Sometimes, the simplest of items can be the most beautiful. This fun framed acorn cap squirrel creates a unique wall hanging that is cheap, fun to make, and kid-friendly. Since you only need a frame, paper, acorns, and glue to make this, you can do this with a large group of kids on a budget. That makes this a perfect kids' school craft project!
Framed Acorn Cap Squirrel
My kids always loved nature walks and exploring when they were kids. Things like fallen leaves and acorn caps always ended up in their pockets or gathered to create a treasure with once we got home. Now, you can use those same fun little items they gathered and turn them into art! This 3D squirrel image can be left plain, customized with paints, or just a bit of glitter to create a fun rustic addition to your home decor.
We have used acorns before for these cute glitter acorns, but until this year, hadn't really added them to crafting. I am discovering how much I love rustic items like this rustic fall wreath, so knew this had to be explored more with this project.
Where Can I Find Acorn Caps?
The best place is to just go outside and start gathering from your front or back yard. However, not all areas have oak trees. If you don't have a way to grab some outside naturally, you can find acorns in craft stores, on Etsy, and on Amazon. I like the bulk bags from Amazon because I know they are clean and won't include any bugs or hidden items like some you gather from outside can.
What Ways Can I Make My Squirrel Unique?
If you want to make yours a bit different and not so basic, there are some great ways to turn this project into a bigger craft. Whether you add just a little something extra, or you turn this into a larger special wall hanging, just have fun and remember there is nothing exact or perfect about this. It's meant to be fun to make.
- Spray paint the acorn caps before gluing them onto the template.
- Add glitter spray to the acorn caps before gluing them onto the template.
- Use glitter or unique background instead of just the white paper. Brown, gold, or red glitter foam paper would look great.
- Use fall-themed scrapbook paper instead of plain white paper.
- Add natural elements around the picture frame like twigs, more acorn caps, pinecones, or similar.
- Add a bead or sequin for the squirrel's eye to make it a bit more "alive".
Can I Put This Into a Shadowbox?
Absolutely! That would be an excellent choice for keeping this as a decor piece year after year. It would also allow you to place a few natural items like more acorns, nuts, twigs, or pinecones around the squirrel inside the shadowbox. This look would be great for sitting on the mantle around the fall and Thanksgiving seasons.
Could I Do This With Different Nuts?
Yes, you could do this with different nuts. Just remember that acorn caps are great because they are a separate part of the nut that easily comes off and won't crack or break easily when removed. To use the shells of pecan, walnut, or similar, you would find yourself with larger pieces and the need to remove the seed from inside. While it's possible, acorns are just much easier to find and use for this particular project.
Supplies Needed
- Acorn Cap Squirrel Template
- Picture frame
- Acorn caps
- Gold glitter
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun
- Hot glue sticks
How to Make a Framed Acorn Cap Squirrel
Print out the squirrel template and the measure against the back of your frame. Trim the edges to fit inside your frame.
Place the squirrel template into the frame, but do not attach or leave the glass on the frame. Discard it safely.
Glue acorn caps over the template, using various sizes to fill in gaps but leaving a bit of the black shape showing.
Just outline the squirrel shape and fill it in so it has a similar shape.
Trim off any of the longer stems from the acorns.
Carefully add small amounts of glue onto any of the black spaces shown, and between the acorns.
Working quickly, sprinkle glitter all over the picture and between the acorn so that it sticks to the glue.
Once all of the areas have glittered, tip the frame over and shake off any excess glitter onto a clean piece of paper. Use that paper as a funnel to put the excess glitter back into the jar to use later.
Let everything dry completely then hang it from the wall or display it on a shelf or mantle.
More Fun Fall Craft Ideas
Fall is one of my favorite times of the year to craft. It means I can make everything with warm colors and of course, items that last for a few months instead of just as short a time. Below are some of my favorite fall craft ideas that can be used as decor or for just an added fun element around the house. Make sure that you pin, print, or bookmark these projects to make soon!
- Gorgeous Rustic Tree Bark Lanterns
- Rustic Upcycled Cardboard Fall Leaf Placemat
- Gorgeous Fall Leaf Wind Catcher Mobile
- Rustic Fall Grapevine Wreath with Fabric Leaves
- Farmhouse Style Fall Lettered Mason Jar Decorations
- Gorgeous Fall Leaf Wreath Made from Old Book Pages
Cute Framed Acorn Cap Squirrel Wall Hanging Decoration
Use natural elements to make this cute framed acorn cap squirrel wall hanging. A perfect decoration for fall!
Instructions
- Print out the squirrel template and the measure against the back of your frame. Trim the edges to fit inside your frame.
- Place the squirrel template into the frame, but do not attach or leave the glass on the frame. Discard it safely.
- Glue acorn caps over the template, using various sizes to fill in gaps but leaving a bit of the black shape showing. Just outline the squirrel shape and fill it in so it has a similar shape.
- Trim off any of the longer stems from the acorns.
- Carefully add small amounts of glue onto any of the black spaces shown, and between the acorns.
- Working quickly, sprinkle glitter all over the picture and between the acorn so that it sticks to the glue.
- Once all of the areas have glittered, tip the frame over and shake off any excess glitter onto a clean piece of paper. Use that paper as a funnel to put the excess glitter back into the jar to use later.
- Let everything dry completely then hang it from the wall or display it on a shelf or mantle.
Notes
If making with children, use craft glue instead of hot glue for safety.
Recommended Products
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Handmade Fabric Acorns Harvest Acorns Autumn Fall Accents Bowl | Etsy -
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Original Mr. Squirrel Portrait in Rectangular Frame | Etsy -
Squirrel with gold acorn autumn soft decoration | Etsy -
30 Acorns With Caps Large-Medium Red Oak Acorns 2021 Crop | Etsy
Finished Project Gallery
This is a great project to make with younger kids because they will love going out to gather the acorns. Just use a non-toxic glue instead of hot glue for safety.
Hang this from August to December to fit right into the fall and winter season!
Rebecca
SO cute!