Pinecone Owls: A Fall Nature Craft for Kids

Pinecones make the best owls. Their bumpy scales look like feathers, and every pinecone has its own shape, so no two owls come out alike.

You need a short walk and a few craft supplies. The project takes about 30 minutes from the walk to the finished owl.

Let kids pick their own pinecones on the walk. Choosing them teaches kids to notice shapes and textures outdoors.

Materials You'll Need

• Pinecones, medium-sized and dry
• Brown or tan felt
• Googly eyes (or a black marker for kids under 3)
• Orange cardstock or construction paper
• White craft glue
• Scissors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Collect pinecones on a walk

Look for pinecones that have opened up and feel dry. Toss any that are moldy or crumbling. Grab a few interesting leaves on the same walk to use for leaf rubbing art. Wash hands when you get home.

Step 2: Cut two wings from felt

Cut each wing into a rounded leaf shape about two inches long. An adult should do the cutting for kids under 6.

Step 3: Glue on the wings

Press a wing against each side of the pinecone and hold for a few seconds. White craft glue holds the felt to the scales.

Step 4: Add the eyes

Glue two googly eyes near the top of the pinecone. For kids under 3, skip the googly eyes. Draw eyes with a marker, since small parts are a choking hazard.

Step 5: Add the beak and let dry

Cut a small triangle from orange cardstock and glue it below the eyes. Set the owl down for 10 minutes before handling it so the glue sets.

Tips for Different Ages

Toddlers (2-3): Let them pick pinecones and press pre-cut wings into place. Draw the eyes and beak with markers. Keep all small parts out of reach.

Preschoolers (4-5): They can squeeze the glue and place wings and eyes with a little help. Have an adult cut the felt.

Early elementary (6-8): Kids this age can cut their own wings and work start to finish on their own.

Older kids (9+): Challenge them to build a whole owl family in different sizes. They can also glue the owl to a small branch for a perch.

Variations to Try

• Paint the pinecone white first for a snowy owl.
• Tie a loop of twine around the top to hang your owl as an ornament.
• Build a nest from shredded paper and set the owl inside.
• Kids who watch the birds outside can also build a bird feeder for the yard.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do you clean pinecones before crafting?

Shake them off outside to remove dirt and bugs. Rinse under water if they feel sticky, then let them dry for a day. Skip any that smell musty.

What age is best for pinecone owls?

Ages 3 and up enjoy this with an adult helping. Toddlers can join in if you swap googly eyes for drawn eyes and handle the cutting for them.

What can I use instead of googly eyes?

Draw eyes with a black marker. You can also cut white and black paper circles and glue them on. Both options remove the choking hazard for little ones.

Do I need a hot glue gun?

No. White craft glue holds felt to pinecone scales. Hot glue sets in seconds, but only an adult should handle a hot glue gun.

Where do you find pinecones?

Check under pine trees at parks and trails, especially after windy days. Bring a bag so kids can carry their own collection.

Be safe and have fun!