How to Make a Pinecone and Dried Orange Garland
- Astrid van Essen
- 11 hours ago
- 4 min read
A pinecone and dried orange garland is an easy way to bring foraged texture and a little colour into your home for autumn or Christmas. It feels seasonal without relying on plastic decorations, and the individual pieces can be reused or composted when the garland eventually comes apart.
This tutorial uses pinecones, dried orange slices and natural twine as its base. You can keep it pared back or add cinnamon sticks, wooden beads, seed heads and evergreen cuttings. For more ways to use your collection, see 15 Things to Make with Pinecones.
What you will need
Dry pinecones in a mixture of small and medium sizes
Fully dried orange slices
Strong natural twine or thin jute cord
Scissors
Short pieces of florist’s wire or extra twine for attaching the pinecones
Optional: cinnamon sticks, wooden beads, seed heads, dried leaves or small evergreen sprigs
Before you begin
Make sure every pinecone and orange slice is completely dry. Any trapped moisture can lead to mould, particularly once the garland is hanging in a warm room.
Brush dirt and loose debris from the pinecones. If they have been collected while damp, leave them on newspaper in a warm, well-ventilated place until the scales reopen and the centre feels dry.
Check the orange slices too. They should feel dry rather than tacky, with no soft areas around the centre.
Step 1: Decide on the length and layout
Measure the mantel, shelf, window or wall where the garland will hang, then add approximately 30 cm or 12 inches so there is enough cord for tying and a gentle curve.
Lay the twine flat on a table and arrange the materials beside it before attaching anything. Alternating pinecones and orange slices creates a simple rhythm, but a slightly irregular pattern tends to look more natural.
Step 2: Attach the pinecones
Wrap a short piece of wire or twine around the upper scales near the base of each pinecone. Twist or knot it securely, then attach it to the main cord.
Space the pinecones approximately 10–15 cm or 4–6 inches apart. Small cones can sit closer together; larger cones need more breathing room so the finished garland does not feel heavy.
Do not rely on glue alone for heavier cones. A tied or wired attachment is easier to repair and far less likely to drop unexpectedly.
Step 3: Add the dried orange slices
Thread the main twine through the dried flesh close to the rind, or tie each slice on with a separate short length of fine cord. Avoid making the hole too close to the edge, as the slice may split.
Add one or two slices between the pinecones. Slightly overlapping pairs create more colour, while single slices produce a lighter, simpler garland.
Step 4: Add optional botanical details
Fill selected gaps with cinnamon sticks, seed heads, small wooden beads or dried leaves. You do not need to decorate every space; leaving sections of twine visible keeps the composition relaxed.
Fresh evergreen can be added shortly before displaying the garland, but it will eventually dry and may shed. For a longer-lasting piece, use already dried foliage or removable sprigs that can be replaced.
Step 5: Make hanging loops
Tie a secure loop at both ends of the main cord. If the garland is long or particularly heavy, add a hidden support loop in the centre to prevent it sagging too far.
Lift the garland slowly and check that each element is secure before hanging it. Make small spacing adjustments while it is still on the table.
Where to display your garland
A pinecone and orange garland works well across a mantel, along an open shelf, over a mirror or around a window. It can also be used as a natural table runner when laid loosely among candles and seasonal foliage.
Keep it well away from open flames, hot stove pipes, radiators and areas where it can be pulled down by children or pets. Dried oranges, twine and pinecones are all combustible.
How to make it feel autumnal rather than Christmassy
For an autumn version, combine pinecones and orange slices with seed heads, dried grasses, rosehips and muted leaves. Use plain jute cord and avoid shiny ribbon.
For Christmas, add a few cinnamon sticks, dark green foliage or simple wooden ornaments. You can also begin with the How to Make a Simple Natural Wreath Base From Garden Cuttings if you want to make a matching wreath.
Can the materials be reused?
At the end of the season, untie the garland rather than throwing it away whole. Clean, dry pinecones can be stored in a cardboard box for another project. Wooden beads and wire can also be reused.
Compost untreated orange slices, leaves and natural twine where appropriate. Do not compost materials that have been painted, glittered, perfumed or treated with synthetic coatings.
More natural autumn craft ideas
The same materials can be used for table decorations, gift wrapping, ornaments and small wreaths. Explore the Kitchen Witch Crafts for Autumn: 9 Botanical Projects with Herbs & Resins for more projects using leaves, branches, herbs and seed heads.
If you have dried more citrus than you need, use it in another decoration or seasonal project rather than crowding the garland. You may also find ideas in 5 Creative Things To Do with Oranges for Christmas: Simple, Scented and Sustainable Ideas.
Frequently asked questions How to Make a Pinecone and Dried Orange Garland
1. How long will a pinecone and dried orange garland last?
If every component is thoroughly dried and the garland is kept away from moisture, it can last for the full season. Pinecones can often be reused for several years.
2. How do I stop dried orange slices going mouldy?
Dry them until they are no longer soft or tacky, allow them to cool completely and store or display them somewhere dry with good airflow.
3. Can I use fresh orange slices in the garland?
No. Fresh slices contain too much moisture and will quickly spoil. Use fully dehydrated or oven-dried slices.
4. Do I need a hot-glue gun?
No. Twine or fine wire creates a more repairable garland and is more reliable for supporting heavier pinecones.
5. Can I add essential oils to the garland?
It is better to keep this craft unscented, especially near painted surfaces, pets or children. Oil can mark materials and makes the garland unsuitable for later burning or composting.
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