• The pineapple can serve as inspiration for a number of craft projects.pineapple image by cherie from Fotolia.com
  
  Country pineapples are a symbol to signify that people are welcome in your home. This tradition started in Colonial times, when men who had been gone on long journeys would bring their families pineapples. Today, this symbol is a popular decorating motif. With the right supplies and a bit of planning, you can create a number of country pineapple craft projects to display at home or in your place of business.
  
  

Banner

• Create a banner to hang from your door with the picture of a country pineapple on it. There are many potential variations for this craft project. To make a basic banner, you’ll need some fabric, cloth tape, a dowel and decorating materials such as ribbon and paint. Measure and cut the fabric to the size that you wish to use. Cut the dowel to the same size. Fold the top of the fabric over the dowel and secure with fabric tape. Tie a ribbon to each end of the dowel. Decorate the banner by writing “welcome” across the top and painting a country pineapple below with fabric paint. If you enjoy quilting, consider sewing a quilt square with a pineapple to sew to your banner instead of using paint.
  
  

Decoupage Mirror

• Decorating your guest room with a country pineapple motif can be a traditional way to show your visitors that they’re welcome. Create a decoupage mirror to place on the wall or dresser. Purchase a plain wood framed mirror. Remove the mirror before starting. Find pictures of country pineapples in magazines, newspapers or even on wrapping paper. Printing pictures you find on the Internet would work as well. Arrange the pictures around the mirror frame in the way you’d like them to appear. Use a glue stick to position them in place, pressing out all of the air pockets. Apply a layer of decoupage glue to the entire mirror frame. If needed, add a second coat.
  
  

Kids Pineapple Craft

• Teach your kids about the symbolic meaning of the pineapple by making a country pineapple with them. Your daughter may want to keep it by the door to her room to show family and friends that they are welcome to enter. Cut the shape of two pineapples out of white poster board. In the middle of one, cut a slit to slide over the other one for a 3D effect. Color the top parts of the pineapple green. Crumble up yellow pieces of tissue paper and glue on the body of the fruit until filled in.