8 Things You Can Make With All of Those Acorns
Updated: Oct. 31, 2023
Winnie-the-Pooh's Piglet is not the only one that loves acorns. We love them too (just not to eat!).
Fall’s Bounty
We love acorns because they’re just perfect for all kinds of art and craft projects—and they’re free!
With just a few simple crafting extras, you can whip up a host of fabulously creative ideas to add fun to your fall decor. A glue gun is handy (supervise the kids of course), but extras such as scissors, string, craft paper, felt-tip pens, acrylic paints, fabric scraps and modeling clay all add extra pizzazz. And it’s a good idea to dry your acorns before you begin, so your DIY masterpieces last longer.
So let’s get started…
Acorn Figures
This is acorn art at its simplest, and it’s ideal for kids. Simply glue acorns together to make little comic figures, using matchsticks or toothpicks for arms and legs, felt-tip pens to add features and lumps of clay for shoes. The acorn cup makes a natural hat!
Kids love simple DIY projects, and they’re a great way to pass the time on a rainy fall day. Here are 14 more super-fun DIY projects for all ages.
Acorn Caterpillars
Who couldn’t love an acorn caterpillar, even if you’re not so fond of the real thing? Gently ease the acorns out of their cups and glue them together to form a cute caterpillar. Use leaves, dried flowers or acorn cups to make their hats – or if you can crochet, how about a tiny hat and scarf to keep out the chill?
And if you’re doing battle with the real thing, here’s the ultimate guide on how to banish the creepiest garden bugs for good.
Hanging Baubles
If you prefer the rustic look over glitz and glitter, then these baubles from Latvia can be your inspiration. Start with a Styrofoam ball, acorns and other natural objects like pine cones and cinnamon sticks. Attach a hanging string and start gluing on the embellishments until the ball is completely covered.
Acorn Owl
Make this adorable little owl in moments! Use a pine cone for the body, acorn cups for the eyes and feet, paper or cardboard for wings and a beak, and a feather as an embellishment. Googly eyes make the perfect finishing touch.
Owls also make a fantastic theme for Halloween. Here are a few easy Halloween crafts for kids.
Acorn Photo Frame
This DIY photo frame is super-simple. Purchase or make a plain wooden frame, then glue acorns around it until the wood is completely covered. Glue them in rows for a neat finish, or opt for an abstract look by gluing them on randomly – either will look amazing. You could also add baby pine cones, dried twigs and other natural items for variety.
Homemade photo frames add a real touch of originality to your home. Why not try some of our other favorite DIY photo frame ideas?
Photo: LittleBreadOven via Etsy
Acorn Cup Candles
Candles can truly enhance a dark fall evening, but these little beauties are in a class of their own. Who would have thought that filling acorn cups with a tiny amount of colored wax and adding a pre-cut wick could produce such beautiful results? These are quick to make (they’re ideal for using up tiny scraps of wax from other candles) and burn for around 30 minutes. They look incredible floating in a bowl of water, but always consider fire safety when using candles.
Want some more comforting ideas for those long dark evenings? Take a look at our other ways to bring hygge into your home.
Photo: LessCandles via Etsy
Acorn Wreath
Wreaths aren’t only for the December holiday season! A fall wreath can bring some real artistic flair to your home and make the most of the glorious autumnal colors we love so much. A simple wreath, using acorns glued to a base ring, is quick and easy to construct, but adding objects like dried berries, pine cones, dried flowers, cinnamon sticks, and even dried apple slices, adds extra elegance. Silk leaves make the perfect base layer, and they won’t lose their color or crumble over time.
Photo: HomeHearthGarden via Etsy
Acorn Jewelry
And finally, how about acorn art you can wear? Necklaces, earrings and bracelets are all wonderful for adding a seasonal look to your fall wardrobe. Even kids can make rustic jewelry using acorns, string and natural objects, but if you prefer upmarket style, then use can use leather, wooden, metal and glass beads, and jewelry findings instead.
Photo: insoujewelry via Etsy
No Oak Trees Near You?
If you don’t have a source for acorns in your neighborhood, you can purchase lifelike facsimiles! These artificial acorns, with caps, can be used like real acorn for most projects and decor.
Photo: Courtesy of MyGift
Light ’em Up!
For just a subtle touch of acorn decor, display this 10-foot string of miniature acorns over a mirror, in a wreath or nestled in a glass bowl. They are battery-powered and come with a dimmable remote and timer. Here are 15 ways to use string lights outdoors.
Photo: Courtesy of Impress Life
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