If you want your pine cones to close up tight, try plunging them in ice cold water after baking. This should make them close up tight, they will later when dry re-open.
Pine Cone Hints A great crafting tip shared by Sharon.
By Sherri Osborn, About.com
"When making things with pine cones, first bake the cones on a foil-lined cookie sheet for about 45 minutes to an hour at 200 degrees. This kills any bugs or spider mites that live in them. This also allows the seeds to fall out and sap to dry up.
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