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
acornsstore-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.