paint, glitter
Time: 1 hr, plus drying
Approx. cost: $6
Difficulty: Easy
Reusable?: Yes
Tip: Knot the twine on either side of each cone so nothing slides.
9. Pinecone Wreath with Frosted Tips
A grapevine wreath is filled with frosted pinecones, their white-tipped scales facing outward like a ring of snow. A simple bow finishes it, and the whole thing feels welcoming on a front door or above a fireplace. This frosted pinecone wreath is sturdy, and you can refresh it each year with new ribbon. Keep it indoors so the salt finish stays dry. A simple bow finishes it, and the whole ring feels welcoming.
You'll need: grapevine wreath base, 8–10 frosted pinecones, hot glue, ribbon
Time: 1 hr, plus drying
Approx. cost: $10
Difficulty: Medium
Reusable?: Yes
Tip: Glue the largest cones first, then fill gaps with smaller ones.
Make it your own: Add dried orange slices for contrast.
10. Snowy Pinecone Candle Holder Ring
Frosted pinecones form a small ring around a glass candle holder, with a battery LED candle glowing in the middle. The light shines through the crystals and makes the whole ring sparkle, which feels very calm on a dark winter evening. I use this on the dining table a lot, and I always choose an LED candle — never a real flame near dried pinecones. It is simple, safe, and very pretty.
You'll need: 5–6 small frosted pinecones, glass holder, LED candle, glue
Time: 30 min
Approx. cost: $7
Difficulty: Easy
Reusable?: Yes
Tip: Use a low, wide holder so the pinecones sit stably.
11. Teal and Aqua Frozen Pinecone
Teal paint deepens the lower scales while aqua crystals sparkle across the top, giving this pinecone a cool, coastal winter feel. It is a fresh change from the usual blue and white, and it looks wonderful with silver and sea-glass colours. I like this one in a bathroom or a bright kitchen, where the teal feels clean and modern. The crystals catch the light in a way that reminds me of frozen sea spray.
You'll need: pinecone, teal and aqua paint, aqua crystals, glue, brush
Time: 50 min + overnight
Approx. cost: $4
Difficulty: Easy
Reusable?: Yes, store dry
Tip: Paint the teal first and let it dry before adding the aqua.
Make it your own: Add white shell pieces at the base.
12. Pinecone Ornament with Velvet Ribbon
A deep navy velvet ribbon is tied in a soft bow at the top of a white-frosted pinecone, with a hanging loop in the same ribbon. The velvet adds a rich, cosy texture that contrasts beautifully with the crisp frost. This is one of my favourite winter pinecone ornaments for a grown-up tree. It also makes a lovely gift topper. The velvet adds a rich, cosy texture against the crisp white frost.
You'll need: frosted pinecone, navy velvet ribbon, glue, scissors
Time: 20 min
Approx. cost: $4
Difficulty: Easy
Reusable?: Yes
Tip: Cut the ribbon ends at an angle so they do not fray.
13. Frosted Pinecone Place Cards
A tiny frosted pinecone holds a small card with a guest's name, sitting on a white plate at the table with a sprig of greenery. These place cards turn an ordinary winter dinner into something special, and guests can take their pinecone home afterwards. I love how personal they feel — such a small touch, but everyone notices. Use a fine pen and thick card so the names stay neat and readable.
You'll need: mini frosted pinecones, name cards, fine pen, greenery, glue
Time: 30 min for 6
Approx. cost: $5 for 6
Difficulty: Easy
Reusable?: Yes, pinecones only
Tip: Write the names before you glue the cards in place.
Make it your own: Use kraft card for rustic, or gold card for festive.
14. Pinecone and Eucalyptus Mantel Swag
Frosted pinecones nestle among soft eucalyptus stems along a mantel, with a little white paint on the leaves for a frosted match. The swag feels fresh and calm, and the eucalyptus adds a gentle scent that suits a living room. I like it because it uses the whole mantel without looking crowded. Keep it away from real flames. The eucalyptus adds a gentle scent that suits a living room perfectly.
