Bleached Pine Cones

Some time ago I had this idea of bleaching pine cones.  We have trees in our yard that drop pine cones every year and I have used them for many different projects.  But I wanted to see if I could get the pine cones a lighter color so that the pink glitter I wanted to put of them would show up better.  Heck, the pine cones are free and bleach is cheap so why not give it a try.

 
I gathered a bunch of pine cones to fill this large plastic container that I had and then poured bleach over them, enough to cover them all.  Now here is where I should have done a little more research.  When the pine cones and bleach were mixed the bleach not only heated up but the bleach expanded and started seeping over the top of the container.  You guessed it, Jeff was not happy.  I quickly moved the whole thing to the sink.  I had no idea that anyone else had ever bleaching pine cones before.  After Jeff suggested I Google bleaching pine cones, there are a bunch of sites on how to's, they recommend a bleach and water mixture as opposed to straight bleach, oops!

 
When the pine cones absorb the bleach they close up.  I left them in the bleach for 24 hours and was disappointed that the did not lighten up a much as I had anticipated.  Darn. 

 
However, I put them in the oven at 250 degrees to speed up the drying process and as they opened and dried, they came out this beautiful light tan color.  Score!  This is exactly what I was hoping for.  Perfect to add a little pink glitter.

These are going to be a great addition to this year's pink Christmas. Oh, yeah!

I am participating in the following link ups:  Between Naps on the Porch, Its so Very Cheri, The Girl Creative, The DIY Showoff, Keeping It Simple, Skip to my Lou, Coastal charm, Domestially Speaking, Today's Creative Blog, All Things Merry & Brite, Its a Hodgepodge Life, Just A Girl, The Shabby Nest, Simply Sweet Home, Finding Fabulous, Its Fun to Craft, Thrifty Tickle, Tidy Mom

Comments

[Carrie Merth]

Cool!! I want to do something similar to some pinecones for Christmas.... I am thinking red!!

[amy]

Those are really pretty! Everyone needs pink pine cones....I have tons of pine cones laying around here.

[Beth @ Wiccan Make Some Too]

Awesome idea. I love them. The glitter accents the pine cones to perfection.

[Kim @ Cheap Chic Home]

I was wondering if you could bleach pinecones, as well. I'm so glad you tried it and gave us some tips and showed the results. Very nice!

[Robin~All Things Heart and Home]

I love this! I've never thought of bleaching them!!! Brilliant. And I just clicked over to your pink Christmas...love love love!
I've changed all my colors this year and pink is a biggy for me!
Your pinecone project may be just the addition I need!

Thanks so much for linking to All Things Merry & Brite! The linky will be open until Sunday so come back later if you want to link another brite idea!
xo
Robin

[Sue]

I laughed when I read this because it is just the type of thing that would happen to me. I think the end result is just beautiful. I want to know though did the pine cone and bleach smell fill the kitchen when you had them in the oven?

[Nina@MommaGoRound]

So cool! What a great idea. Thanks for sharing :)

[Korrie@RedHenHome]

Wow! I had no idea you could bleach pine cones! They'll be a great addition to your pink Christmas.
Thanks for stopping by Red Hen Home!

[Jerri]

Very neat! I never would have thought to bleach pine cones! And your story just proves that on the internet there really is a tutorial for everything. lol. Thanks for linking up for Friday Favorites last week!

[Carol]

Found you through the Shabby Nest. I have been wanting to use pinecones this year, but have been unsure how to mix them in my living and dining spaces with so much dark wood already. This is the perfect idea! Now I just have to get my hands on some pinecones...

Carol
antiquetexan.blogspot.com

[CeCe]

I have tried this twice.....followed all the directions and neither time have my pinecones turned white.. just a little lighter brown. I am so bummed. I have used dollar store bleach and clorox bleach. I just don't get it. Any thoughts?