DIY with Local Pine Needles~ Crafts

For more DIY crafts by Scherer visit HERE.

Here’s a simple and inexpensive holiday craft project for kids using materials you may already have at home. The pilgrim figures above are made from Eastern White Pine needles, which can be found beneath the trees in autumn. Gather a small bundle of the needles and tie them together with string to form the shape of a man and woman. For a creative touch, you can add simple clothing made from fabric scraps. This craft is not only fun but also a great way to get kids involved in nature!

Pine tassels are made from Eastern White Pine needles, acorn tops, and hemp string. After a November windstorm, high winds brought down many green Eastern White Pine tree branches, and like the old needles, they’re perfect for natural, homemade projects.

Pine smudge sticks are easy to make by gathering several pine needles into a bundle and tying them with cotton string. In certain cultures, smudge sticks are burned as part of spiritual traditions, where the smoke is waved with a smudge wand and believed to ward off negative energy, promote healing, restore balance, and more. Personally, I enjoy burning them outdoors during a summer campfire—the aroma is wonderful, and it often sparks great conversations about the many benefits of pine trees.

Dried pine needles work just as well, and when mixed with sage, rosemary, or other dried herbs and flowers, they make a thoughtful gift for gardeners, herbalists, foragers, or anyone who simply loves the outdoors.

Check out my post on Eastern White Pine Tea, as well as another on Pine Cone Tussie-Mussies.