You'll need: 5–7 frosted pinecones, eucalyptus stems, twine, white paint
Time: 45 min
Approx. cost: $9
Difficulty: Easy
Reusable?: Yes
Tip: Arrange the swag flat on a table first, then lift it onto the mantel.
15. Lavender Frost Pinecone in a Glass Cloche
A single lavender-tinted pinecone sits on a small wooden base under a clear glass cloche, with a sprinkle of fake snow around it. The cloche makes it feel like a precious little museum piece, and the lavender colour is soft and calming. This is the quietest project here, and I keep mine on a bedside table. It also keeps dust off the crystals. The lavender colour is soft and calming in morning light.
You'll need: small pinecone, lavender paint, pale crystals, glass cloche, fake snow
Time: 40 min + drying
Approx. cost: $8
Difficulty: Easy
Reusable?: Yes
Tip: Make sure the pinecone is dry before you put the cloche on.
Make it your own: Add a dried lavender sprig beside the cone.
16. Gold-Dipped Crystal Pinecone
The base of this pinecone is dipped in warm gold paint, while the upper scales stay frosted white with clear crystals. The gold gives it a festive, celebratory feel, and it looks wonderful with candles and warm lights. I think of it as the dressiest pinecone here — perfect for a New Year table. The gold and frost contrast makes it stand out. It looks wonderful with candles and warm lights.
You'll need: pinecone, gold and white paint, clear crystals, glue, brush
Time: 45 min + drying
Approx. cost: $5
Difficulty: Medium
Reusable?: Yes, store dry
Tip: Dip only the bottom third, so the gold edge stays soft.
17. Pinecone Snowy Window Sill Display
A row of frosted pinecones lines a sunny window sill, with fake snow, a few clear beads, and a small potted evergreen beside them. Daylight shines through the crystals and makes the whole sill sparkle, especially on a bright frosty morning. This display costs almost nothing if you already have the pinecones, and it brightens a grey winter room. I move mine around the house whenever I want a quick lift.
You'll need: 4–6 frosted pinecones, fake snow, clear beads, small evergreen
Time: 15 min
Approx. cost: $4
Difficulty: Easy
Reusable?: Yes
Tip: Put the tallest pinecone in the middle for balance.
Make it your own: Add tiny battery lights for evening sparkle.
18. Kids' Friendly Glitter Pinecone
Bright white paint and chunky glitter cover this pinecone in a thick, snowy coat that children can make with just a brush and a tray. There is no hot water and no soaking here, which makes it the safest choice for little hands — an adult can help with the glue, and children can do the fun sprinkling. I love how proud children are of these glitter pinecones. Let them dry fully before they are picked up.
You'll need: pinecone, white paint, chunky glitter, glue, brush, tray
Time: 20 min + drying
Approx. cost: $3
Difficulty: Easy
Reusable?: Yes
Tip: Work on a paper-lined tray so the glitter stays contained.
19. Pinecone and Pine Branch Table Runner
Frosted pinecones rest along a linen runner with fresh pine branches, clear beads, and a dusting of fake snow down the middle. The runner stretches the winter feeling across the whole table without needing a big centrepiece. I use this for family dinners because it leaves room for plates while still looking festive. Replace fresh branches weekly, or use faux ones. The runner stretches the winter feeling across the whole table.
You'll need: 5–7 frosted pinecones, linen runner, pine branches, fake snow
Time: 20 min
Approx. cost: $7
Difficulty: Easy
Reusable?: Yes, pinecones only
Tip: Keep the runner low and flat so guests can see each other.
Make it your own: Weave in cinnamon sticks for scent.
20. Frosted Pinecone Gift Topper
A small frosted pinecone is tied onto a wrapped gift with twine and a sprig of greenery, turning plain wrapping paper into something special. The pinecone is the gift tag, the decoration, and a little keepsake all in one. I use this topper on almost every winter gift I wrap. Tie it firmly, and add a name tag under a busy tree. The pinecone is the decoration and a little keepsake in one.
You'll need: small frosted pinecone, twine, greenery sprig, name tag
Time: 10 min per gift
Approx. cost: $2
Difficulty: Easy
Reusable?: Yes
Tip: Glue a twine loop to the base first, so it does not slip off.
