Pinecones have always been a winter symbol, reminding us of woodland walks and cozy firesides.

By creating an oversized pinecone, you bring that same nostalgic charm indoors.

It’s not just decoration, it’s a conversation piece, a touch of the forest tucked neatly into your home.

Materials Needed

• Large sheets of cardboard or thin plywood (24”×36” for scales)
• Hot glue gun with extra glue sticks
• Brown craft paint and brush
• Green cardstock or faux leaves for accents
• Red craft berries or ornaments (1” size)
• Scissors or craft knife
• Wall hooks or heavy-duty adhesive strips

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Sketch the shape of a pinecone on your base cardboard or plywood, keeping it as large as your wall space allows.

Step 2: Cut oval-shaped scales (about 4–6 inches long) from your cardboard sheets. You’ll need around 40-50 for a full layered look.

Step 3: Paint the scales in different shades of brown, adding darker tones near the edges for depth. Let them dry fully.

Step 4: Begin gluing the scales onto your base, starting at the bottom and overlapping each layer to mimic a real pinecone.

Step 5: Add faux leaves and red berries near the top for a holiday accent, giving it that extra festive detail.

Step 6: Mount your giant pinecone to the wall using hooks or strong adhesive strips.

Note:

I once made a similar version and discovered that mixing matte and glossy paint finishes made the scales look almost three-dimensional, catching the light beautifully.