A mini terrarium with acorn houses is a wonderful craft activity to do with kids of all ages! I was thrilled to get this cute submission by Beth from Olliebop.
As told by Beth, “This project grew spontaneously, as my daughter Ella and her friend Kate noticed acorns on the ground. They wanted to make something with them and the supplies we had in the yard and around the house. Next thing I knew we were gathered around the dining room table, spontaneously making these sweet little natural villages.”
Supplies
- Acorns
- Acrylic paint
- Fine paintbrushes
- Glue gun and glue sticks
- Bendable paper clips or U shaped pins (found in a fabric store)
- A jar with a top or lid
- Moss, soil, or other natural materials from outside
- Floral arranging foam (optional)
Instructions
- Fill the bottom of the jar with an inch or more of soil and create a “landscape” with moss or other natural materials.
- Pop the top off of the acorn and hot glue a bent paper clip or U shaped pin onto the the end where the cap had been. Allow glue to harden. An easy place to keep the “house” while cooling is upside down in a candlestick.
- Using the clip as a handle, paint the acorn “house”. The very top could be left bare to help with glue adhesion, though not a must.
- Allow paint to dry (easiest by sticking the pin into floral foam while drying) and hot glue the acorn cap (your roof) onto the top.
- Dampen soil, but do not saturate.
- Once paint is dry, “plant” the houses in the landscape.
- Cover with lid and place in a special location with moderate light.
The terrarium will last for a long time, with moderate watering and light. Find helpful tips on creating a terrarium with kids here.
Thanks to Beth from Olliebop for the fun craft idea. I can’t wait to do this with my kids! It will be fun to make an elf village for Christmas!
CUTE! I wanted to let you know that I featured this on my “What I Bookmarked This Week” post – stop by and see!
Okay seriously just one more link… these little acorn houses are just too cute not to share! via Living Locurto http://t.co/Zf3J56Bo
Okay seriously just one more link… these little acorn houses are just too cute not to share! via Living Locurto http://t.co/Zf3J56Bo
It’s really fun to get the kids do these creative projects. It teaches them how to appreciate art and things like that. Plus it’s fun! 🙂
Amy,
So glad to see our project featured here! I find that as my kids get older one of the best things we can do together to stay connected is to make things together! This project just “happened” — which is the best kind!
Beth {of Olliebop}
Mini Acorn Houses – Terrarium Craft: A mini terrarium with acorn houses is a wonderful craft… http://t.co/GunFDL9c
This is just too cute…what a creative idea!
OMG – love these and must try this! So adorable!
Oh what a fun idea!! Perfect craft for when my niece and nephew come to visit!
These are so cute. I made alot of terrariums in the 70’s. You may have started a comeback! I love acorns too. Usually the squirrels get them before I do.
Adorable! Just adorable!