How to make miniature swans for your feather tree...

        Swans like these are both charming and delicate on miniature trees. I prefer the tiniest pinecones and clothespins I can find for this craft, however, I have seen similar versions made into much larger swans. So, the same technique can be easily used for larger versions if you are decorating a giant tree.

I shaped the wire around the pinecone.

Supply List:

• wooden clothespin clamps (As always the size of the clamp dictates the size of the ornament. I used very tiny miniature clamps for these swans.)
• Tiny pinecones
• hot glue gun and hot glue
• transparent glitter
• a two to three inch length of chenille stem or wire
• one cotton ball for each goose head and neck
• white school glue

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Loop a wire in and around the inside of the pinecone to shape the head and neck of an elegant swan sticking out and above the pinecone. 
2. Unwind a few cotton balls and twist these around the wire along with some white school glue. Don't forget to shape the swan's beak, head and neck similar to the proportions shown in the photos below. 
3. Paint the pinecones white. Let dry.
4. Spread white glue across the body of the swan and sprinkle glitter all over the the pinecone "feathers."
5. Hot glue the swan to the top of a small clothespin to attach it to a Christmas tree.
6. You may wish to paint the clothespin green or white depending upon the color of your Christmas tree.

Left the pinecones covered with glitter. Right, the swans now hot glued to the clothespins.

More Bird Themed Christmas Crafts:

• Bend and twist a cotton batting bird cage
• Swans on a lake for a lovely ballerina