Fall is my favorite season, with crisp air, changing leaves and, of course, pinecones. Every walk, Meatball hunted for pinecones. We found at least four different kinds.
So we turned his collection into art. Painting with pinecones is a nature hunt and process art activity in one.
How to Paint with Pinecones
Pinecone Observation Science Experiment
Get the printablePinecones
Washable tempera paint
White paper
Craft tray or shallow box
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Go on a pinecone hunt
Collect pinecones of different shapes and sizes.
Set up
Put paper in a tray or box and squirt a few colors of paint on it.
Roll and paint
Drop in pinecones and tilt the tray to roll them through the paint. Or hold and stamp them.
Explore
Compare the marks different pinecones make.
Why Process Art Matters
Process art has no steps to follow, no sample to copy and no right or wrong. The focus is on exploring the tools and materials.
It belongs entirely to the child. Kids use fine motor skills, plan, problem-solve and express themselves, and they beam with pride at their creations.
Want to know why pinecones open and close? Try our pinecone science experiment.
More fall activities
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Love fall fine motor fun? Try our fall dot marker printables.
The pinecone experiment includes
- Step-by-step directions
- Prediction and observation sheets
- Simple science explanation
- Instant PDF download, nothing is shipped
Perfect for
- Fall science
- Nature study
- Preschool and kindergarten
- Homeschool
Pinecone Painting FAQ
Roll pinecones through paint on paper in a tray, or hold them and stamp.
Washable tempera paint.
Art focused on exploring materials, not making something that looks a certain way.
Toddlers and up.
More Fall Activities for Kids
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From families like yours
Did you try it? Tell us how it went!
We love seeing these activities out in the wild: the lumpy letters, the snack breaks, the proud “I made a B!” moments. Leave a star rating, tell other parents what worked (and what totally didn’t), and add a photo of your setup if you’d like.
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