Q&A for How to Make Scented Pine Cones

Yes.

You need to dry them in the oven for 2-3 hours at 200 degrees. The heat opens up the cone and kills any creepies, mold, mildew. You don't ever want to use green cones fresh from outside.

No. When the water dries, the spices will fall off. You need to use an adhesive for dry spices or essential oils that will soak into the cones.

That may or may not work depending on how strong you want the scent to be. If you made it fresh and you put it in the bag, the scent (next year) will be mild and not as strong as some people may want.

You can, but they will lose the scent you added. Instead, I would add a little glitter with some glue as this will decorate your pine cone without ruining the smell.

Depending on the location you place the cones, such as near a window or drafty area, they should last anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks. After that they will have a fragrance if you smell them closely, but will not be noticeable when entering the room.

No. Glitter would clump with moisture and would just clog up your solution.

Any oil might turn rancid and get sticky over time. The spices probably would not adhere to the oil either.

You could, but the scent may not last as long as if you used essential oil.

The spray isn't preservatives, it's just a mix of oils, so I guess if you don't want to spray, you can just put drops of oil in a bag and shake.

Yes, they're a good fire starter or to perfume the house a little. Don't do it if there's glue or other external chemicals other than essential oils and spices, of course.

Cinnamon/cinnamon bark, clove, nutmeg, and orange (you could use any of these or all of them) are the best scents to use.