These bright painted acorns in rainbow colors are an easy seasonal craft. Gathered in little bowls, on top of a pedestal, or merely spread on your table these acorns make a simple and modern Thanksgiving centerpiece that guests will certainly notice.

Painted Acorns

For quicker crafting (and because I mysteriously have no oak trees near my house), I purchased an inexpensive bag of imitation acorns. However, if you’d like to use acorns from the trees outside, below I include easy instructions on how to wash and prepare acorns for painting. Choose any colors you like! I decided to go bright and opted for rainbow colors for my painted acorns.

What you’ll need to make painted acorns

• acorns (store-bought or natural)
• craft acrylic paint in varying colors
• flat paint brushes
• paint palette

If you are using found acorns, you first must wash and dry them. Gather the acorns and place in a bowl of water. Use an old toothbrush or other scrub brush to remove any dirt. Place them on a towel to dry for about an hour. Toss any acorns that have mold. Tiny holes suggest insects, but the oven will kill them. Heat your oven to the lowest setting (this is 170 degrees F for me). Place the acorns on a rimmed baking sheet and place in the oven with the oven door cracked so moisture can escape. Leave the acorns for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until fully dried, moving around every 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool completely. (Toss any acorns that may have burned.)

To paint the acorns, pour your acrylic paint on a paint pallet or piece of wax paper. Paint the bottoms of the acorns and rest on a baking tray lined with wax paper to dry. I find a flat paintbrush is best for even painting. If possible, balance the acorns to dry on the tops so the wet bottoms do not touch the tray. You may need two to three coats of paint. Let dry completely, preferably overnight, and arrange as desired.

I love the unique, bright look these painted acorns create in a simple, white container. Painted acorns are a striking Thanksgiving centerpiece that take up little space, and they are sure to be a conversation starter.  Or, use your painted acorns in glass containers around the house for colorful fall decor.

These acorns remind me of these fun Painted Strawberry Acorns Magnets, you can also do the same with your painted acorns and turn them into magnets! Have any leftover acorns to use? Make this adorable Acorn Frame for fall this year.

This post originally appeared here on Nov 13, 2017.

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Bright Painted Acorns

These painted acorns are an easy seasonal craft. Gathered in little bowls or spread on your table these acorns make a colorful Thanksgiving centerpiece!

Age Group: Adult Crafts, Kids Crafts

Project Type: Fall

Author: Meaghan Mountford

Supplies

• acorns store-bought or natural
• craft acrylic paint in varying colors
• flat paint brushes

Instructions

• If you are using found acorns, you first must wash and dry them. Gather the acorns and place in a bowl of water. Use an old toothbrush or other scrub brush to remove any dirt. Place them on a towel to dry for about an hour. Toss any acorns that have mold. Tiny holes suggest insects, but the oven will kill them. Heat your oven to the lowest setting (this is 170 degrees F for me). Place the acorns on a rimmed baking sheet and place in the oven with the oven door cracked so moisture can escape. Leave the acorns for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until fully dried, moving around every 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool completely. (Toss any acorns that may have burned.)
• To paint the acorns, pour your acrylic paint on a paint pallet or piece of wax paper. Paint the bottoms of the acorns and rest on a baking tray lined with wax paper to dry. I find a flat paint brush is best for even painting. If possible, balance the acorns to dry on the tops so the wet bottoms do not touch the tray. You may need two to three coats of paint.
• Let dry completely, preferably overnight, and arrange as desired.

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Meaghan Mountford

Blogger at The Decorated Cookie

Meaghan Mountford was a professional cookie decorator for nearly a decade before starting The Decorated Cookie in 2008, a blog about decorated cookies, painted marshmallows, and other crafty sweets. She is the author of two cookbooks, Cookie Sensations and Sugarlicious: 50 Cute and Clever Treats for Every Occasion.

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