Pinecones shouldn't just be left in your backyard during the fall — they're the perfect opportunity to get creative and make the most of the chilly and leafy season. We've rounded up a couple pinecone crafts to help you on your way, from votives to gnomes and even a bird feeder, all projects to deck out for autumn. Don't have any pinecones to collect in the area? Your nearest dollar store should carry fake ones in packages.

Topiary for the Home

You'll be excited to show off Michelle's rustic project during the holidays. And it's not as difficult to recreate as it might look. To create extra height, top it on a vintage brass candleholder. 

Make the pinecone craft from Sweet Something Designs.

Chandelier for Fall Events

Create a dramatic statement in your home with Katie's pinecone chandelier, which is easier to make than it looks! Dollar stores may sell bags of five pinecones, and you need about 10. Orange silk mums add some pop to the project overall. Now the question remains: Where will you hang the chandelier?

Find the step-by-step tutorial for the pinecone chandelier at Passys & Parties.

Bouquet Alternative

Instead of a fresh flower bouquet, check out this tutorial for a pinecone bouquet, which is perfect for fall weddings. For a small bouquet, you will need about 15-20 pinecones. Final cost for the entire project? Around $13! For everyday use, place the bouquet in a vase.

Find the inspiration for the pinecone bouquet at Once Wed.

Pinecone Votive

When Jessica could only find scales — instead of the entire cone — in her backyard, she came up with this easy but beautiful pinecone craft. Make several of these, and they'd be a beautiful addition to your Thanksgiving feast. 

See how Jessica makes the votive at Craftberry Bush.

Cute Gnomes

Gnomes have never looked this adorable! With a small head and tiny hat and mittens, these gnomes will be hanging outside your home in style.

Love this pinecone craft? Head over to We Bloom Here.

Versatile Wreath

The finished product will look expensive to visitors, but it only costs a whopping $5 to make! Depending on how big you want your wreath to be, you'll need more pinecones — and therefore more time and work to glue them on. And because no two pinecones are really the exact same shape or color, the wreath will look that much cooler.

The pinecone wreath project is available at U Create.

For the Birds

If you have children, this inexpensive bird feeder craft is easy and fun enough for them to help you make — just remember, it could get a little messy. When finished, watch all the birds come feast on your pinecone craft!

See how to make the bird feeder at Marin Mommies.

Pinecone Garland

This classy, yet oh-so-simple garland project would be ideal over the mantle or along the staircase. Want to change up the project a little? Purchase cinnamon-scented pinecones so the wonderful scent takes over your home, or get plain ones and spray paint them another color, like silver.

To get the garland craft tutorial, go to Twig & Thistle.

Photo credits from top: Passys & Parties, Sweet Something Design, Passys & Parties, Once Wed, Zakka Life, We Bloom Here, Vanessa Christensen on U Create, Marin Mommies, Twig & Thistle.