DIY Pine Cone Vase Candle Holder

Want to make a super simple fall-inspired centerpiece or table decor? Here’s how to make a DIY Pine Cone Vase Candle Holder!

I love decorating seasonally and switching up natural elements and accents in my space to give just a slight seasonal feel.

In the fall and winter, I love decorating with pine cones.

I have been feeling like making centerpieces and decor for the top of our dining hutch lately, so this weekend I decided to make a pine cone vase candle holder. Ha, I wish I had a better name for it than that, but that’s what it is!

It was super easy to make, and I love the final look!

How to clean pine cones

Unless you bought your pinecones from the craft store (like these!) you will probably want to clean or at least dry them.

Here are some simple steps to clean them completely:

1. Only select pine cones that are in nice condition. Don’t pick up any that are mushy or rotten or buggy.
2. Start by brushing or shaking off visible dirt or debris.
3. Optional: soak in a bowl with 2 parts water 1 part white vinegar for 15-30 minutes. Let air dry on towels or paper towels for several hours.
4. To kill anything that might be living on or in the cones, bake in the oven at 250 degrees for one hour. Watch them carefully and check often. Flip halfway through for even drying.

These steps are optional but will ensure your cones are clean and bug-free, which is important if you want to use them for indoor decor.

How to make a DIY Pine Cone Vase Candle Holder

Here’s how easy it is to make this pine cone centerpiece!

Supplies needed:

• Mini pine cones
• Large glass vase
• Small glass vase
• Battery powered votive candle
• Sandwich plastic bag (optional)

Steps to make it:

Here’s how easy it is to make this pine cone vase!

STEP 1: Pick the right vases

The most important part of this project is having 2 vases that fit inside each other with atleast 1 inch of space all the way in between.

This means that your outer vase needs to be at LEAST 2 inches wider than the smaller vase, and about the same heights.

My larger vase is 6″ across and the smaller one (actually a low ball juice glass) is 3″ across.

This allows space for the pine cones to fit in all the way around!

STEP 2: Layer the vases

Place the smaller glass centered inside the larger one.

I took a sandwich bag plastic bag and put it upside down over the inner glass. This is just temporary, but it keeps pine cones from falling into the inner glass and cuts down on frustration!

STEP 3: Add pine cones

Add pine cones between the 2 vases. Work around the vase to get it even.

Every so often, give the vase a good (but gentle) shake. This works the pine cones down so you can fit more in for a denser look, without having to push them and potentially break them.

STEP 4: Add candle

Remove the plastic bag if you used it. Add a battery powered candle to the inner vase.

STEP 5: Enjoy!

Add to your mantel, dining table, or tabletop. Enjoy the cozy glow and fall vibes!

Video tutorial

Prefer to learn via video? Click below to watch my step by step guide!