7+ ways to upgrade boring pine cones into beauties

If pine cones are littering your yard, you might have never really given them much thought other than how to get rid of them. But take a closer look and you'll see that these textured beauties really are something to behold.

Some fun and interesting DIY project ideas can transform plain pine cones into something totally new and worthy of being displayed. Whether you're looking for a glitzy statement piece for a holiday gathering or wanting a more natural and permanent addition to your home, these ideas will make you happy you've got plenty of pine cones in your backyard.

Wreaths are the perfect addition to any wall or door in your home. This seasonal wreath is designed for winter. However, you can change out a few of the details and have a wreath that hangs perfectly all year long. Get the tutorial here.

Of course snowy pine cones are beautiful, but once you have seen pine cones covered in ice, you'll never want to settle for snow-covered ones again. You might be able to figure out how to paint snowy pine cones all on your own. However, getting the right look to emulate ice-covered bits of nature is a little bit harder. Luckily, this tutorial shows you exactly how its done.

This classic craft and is an effective way to get your kiddos crafting and interested in nature.

Wish that your home could smell like the great outdoors every day? Your wish has been granted with this DIY tutorial that walks you through making deliciously scented pine cones that double as a beautiful way to fill a glass bowl.

If you like nature but you like glamour even more, the DIY project featured in the video below might be of interest. Turn up the glitz factor on something found in your backyard. The best part? It's super easy! This also makes for a beautiful Christmas ornament.

Did you know pine cones are very flammable? That makes them the perfect base for creating fire starters. This tutorial provides easy instructions. Keep the fire starters on hand for impromptu summer bonfires, or give them as party favors during the holiday season.

Bleaching pine cones give a softer, more weathered look. It's easy to do at home, but when you are using bleach, you'll want to make sure you are wearing gloves and are very careful during the process. Get the full tutorial here.

These mini Christmas trees are a cute way to brighten up the holidays. They can serve as place cards to mark guests' seats at a holiday dinner.

Bring winter's bright delights into your home by painting frosted edges on your pine cones. This tutorial shows you precisely how to carefully paint just the tips of the pine cone's scales. That is how you will get the natural look of snow. You'll also learn a really important trick for making a bunch of pine cones look more cohesive; it's all in the strategic use of pruning shears.