How do snowy owls live in some of the coldest parts of the world? Learn more about these amazing white birds and make your own snowy owls with our fun pinecone owl ornaments. We love easy winter activities for kids!
Pinecone Owls
💡 Also enjoy a colorful owl art project. Or try these potato-stamped owls!
Supplies:
- Pinecones – Dry and free of bugs is best!
- Cotton balls (about 5 for each pinecone, depending on the size)
- 2 (9×12) felt sheets in coordinating colors
- 2 wiggly eyes for each pinecone
- Quick-dry tacky glue
- 2 tan pipecleaners (for each pinecone)
- ½ yellow or orange pipecleaner (for each pinecone)
- Ink pen or marker
- Scissors
How To Make A Pinecone Owl
STEP 1. Tear pieces of cotton from the cotton ball and stuff between the layers of the pinecone. Once the pinecone is completely filled, set aside.
STEP 2. Cut each tan pipe cleaner in three equal pieces. With each piece of pipe cleaner, fold under part of the stem (about ⅓ of the stem) and shape until a talon for the owl’s feet. Repeat the step until all stems are bent.
STEP 3. Take three of the shaped pipe cleaners and twist the unbent ends together to create one foot. Repeat with the other three stem pieces. Glue to the bottom of the pinecone.
STEP 4. Place the wiggly eyes on one sheet of felt. Draw around the eyes to create a bulky hourglass shape. Cut from felt. Glue the eyes to the felt. Set aside to dry.
STEP 5. On the same piece of felt, draw a teardrop shape slightly shorter than the height of the pinecone for wings. Fold the felt in half and cut two teardrop pieces exactly the same size.
STEP 6. Place one of the teardrop pieces on the coordinating piece of felt. Outline a teardrop slightly larger than the existing teardrop. Fold the felt in half and cut two teardrop shapes again.
Glue one smaller teardrop piece to each larger teardrop piece. Set aside to dry.
STEP 7. With the half yellow or orange pipe cleaner, create a beak by folding the stem in half. Fold each half in half again and shape into a small triangular beak.
STEP 8. Once all pieces are created and dry (if needed), use glue to attach the eyes to the pinecone.
Position the beak below the eyes and attach with glue. Then, glue the teardrop wings to each side of the pinecone.
Allow to dry completely before playing or displaying your pinecone owl ornament.
Fun Facts About Snowy Owls
- Snowy owls are large white and black flecked birds that live in the cold Arctic regions. See our Biomes of the World.
- They mostly eat rodents and water birds.
- Snowy owls nest on the ground, and unlike many other owls they are active during the day and sleep at night.
- Snowy owls can weigh from 3.5 to 6.6 lbs (1.6 to 3 kg) and be 20 to 28 in. long (52-71 cm).
- Their entire bodies, even legs and toes, are covered with soft, fluffy feathers, and their feet have extra thick pads to keep them warm.
- They will even crouch on the ground behind any object that can block the wind when the temperatures get very cold.
Click below for your FREE Winter Activity Pack!
Printable Winter Art Projects Pack
Celebrate the Winter season with winter themed art!
Everything you need is included. Just add art supplies! Perfect for kids of all ages to enjoy with a variety of techniques. Whether in the classroom, at home, or with groups, there is a fantastic variety of art activities to try!
Find all the instructions and templates necessary for over 40 art projects this Winter.
Snowflakes, Solstice, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Lunar New Year, and Valentine’s Day
Explore process art, STEAM, and even famous artists with these very doable art activities that won’t break the budget or the time you have available!
