Is there anything in nature quite as cute as an acorn? Okay, okay, baby animals sweep that category, I stand corrected. But, when it comes to the Autumn season, those roly-poly little seeds are at the top of my list. Seriously, they wear hats!
Acorns are the nut, or small seedling, of the mighty oak tree. I’ve learned that different varieties of oaks have different shapes and sizes of acorns. Acorns fall from the trees in the fall, along with leaves, and you can find literally piles of them if you come across a stand of oak trees. Their pleasing, rounded shape, interesting textures, and warm brown tones make them perfect subjects for fall craft projects. Take a look at this collection of acorn themed crafts I’ve found, and I think you’ll become a fan of the little nuts, too!
1. Wreathed
Dana of Made glued the acorns she found onto a wreath form, then found an endless variety of decorative options when she painted the acorns in various colors.
2. Framed
At Delia Creates, a crop of acorns became 3-D specimen art for perfect fall decor.
3. Stamped
Buttons become darling little faux acorns on this birthday card at Simply Stamped. This craft would be another fun variation to use for specimen art, pillows, or even placecards.
4. Felted
Putting acorn hats on little felted balls may not be natural, but it is adorable! Betz White makes hers even more so with the addition of leaf shapes cut from old sweaters.
5. Designed
The possibilities for this paper-crafted acorn from A Lemon Squeezy Home are endless. Just imagine how cute it would be to line up several of these in a row, each made from different patterned paper? Too fun!
What’s your favorite free craft supply for Autumn projects? If you’ve made something recently out of stuff you found in nature, I’d love to hear about it!
I collected some acorns last year and put in a zip lock bag. When I looked a few days later there were worms all in the bag. Gross. Do you know if you need to do anything to the acorns after collecting them for worms/bugs?
Same thing happened to me. I put some acorns around a candle in a large glass hurricane candle holder and after a few days, I could see the worms moving all around. Quite repulsive as this was on my dining room table. ewwwwwwwwwwwwww!
I collected acorns last year and this year the little nut part is all shrunken! So I guess the caps are the only useful thing?
Years ago when we bought our first house, I made a garland of acorns all threaded together on a length of florist’s wire. I’m planning to bring it over here to the new house when we close. I’ve had many compliments on it because it is so different.
There is a way to sterilize seeds so you don’t get wormies. Here’s one how to: http://www.ehow.com/how_6535266_sterilize-bird-seed.html. It’s for birdseed, but I think it would work for acorns too.
Thanks for the cute ideas, Beckie!
Pine needles, pine cones, acorns etc. can be placed in oven, 250 -300 degrees, for about 20 minutes before using as indoor decor. Make sure to line pan with foil to catch the oils that can leach out, if not the cookie sheet will be ruined! Ask me how I found out….
Thanks for sharing Linda 🙂
Thank you Bettsi! Love how everyone is jumping in to help fight off the worms {giggle}
Trek, What a cute idea! Would love to see pictures!
Check out Linda’s idea on how to get rid of the worms 😉
I find acorns most adorable and so appropriated for the season! Thanks for sharing these projects!
Come visit my acorn post
I collect sweet gum tree balls. These look like giant sand spurs. Children can cover them with Elmer’s glue and sprinkle glitter on them. Use fall colors or Christmas colors. To make it easier for mom, put the glitter in a small plastic bowl and children can roll or sprinkle the glitter. You can also put the glue in a tiny bowl and use a paintbrush to apply it to the sweet gum ball.
What a great IDEA Jeanne!
you could freeze the acorns in hopes it kills the worms inside the nuts. its what nature does.