If using outdoor pinecones, soak them in a vinegar-water mixture for 60 minutes and bake on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil at 200°F for 1-2 hours to clean and dry them. The pinecones will start to open up as they dry and will feel dry to the touch once they are done in the oven. Let them cool for 30 minutes. If you’re using store-bought pinecones, you can skip this step.
Use a paintbrush to apply green acrylic paint evenly over the pinecones. Ensure full coverage but keep the paint thin for faster drying. Let dry for about 15 minutes.
Use glue to attach small pom-poms to the tips of the pinecone scales. Mix and match colors to create a festive look.
Cut a star shape from yellow construction paper. Glue it to the top of the pinecone as the tree topper.
Allow the glue and paint to dry completely before displaying or gifting your pinecone Christmas tree.