Throwing theme parties is so fun and what better idea for the summer than a tropical party?! However purchasing party decorations can be so expensive just to use one time. Not to worry when you can make your own! Read on to see how to transform pine cones into pineapples for tropical parties. These can be used for place card holders or for tabletop decor.
First, start by rounding up some pine cones. These were from a local park which kept the cost to $0 but can also be purchased at a craft store. Check to see if they will stand up on their own as they will need to be upright for the pineapples to take shape. If they do not stand on their own keep them to the side. They can be used for tropical flowers. Also, make sure they are in good shape and not falling apart. They need to be sturdy.
Next, use a disposable plate if you have one to keep the mess minimal. For this step, you will need acrylic paint in the colors of your choice and a regular paint brush. White works great as a base coat as it helps the other colors to pop more instead of painting them straight onto the brown pine cones.
Make sure to paint layer by layer to get the best coverage.
Allow the pine cones to dry before you begin painting the next color onto them.
Now paint on tropical colors. I choose to do them in several different colors so each one was unique.
They can even be done in two toned paint. This one above would not stand right so I used a knife to cut off part of the bottom. It was then used to create a flower instead.
Felt was used for the leaves by cutting random lengths but using the same basic shape. Make sure your paint is completely dry before beginning to glue them on. I used hot glue here as it is faster, but craft glue would work as well. Start from the top and work down in rows until the pineapple starts to look full.
The bottom right corner shows the tropical flower option. For those cut out larger leaf shapes and glue in rows.
As you are working the hot glue may string onto the rest of the pinecone, but can easily be removed once cooled. Once cooled…remember that part and you won’t have blisters like I always have! 😉 
And voila! There you have it! Fun tropical accents for very little money!
Oh my goodness! This is so adorable. As a Hawaii girl moving back to Michigan (and pine cones) I can’t wait to make these.
So glad you like it Bailey! And wow Hawaii to Michigan! That is quite the climate change!
This is such a cute DIY. I would never have thought of doing that.
Thank you so much!
That’s an awesome idea! I never would have thought to use pine cones in decorations this way.
Thank you so much Theresa!
Pretty awesome idea for left over pine cones especially if you have so much from the Christmas decorations! I think this is awesome and it’s a lot of fun as well.
Thank you Jocelyn!
That’s something that I could make at home! I can’t believe I never thought about turning pine cones into pineapples! That’s so adorable!
Thank you Amanda!!
Ok now these are adorable! What a cute craft for anyone, but it would be so fun for kids over summer break! I also love this idea for a luau party!
Thank you Allison! So glad you like them!!
What a fun summer craft! My daughter is sitting next to me and just asked if we could get out our holiday decorations to make these.
Awesome Heather!!! I hope y’all enjoy crafting them together!!!! I’d love to see pics when you are done!
What a fun and cute idea!! I never would have thought to use pinecones to make pineapples but it’s so perfect!!
Thank you so much!!
This is such a cute and creative idea. I love that you can use pine cones and don’t have to spend a lot of money.
Thank you so much!