When it comes to creating scented pine cones for your wedding or other holiday activities, the first question to ask is how much time do you have? Depending on the method, the process can take up to eight weeks! If you don't have that kind of time on your hands, you might be tempted to consider other fall wedding favor ideas. But don't worry. Whether you have eight weeks or eight minutes, there's a way to get it done in plenty of time for your wedding. And, it's easier than you might think.

PREPARATION

Regardless of which method you choose, you'll need to do a few things beforehand, especially if you're picking the pine cones from your yard.

• Preferably, gather pine cones that are still closed. They work best for scenting. However, you can still have good success with the open ones.
• Clean them thoroughly to remove any insects, sap, dirt or debris. This will not only make them look better, but they will last longer. You can use a damp cloth to clean them on the outside and a small brush to reach between the layers. If you wash them in water, you must bake them in an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet at 250 degrees for 20 minutes to dry them and to fully open the petals. Allow them to cool before scenting.
  
• If you don't have time to pick and clean them or pine cones are not plentiful in your area, you can always purchase unscented pine cones from a crafts store or floral shop.

SUPPLIES

Here's what you'll need to get started:

2 lbs. pinecones
Aluminum Foil (if needed for baking)
Newspaper
Small paintbrush
Garbage bag
Ingredients for scenting (see various recipes below)

SLOW Method (4-8 Weeks)

You know what they say, "you can't rush perfection!" For a longer-lasting scent that your guests will enjoy after the wedding, you'll find that the extra time and effort will make the fragrance so potent that it will be worth the wait.

Brush each pine cone with the essential oil (available at most craft or floral shops and department stores) and place them in a heavy duty garbage bag.  Include other fragrance items with the pine cones, making a "pine cone potpourri". Sprinkle any remaining essential oil on top of mixture inside the bag. Tightly seal the bag and let it marinate for 4-8 weeks. Remember to shake and toss the bag once a week to blend the mixture.

FASTER Method (1-2 Weeks)

To speed up the process, place the pine cones in a resealable plastic bag and add a few drops of the scented oil. Add in additional fragrance items, such as cinnamon sticks, potpourri, etc. Shake well to distribute the scent. Let stand for one week.

FAST Method (24 hours)

There are two quick methods to scent your pine cones within a day. The first method uses a spray bottle to apply the fragrance, and the other uses spray glue to "stick" the fragrance to the cones.

#1 - Spray Bottle Method: Add water and a few drops of essential oil in a spray bottle and drench the pine cones with the mixture. Spray cones enough to make them damp, but not enough to make the petals close up. Place the pine cones in a sealed plastic bag and let stand for 24 hours.

#2 - Spray Mount (Glue) Method:

1. Combine pickling spice and the fragrances you desire (cinnamon, apple, sandalwood, etc.) and sprinkle with essential oils. Mix thoroughly and set aside.

2. Place pine cones in a large plastic bag and spread them out in a single layer at the bottom of the bag.

3. Spray the adhesive directly onto the pine cones and quickly close the bag to avoid breathing in the overspray of glue. Shake the bag thoroughly to turn the pine cones over. Open the bag, allowing the pine cones to settle in a single layer at the bottom, and spray glue again.

4. Pour the pickling spice mix over the pine cones. Close the bag and shake thoroughly to distribute spices. Empty the pine cones into a shallow dish, and allow to dry. Note: Do not use newspaper for drying as they glue may cause them to stick to the paper.

5. Shake pine cones to dislodge any spices that didn't stick to the glue.

(Of course, the SUPER-FAST METHOD would be to purchase pre-made pine cone wedding favors, if you find yourself too busy with other wedding tasks.)

Depending on the fragrance you prefer, each recipe can be altered to the desired scent.

Cinnamon Pine Cones: To scent 2 lbs. of cones, you will need 3 oz. of cinnamon oil (for brushing onto cones) and 1/2 lb. cinnamon chips and 1/2 lb. of whole 3" cinnamon sticks (for inside the bag.)

Spice Scented Pine Cones: To scent 1 lb. of pine cones, you'll need 4 oz. dried orange peels, 3 oz. chunks of orrisroot, 2 oz. 3" cinnamon sticks,1 oz. eucalyptus to place in the bag. Oil mixture for brushing onto cones includes 1 oz. cinnamon oil, 1 oz. allspice oil, 1 oz. orange oil, 1/2 oz. clove oil and 1/2 oz. nutmeg oil.

Super-Fast Spray Mount Pine Cones: To scent 2 lbs. of pine cones, you'll need 1/4 cup pickling spice, 1/4 cup cinnamon powder, 1/4 cup whole cloves or 1/8 cup ground cloves and spray adhesive.

No matter which recipe you choose, your guests will enjoy the fragrance of these pine cone wedding favors long after the wedding. They can be used to scent their homes or as a fire starter in the fireplace.