I try to go for a good walk each day—TRY, being the operative word.
I like to walk a particular direction, primarily because of the many, decidedly European-styled houses. But the undulating landscapes and river and park make a lovely bonus!
Last fall, in one area of said walk, I noticed some acorns on the ground and excitedly bent to pick them up–where I noticed EVEN MORE! I finished my walk with stuffed pockets (think chipmunk cheeks!). And I returned to the Scene of the Crime the next day with a bag in hand!
While I [enthusiastically] plucked every one I could reach from the walking path–and trying not to encroach terribly on the private yard I was reaching into–the homeowner came to greet me–uh oh. As I begged forgiveness, he laughingly invited me to “. . .Take them all, please!” I obliged him with another stuffed bag full.
And I returned for more this year–as you can see! ; D
But–I had a new idea!
So I deviated from building a bed to play a bit–c’est la vie!
Yes, acorns are beaUtiful all on their own—but I thought they could be
more colourful!
I guess I got a little carried away, huh?
It was fun and I can’t wait to work them into some holiday decorating, but for now–I feel refreshed to get back to that Tailgate Bed!
Catherine
One wreath done!
**I originally forgot to say that–most of the nuts and caps had already fallen apart, so I placed the nuts upside down on a canvass and spray painted the varying colors! Then I spent many hours with a hot glue gun, re-applying their caps!
It was like a big ole puzzle. Do ya like puzzles–?? Cat ; D
I shellacked a whole bunch of the nicer ones!
I’m sharing this crAzy idea with these fAb ladies!—
How fun! You have a much steadier hand than I- mine would end up with smudgey caps.
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Ha! A steady hand with spray paint!
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THANK YOU!!! There are some nice, big acorns behind my church. Last year I picked up several, but couldn’t decide what to do with them, so I threw them out. I think I’ll get some this year and shellac them.
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They are so beautiful!
Last year I brought some in and put them in a pretty little dish by my front door and some more in a lantern thingy with a candle. The next morning they were full of holes and little white grub, worm thingys. Ewww!!! Since you did this last year, I am assuming you didn’t have this problem? Ugh-I have access to some beautiful ones too, but don’t want to do it again. I wonder if shellacking them would solve the problem? Would I be shellac-ing the worms in there? I love free decorating, but do not need more pets!! 🙂
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Amy–bugs, ewww indeed!
I didn’t have any issues last year–when I did no more than you.
But this year, and this crAzy idea–I lined up all the nuts sans caps on a canvass and spray painted them! And then spent hours with a hot glue gun re-applying!
I’m thinking if there ARE any bugs, they’re locked in!
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Beautiful idea. I can the decorations now.
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Have you tried drying them in a low oven? The heat should kill any bugs.
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How neat!! I found some great acorns outside our local bookstore last year and instantly HAD to pick some up…quickly…. (trying to spare my daughter from her embarrassment lol) and I have plans to go back again this year. I can hardly wait to try out your fabulous and colorful idea 🙂 Tks for sharing!
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Nice idea and my niece has a whole yard full of them!! I like that you glued on the caps after you painted them. How are they shiny? Thanks, Linda
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I used satin finish and glossy finish spray paints!
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BUGS- Some people put the acorns on a cookie sheet and then in an oven on about 200 or 250 to kill the bugs. Others put them in the freezer for a day or so. I tried the freezer method. Seemed to work well. As I said, I never used what I picked up last year, so I’m really not sure that I killed all insects via freezing.
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I love this! I noticed Pottery Barn had dipped theirs in gold and if my Oak tree will bless me with more acorns this year, I think I may try the gold look. Your’s turned out wonderful! Love all the bright colors. I had had one or two worms/grubs come out of the ones I collected last year. I just kept them in the garage until I knew they were fine.
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I guess I was super lucky—I never once had any issues!
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wow cute. you could really use those anywhere!
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Love this dea!!!!
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What a great idea! Thanks for sharing!
Blessings,
Carrie
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These are so cute…I’ve collected some the past couple years and have always used the glue gun to glue the “hats” back on. I’ve also used the “oven method” to kill bugs with acorns and pinecones. I’m going to spray paint some this year. I spray paint everything else…might as well do these! Thanks for the inspiration! Happy Fall!
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Oh what a fabulous idea! I had a problem with bugs in mine here in Florida. So I may need to try the oven method this year! I love these! Happy Fall!
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I love these acorns! Adding color is the perfect touch and these would be so cool in a basket or bowl 🙂
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What a fabulously great and pretty idea. Love all your acorns, the kids in the neighborhood got them before I could. Never knew about the oven method? Thanks for sharing your inspiration with Sunday’s Best – you helped make the party a success!
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We used to do something like this when I was young…( well my mom or grandmother did and I got to ‘help’ a little ) They would gilt the acorn tops with some sort of gold, and did that to the tips of pinecones as well.
I LOVE what you are doing…so colorful! 🙂
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These look so pro, and gorgeous! Much cheaper than buying your own decor at Michaels or AC Moore. Visiting from the Power of Paint party.
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I liked your acorns,I made mine ,using just the caps,and gluing crystal beads,that I removed from thrift store bought grape clusters made out of the plastic crystals.I collected my acorns in a plastic bag,and the little grubs crawled out of some of the acorns,a total gross-out for me!Next time I shall remove all the bottoms,then I won”t have the problem of the bugs!
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Omg–that’s a gREAt idea!
I have to get more acorns now!
BTW–I never once got any grubs in my acorns–totally lucky me!
Catherine
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best idea i’ve seen all week! genious
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lovely!!
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Love that you are enjoying your surroundings getting fresh air and how you shellaced some of the acorns beautiful!!! it is a beautiful spirit that see’s beauty in nature takes taking it in and sharing.
Sherry
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Adorable!
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Super cute acorns!! You put alot of effort into them with gluing the caps back on and everything!! I love the gold ones!! I’m now following you!! =)Deanna
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What an imaginative approach to enhancing natural elements! I love those colored acorns.
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[…] another easy acorn project, go check out the colorful acorns at Freddy & Petunia. She does some amazing furniture transformations, too, so wander around while you’re there, and […]
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So clever! Hello, new follower here! I would love to have you link up with my Clever Chicks Blog Hop this week!
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/09/clever-chicks-blog-hop-2-featured-post.html
I hope to see you there!
Cheers!
Kathy
The Chicken Chick
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What a cute idea! I never would have thought to paint them. Thanx for coming to THT!
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They look gorgeous not to get me out and pick up the 1000’s in the yard newbie here from Ohio found you on Common Grounds blog and had to jump on over
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The colorful acorns I really liked!
Here are this year not so many. But I will tomorrow
look for them.
Greetings
Rosine
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Love the colored acorns. So different. I’m here from Common Ground. Love your blog.
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I They are the cutest I have ever seen….want some, they are adorable. Thank you for sharing…Blessings & Love, Lady Delores.
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Not sure HOW I missed these…. since you have them linked to ccc????
Pinned them! so darn cute Catherine!
gail
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I loooooooooove these and now need to find a place to look for acorns!!
I would love it if you link up with our party this week!!
http://www.sowderingabout.com/2013/11/awesome-things-tuesday-and-giveaway.html
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[…] 5. painted acorns […]
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