How do you preserve natural pine cones or acorns?

Question

I would like to preserve pine cones and acorns to use on fall crafts. What should I do to be sure they will last?

Answer 1

Dry them both in a low oven for several hours on a baking sheet lined with parchment.  Acorns will mold and mildew because of their moisture content and pine cones will leak sap.  The oven dry method dries them out, kills any bugs that may be hiding out and also preserves them and makes glues stick better to them when dried.  I usually set my oven at the lowest temperature (on mine that is 150 degrees) and leave the pine cones in there for 3-4 hours, acorns take a little longer 4-5 hours.

Answer 2

Just keep them dry and aired out, and away from critters like bugs and squirrels. I would store them indoors, in a mesh bag or a basket.

Answer 3

well for pine cones i suggest keep them away from heavy rain as this can really damage them inside and to help them germinate cold and dry conditions work best. and well acorns grow in peaty and wet soil.

i am 14 but i am not a r****d.

:-)