Painting with pine cones is a fun creative art activity for preschoolers. These simple painting tools are easy to make from the top portion of regular pine cones. Add interest to your next process art experience by using pine cones as paint brushes and stamps.

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Pine cones can be used in kids play in many different ways, from the sandbox to the craft box and everything in between.

We've had fun using pine cones outdoors to create a pine cone trail. Indoors, we've added to our Christmas decorations by painting pine cone ornaments. 

Related:  Pine cones in the sandbox

Painting with pine cones

Painting activities just got a little more interesting with this DIY painting tool made from a pine cone.

The variety of textures and colors of the materials promote fine motor and sensory play as kids create beautiful , open-ended pictures.

Instructions for painting with pine cones

Separate the top portion of the pine cone with a craft knife or scissors. 

Pine cones are tough, so this takes a bit of pressure and wiggling to get through. If the pine cones are dry, some of the leaves will break off or crumble.

Leave 3 or 4 rows of leaves on the top portion. This becomes your new painting tool.

Pour paints into jar lids or foam trays.

We were able to use jar lids of the same color as the paints for a little color matching!

Use the stem of the pine cone for a handle, or simply grip the pine cone top if there is no handle.

Paint can be applied to the paper in different ways. 

• swipe the cone across the paper
• rotate the cone in a circular motion
• stamp the cone onto the paper

Related:  Painting with craft sticks 

Make a Christmas tree by stamping graduated rows with a pine cone top.

• Apply lights and a star with a tip of one of the leaves of a pine cone, or with a smaller top. 
  
  
• Make a trunk by gluing a single leaf from a pine cone to the base of the tree.

Christmas on Pinterest

Provide a unique painting experience for preschoolers with a pine cone painting tool. 

The colors and patterns or the finished artwork will be fun to display at home or in the classroom!

STEAM KIDS CHRISTMAS
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Pompom STEAM activity for preschoolers