Quick Comparison
| Item | Difficulty | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cobalt Blue Crystal | Easy | 1 hr | Display |
| White Frost Epsom Salt | Easy | 30 min | Quick decor |
| Silver Glitter Snow-Tipped | Easy | 25 min | Table |
| Icy Blue Ombré Ornament | Easy | 40 min | Tree |
| Pinecone in a Mason Jar | Easy | 20 min | Gift |
| Fairy Light Centerpiece | Easy | 15 min | Parties |
| Rose Gold Blush Crystal | Easy | 45 min | Shelf |
| Mini Pinecone Garland | Easy | 1 hr | Mantel |
| Pinecone Wreath | Medium | 1 hr | Door |
| Pinecone Candle Ring | Easy | 30 min | Table |
| Teal and Aqua Pinecone | Easy | 50 min | Modern room |
| Velvet Ribbon Ornament | Easy | 20 min | Tree |
| Pinecone Place Cards | Easy | 30 min | Dinner |
| Eucalyptus Mantel Swag | Easy | 45 min | Mantel |
| Lavender Cloche Pinecone | Easy | 40 min | Bedside |
| Gold-Dipped Pinecone | Medium | 45 min | Festive table |
| Window Sill Display | Easy | 15 min | Windowsill |
| Kids' Glitter Pinecone | Easy | 20 min | Kids |
| Pine Branch Table Runner | Easy | 20 min | Dinners |
| Pinecone Gift Topper | Easy | 10 min | Gifts |
Mistakes to Avoid
Using damp pinecones: Wet cones will not hold paint, and may go mouldy. Dry them fully first.
Soaking without a plan for drying: Soaked pinecones need a full day to dry. Do not display them until dry.
Going too heavy with glue: Thick glue dries cloudy and hides crystals. Use thin dots only.
Using a real flame near pinecones: Dried pinecones are flammable, so always use LED candles.
Displaying salt finishes outdoors: Epsom salt crystals and borax crystal pinecones dissolve in rain and snow. Keep them indoors and dry.
Skipping a test cone: Colours look different on a real pinecone. Try one cone first.
Final Tips for Beautiful Frozen Pinecones
Start with one hero piece: Make your favourite first, then build around its colours.
Layer textures, not just colour: Mix crystals, glitter, and greenery so the display feels rich.
Store them dry: Wrap each pinecone in tissue in a dry box, so the crystals stay bright.
Refresh, do not replace: A light new coat of glitter or fresh ribbon makes old pinecones feel new.
Keep it simple: A few well-made pinecones in a bowl look better than a crowded display.
How do I make borax crystal pinecones safely?
Borax crystal pinecones are made by dissolving borax in very hot water, submerging a tied pinecone, and leaving it overnight. Only an adult should handle the hot water and borax. The piece is decoration only — keep it away from children and pets.
Can I use Epsom salt crystals instead of borax?
Yes, Epsom salt crystals give a finer, frostier finish than borax, for a soft snowy look. Dissolve the salt in hot water, soak the pinecone, and leave it to dry overnight. It is decor-only and should be kept dry indoors.
Will my pinecones close up when they get wet?
They often do — pinecones close their scales when wet and open again as they dry. Do not worry if a soaked pinecone looks different at first. Give it a full day in a warm, dry spot, and the scales should reopen.
How long do frosted pinecones last?
If you keep them dry indoors, frosted pinecones can last all winter and often into next year. Salt finishes do not like damp rooms, so store them in tissue in a dry box. A soft brush will freshen them up.
Are glitter pinecones safe for kids to make?
Yes, if you choose a simple paint-and-glitter version with no hot water or soaking. An adult should help with glue, and children can brush on paint and sprinkle glitter. Make sure the pinecones dry fully before they are handled or given as gifts.
A Little Frost to Keep
I hope these twenty ideas have given you a start — make one pinecone or a tray with your family. This craft is forgiving — a little extra glitter still looks like winter. Pick the idea that makes you smile.
