Pine Cone Tutorial

[Dwight]

This tutorial is on how to carve a pine cone, I used basswood for this project.

All sizes less than 1 inch are based on tenths, example: .5 = 1/2 inch.
Always wear your safety equipment and eye protection when working on this project.

Image 1 & 2
Cut a circle measuring 1.5 x .4 plus I used 8 pieces measuring 8 x .4 x .2 these will be used to make the branches for another word, I don't know what they are called.

Image 3
Bevel the bottom leaving a 1 inch flat area in the center so it can sit flat when complete. This beveling should be rounded over.

Image 4
Draw the swirls these swirls will form the unopened branches, I drew on 4 but actually cut 8 in each direction.

Image 5
With a small pear shaped ruby carver cut the lines in to the bottom to resemble image 5.

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[Dwight]

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Re: Pine Cone Tutorial

Image 6
Cut a piece 1.5 x.4x.4 round over all edges shape the top so it is a little fatter than the rest, then cut notches on the top to resemble unopened buds. Next drill a small hole in the bottom center to accept a small dowel.

Image 7 & 8
Drill a small hole in the center of the disk. This is where piece you just finish will be attached. Glue the post with the dowel to the disk.

Image 9
Here you see the disc now complete. Beside the disc are the pieces you cut in images 1 & 2, what you will do now is take a small rounded stone or cutter, and carefully cut 2 shallow groves down the length of each long piece so you have a line that is slightly raised in the center. Now flip the piece over and gently round over the bottom side.

Don't worry if the center line is not even that will only add to the reality of your pine cone.

[Dwight]

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Re: Pine Cone Tutorial

Image 10, 10a & 11
Start by knocking the edges of on end of the stick so it has a rough rounded over shape. Next cut a section off that is approx .5 inches long. In image 10 the one one the left is the top it has the center line that is slightly raised, the one on the right is the back side. This side needs to be narrow and beveled slightly, if you leave it full width you can not get all eight pieces to fit in the circle. The circle in image 10 has 8 evenly spaced areas around the edge that are gouged out slightly to accept the firs row of branches. Image 10a shows the three sizes used to make the cone.

These range from .5, .7 .9 in length. (Yours may vary slightly) Image 11 shows the first row of branches glued in place.

[Dwight]

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Re: Pine Cone Tutorial

Image 12, 13 & 14
Image 12 shows the second row, this row must be staggered from the first row, and the branches must be a little longer. Now as you progress to the 3 row (image 13) the branches are longer still and are tipping up on the outer edge and lower in the center. In image 14 you now see 5 rows, on the forth row begin making your branches smaller and you angle will be increasing as well.

Image 15 & 16
In these two images you can see how much the angle has increased. Now your branches are getting smaller in height as well. You need to end up with the last row of branches almost straight up and down to fill in the top.

[Dwight]

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Re: Pine Cone Tutorial

Image 17
This image shows the completed pine cone. Now gently sand the branches, not too much you want it to look like a pine cone not a cast of one, leave it a bit rough. Although this one is not painted the one with the bird is painted. I
used burnt umber, then a dry brush of grey and a dry brush of white. You can go out and collect pine cones in your area for painting ideas, this will also allow you to see the pattern in which the branches lay out.

I hope this has answered the question on how to carve a pine cone. If you need any more info let me know.

If you use this tutorial please post an image of your completed cone.

[Michael Short]

Re: Pine Cone Tutorial

Really neat Dwight. Thanks for taking the time to make up this tutorial.

[Dwight]

Re: Pine Cone Tutorial

Your welcome Michael, I was asked to do this after posting my posting my carving carving of the house wren. So I hope people will get something from it.

[Nomad]

Re: Pine Cone Tutorial

Great tutorial. Looks pretty realistic.

[Merle Rice]

Re: Pine Cone Tutorial

Dwight I had no idea where you were going with this so I followed along and had a delightful surprise. You did a great job on your Tutorial and enjoyed it very much. Thanks for doing it. Merle

[Wildbirdcarver]

Re: Pine Cone Tutorial

Dwight, thank you very much for the pine cone tutorial. Very realistic! Your instruction was very clear...now I've just GOT to try it. Really appreciate your efforts and kindness. Dick

[SlowMover]

Re: Pine Cone Tutorial

It looks so real, I am still fooled even though I see you creating it in the tutorial...outstanding craftsmanship.

[Dwight]

Re: Pine Cone Tutorial

Thank you to all who replied, I appreciate your comments.
Thank you SlowMover I am glad you like it.

[Nancy-G]

Re: Pine Cone Tutorial

Incredible!! Thank you so much.

[cb1959]

Re: Pine Cone Tutorial

Nice tutorial Dwight.
Thanks for sharing.
Charlie

[rickm]

Re: Pine Cone Tutorial

thats a unique approach i must say. and thansk for sharing