Hey there, it’s Sarah of www.sadieseasongoods.com again, with a new decorating craft idea for you this winter!

One of the best ways to shake the quarantine winter blues is to go for a nature walk on a crisp winter day. And even though we don’t have leaves on the trees or flowers to sniff, winter offers an abundance of free craft supplies – perfect for setting the hygge mood. From pinecones to branches, and sweet gum balls to seed pods, we are surrounded by nature’s bounty at this time of year. So, why not craft with them to create nature walk inspired winter décor while we wait for spring to arrive?

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Clear glassware from the Charlotte Region ReStores
• Pinecones, acorns, branches, or other “craft supplies” from nature
• Decoupage glue (like Mod Podge) or other clear-drying craft glue
• Small craft paint brush
• Artificial snow (or Epsom salts)
• Paper plate and spoon

Safety first!
Make sure you collect your nature supplies safely and lawfully. And watch those pinecones- they can be spiky!

Here’s how I created some natural, wintery decor:

• Head to your local Charlotte Region ReStore and gather some clear glassware. Trust me, you will have PLENTY of options. I collected a vase, a compote, and a small bowl from the ReStores I went to. 
• After enjoying some time outside, I gathered a BUNCH of pinecones. They were spiky so I wore gardening gloves to collect them.
• Pro Tip: Clean and sanitize your pinecones by baking them! Simply cover a cookie sheet with tin foil, spread out the pinecones, and bake them at 200°F for approximately 45-60 minutes.

• Once your pinecones have cooled, set up a crafting work station with the rest of your craft supplies (decoupage glue, paint brush, artificial snow, spoon, and paper plate.)
• Dab the decoupage glue to the tips of your pinecone. After you’ve covered approximately one half of the cone, sprinkle the craft snow over the glue. Do this over a paper plate so that can collect any snow that doesn’t stick. Shake out the excess snow and repeat on the other half of your pinecone.

• Do this over and over again for as many pinecones as you want! And to conserve craft supplies, scoop up snow from your paper plate as you go. That way, you won’t waste nearly as much! Then, simply allow the pinecones to dry for several hours or overnight.
• Now, place your pinecones (carefully) in the clear glassware you found at the ReStore to display for winter! Mix in your other natural supplies or anything else that coordinates with the look. I used some of the leftover aquarium gravel from my desktop felt succulent garden to hold a battery-operated candle in a small glass bowl from the Wendover ReStore! To complete the look I added sweet gum balls in a clear glass vase. None of it “matches” yet it works together in a cool, soothing, wintry display!

Hygge Forever!

Are you loving this idea for nature crafts in clear glassware? We would love to see your nature walk inspired, wintry displays in your ReStore finds! Take a snap and tag us
( @cltregionrestore and @sadieseasongoods ) with the hashtag #ReStoreHygge !