16. Sculptural Giant Sugar Pine Statement Garland

Using oversized sugar pinecones (8 to 12 inches long) spaced widely along a heavy natural rope, this design creates an architectural statement for large fireplaces or entryways.

  • What This Idea Means: A bold installation that uses fewer, larger pinecones as high-impact sculptural elements rather than many small repeated pieces.
  • Materials Needed:
    • 6 to 8 large sugar pinecones or coulter pinecones
    • 1-inch thick twisted manila rope or unbleached cotton yachting cord
    • Heavy-duty screw eyes (1/2-inch eyelet)
    • Heavy brass S-hooks or leather hanging straps
  • How to Make It:
    1. Carefully drill a small pilot hole into the top stem of each large sugar pinecone.
    2. Screw in the heavy-duty eye hooks securely.
    3. Loop leather straps around the main 1-inch rope at generous 12-to-15-inch intervals.
    4. Clip the pinecone eyelets directly onto the leather loops using brass S-hooks.
    5. Drape the heavy rope with deep, dramatic swoops across a large wall or mantle.
  • Tips and Variations: Leave the cones raw and unfinished, allowing their natural weathered gray and amber wood tones to stand out against the thick cordage.