Step 1 - Trim
Collect some pinecones!
Store bought pinecones are already cleaned, dried,
and fully opened and work wonderfully.
If you collect ones from nature, sterilize them first.
To do this, brush and wash them in soapy water to remove dirt
and debris. Then, place them on a foil lined baking sheet and dry
them in a 200 degree oven. It will take between 30 minutes to an
hour for them to fully dry and open up.
Monitor them frequently, as the stems may start to smoke
when the pinecone is fully dry.
Alternatively, to do this without baking, soak them in
a 2:1 water: vinegar mixture for 30 minutes.
Then, let them air dry for about 3 days.
