Adorable Rustic Pinecone and Chestnut Snail

Looking for the cutest nature craft? This adorable pinecone snail is just that. This snail is going to crawl into your decorations and will quickly become the star. So cute, this snail can be a simple craft to do with the kids or even a craft to sell at craft fairs.  It uses just a few items you can gather on a craft or nature walk, and is ready in literally minutes. 

Rustic Pinecone Snail

Pinecones are so versatile for crafts because they have an interesting shape and there are many ways to customize them. Using a pine cone, acorns and chestnuts, this snail comes together easily. So easy, even the kids can make it.

If you like rustic ideas or even just something that is practically free, then we definitely have some great pinecone crafts for you to make.  I’ve even made this adorable little walnut shell mouse or these cute bark lanterns.  There are tons of ways to bring the outside indoors with fun crafts like this one!

What Can I Use for Snail Eyes?

The eyes really bring this snail to life. You want to use a large googly eye for the center of the eye. Then you want to use something for the outside of the eyes. You can use the acorn caps to stay with the natural feel of the snail. If you can not get the acorn caps off of the acorns in one piece, you can also use bottle caps. Anything that will circle the googly eyes can be used.

What Can I Use for the Snail Body?

When making the snail, you will want to use acorns for the base of the body. This is what you will glue the “shell” onto the pinecone snail. I like using acorns because they are easy to find and come together nicely for the bottom of the body.  Other options below work well for the base of the snail body too. 

• Small twigs or scrap wood cut into a small length. 
• Pinecones are stripped or cut so they lay flat on the bottom. 
• Hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, pecans, or walnuts still in their shell
• Part of a painted piece of an empty bottle or any plastic package cut to shape. 

Can I Use Sticks Instead of Pipe Cleaners?

I am using the pipe cleaners for the stalks because I love the way it looks like the way the eyes are wobbly and look like they will fall over at any time. However, you can also use sticks. Another option for the stalks is to glue rocks together. Anything that will be thin and will hold the eyes up.

• Paper or plastic straws
• Twigs or branches
• Pencils, pens, or markers
• Q-tips painted brown
• Rolled fabric, felt, or paper

What Glue Should I Use if I Make This With Kids?

You want to make sure that the glue will hold when you are attaching this pinecone snail together. But you also want to make sure it is something that is safe for kids. You want to get a strong crafting glue that is also water-soluble. Whatever you choose, make sure that the kids can wash it off their hands.  I recommend avoiding things like Krazy glue, super glue, or E6000 that are a bit harsher and can cause damage to their skin.  While adults can use a hot glue gun, you do not want to let kids use this because it is easy to get burned.

Supplies Needed

How to Make a Pinecone Snail

Trim the stem end off of the nuts you are using for a base.  Depending upon the size of the snail, you will need 3 to 5 nuts. 

Glue the nuts together to create a base for your snail body.  I used four for my base. 

Once dry, glue another nut on top of the one on the end of the base.  

Then glue a second nut on top of it to create the neck of the snail. 

Set aside the base and glue a googly eye inside the two acorn caps. 

Cut two 2″ pieces of pipe cleaner. 

Glue an acorn cap eye on the end of each pipe cleaner. 

Then, glue the empty end of the pipe cleaner to the top nut on the snail body. 

Glue a pinecone on top of the snail’s body. 

More Pinecone Crafts

If you want more fun rustic crafts to make, below are a few more that are great for creating and displaying around the house or using for playtime with the kids.  Pinecones, nuts, and twigs are at the center of all of these crafts below.  Make sure you bookmark the craft tutorials, print them out, or pin them to Pinterest so you can have them on hand when you are ready to craft.