Turn it on its side
Set the pinecone sideways. The scales naturally start to look like sunflower petals around the darker center.
Mecosta County Kids activity
Pinecone Sunflowers
This one is about as simple as it looks: find a good pinecone, turn it sideways, add yellow paint and let the shape do most of the work.
What you need
- A dry pinecone
- Yellow washable craft paint
- A paintbrush
- Newspaper, cardboard or another surface protector
How to make it
Paint the petals
Brush yellow paint onto the outer scales. Leave the center brown so the sunflower shape stands out.
Let it dry
Set it somewhere safe until it is completely dry. Make several if you want a little fall “bouquet.”
Make the walk part of it
Collect the pinecones during a park or trail walk, then bring them home for the craft. Use only fallen pinecones, and check them for dirt or tiny hitchhikers before bringing them inside.