HEDGEHOG made of Pinecones DIY | Autumn/fall crafts

Posted by Raminta Sorokin on September 9, 2024

Make a Pinecone Hedgehog: A Fun and Creative Craft Project!

Are you looking for a fun and creative craft project using pinecones? Why not try making a hedgehog out of pinecones? This simple yet adorable craft is easy to make and perfect for the autumn season!

Summer is over, and it's time for autumn/fall crafts! I live surrounded by a forest, and my backyard pine tree drops lots of beautiful pinecones. They’re too pretty to throw away! Last year, I made a wreath out of them, and this year, I decided to make hedgehogs. I love hedgehogs! In the past, I made some out of toilet paper rolls, but this time I wanted to try something different.

Now, you can create your very own hedgehog made entirely out of pinecones. It’s a quirky and charming addition to your home décor or a fun project to do during the colder months. Let’s dive into the world of pinecone hedgehogs!

Full tutorial on my YouTube channel

The Process

1. Create the Base:
First, you need to make a base for your hedgehog. It doesn’t really matter what materials you use, but it should be in an oval shape. I made mine using newspaper and packing paper. The face was made using a cardboard tube from a toilet paper roll.

2. Prepare the Pinecones:
Next, you'll need to break the pinecones into individual scales. Use pliers to carefully remove the scales, starting at the top. You won’t be able to use the entire pinecone, but save the leftover "flower-like" pieces for future crafts.

I made two hedgehogs—one using mostly the smaller, top scales of the pinecones, and another using the larger scales. In the video, you’ll see the hedgehog I made with the smaller scales. To me, it looks like a female, and the other one looks like a male, so I think of them as a pair. You can find them in my Etsy shop if you'd like to have them! Click here

3. Paint and Assemble:
After you glue the head and body together, paint the body dark brown. Initially, I started gluing the scales with clear hot glue, but I didn’t like how visible it was. So I painted the base brown before continuing. I recommend using black hot glue sticks—they helped save time and improved the appearance. Start gluing the scales from the bottom and work your way up.

4. Add Finishing Details:
For the eyes, I used half pearls. I shaped the face with wiping paper to connect all the parts and create the hedgehog's features. A little bit of paint, and you're all done!

Voilà! Your Pinecone Hedgehog is Ready!

Congratulations, you’ve successfully crafted your very own pinecone hedgehog! Place it on a shelf, desk, or anywhere that needs a touch of whimsy. And the best part? This little hedgehog doesn’t need food or walks—making it the perfect low-maintenance pet.

The Final Result