22 Fun and Easy Acorn Craft Ideas for Kids and Adults This Fall

Have you ever picked up an acorn and wondered what you could make with it? These little treasures from the trees are perfect for fall crafting.

Whether you’re spending a cozy afternoon with your kids or just want a relaxing weekend project, acorns are a fun (and free!) place to start.

You can turn them into garlands, ornaments, tiny creatures, or even jewelry. Best of all, you don’t need fancy tools or supplies, just a handful of acorns and a little imagination. In this list, you’ll find 22 fun and easy acorn crafts that are great for all ages.

#1. Sparkling Acorn Cap Ornament

If you’re dreaming of a handmade Christmas tree with a touch of woodland magic, this sparkling acorn cap ornament is your perfect match. It brings together nature and glitter, two things that somehow make every holiday feel a little warmer.

Materials Needed:

• 1 foam or plastic ornament ball (about 3″ diameter)
• 30-40 acorn caps
• Hot glue gun
• White glue
• Fine glitter
• Ribbon

Step-by-step Guide:

Step 1: Hot glue the acorn caps to the ball, starting at the top and working your way down in rows.

Step 2: Once all caps are in place, brush a thin coat of white glue over the entire surface.

Step 3: Sprinkle with glitter while the glue is still wet, then shake off excess and let dry.

Step 4: Add a ribbon at the top for hanging and maybe a bow, just for fun.

#2. Halloween Acorn Keychain Trio

You know it’s spooky season when even the acorns start dressing up! This fun keychain trio is such a playful way to carry the Halloween spirit wherever you go.

Specially, a ghost, a jack-o’-lantern, and a Frankenstein acorn, each one full of charm, with a little wobble that feels handmade in the best way.

Materials Needed:

• 3 large acorns (clean and dried)
• Acrylic paint (white, orange, green, black)
• Paintbrushes
• Black permanent marker
• Small screw eye hooks (1 per acorn)
• Keyring with chain

Step-by-step Guide:

Step 1: Paint each acorn: one white (ghost), one orange (jack-o’-lantern), and one green (Frankenstein). Let dry.

Step 2: Use a black marker to draw the faces with spooky, silly, or downright hilarious.

Step 3: Twist a small eye hook into the top of each cap, then attach each painted acorn to the keyring using the chain loops.

#3. Colorful Painted Acorn Tops

This one’s a showstopper, especially if you’re looking for a cheerful fall craft that kids can help with too. These hand-painted acorns look like tiny ornaments or miniature globes.

And the best part is that you only need a few simple materials, most of which you probably already have at home.

Materials Needed:

• Real acorn caps (gathered and dried)
• Wooden beads, clay balls, or real acorns
• Acrylic paint in assorted colors
• Fine-tip paintbrushes
• Hot glue gun + glue sticks
• Optional: clear sealer

Step-by-step Guide:

Step 1: Paint your acorns or beads with bright patterns like dots, stripes, florals, or swirls. There’s no wrong way here! Let dry completely.

Step 2: Apply a coat of sealer if you’d like to make the paint more durable or glossy.

Step 3: Glue each painted bead into an acorn cap then hold in place for a few seconds to set.

Step 4: Display them in a wooden bowl, jar, or as place-setting accents. They’re little, but they sure bring a big smile.

#4. Marble Acorn Necklaces

These tiny treasures are simple, sweet, and honestly a joy to make, especially if you’re crafting with kids or want a little something to give away at fall festivals or family gatherings.

The texture of the real acorn cap paired with the glossy marble makes each pendant feel like a tiny forest jewel, so you can wear them, hang them, or tuck them into little gift bags for a handmade surprise.

Materials Needed:

• 3-5 real acorn caps
• 3-5 glass marbles
• Strong craft glue
• Twine (18–20″ per necklace)
• Small screw eyes or jewelry hooks (optional)

Step-by-step Guide:

Step 1: Glue each marble into the base of an acorn cap, then let dry completely.

Step 2: Attach a screw eye to the top of the acorn cap if desired, or simply wrap and knot twine around the cap’s stem.

Step 3: Cut your twine to necklace length and tie a loop or clasp.

#5. Acorn Rim Nature Bowl

Here’s a charming way to give a plain bowl a rustic autumn makeover. The painted acorn caps lining the rim add the perfect touch of texture and whimsy, almost like little woodland crowns.

You can play with color combinations depending on your mood or your space as this turquoise version pops so beautifully against the warm wood. It’s simple, soothing, and budget-friendly, making it a lovely weekend craft or a homemade gift idea.

Materials Needed:

• Wooden bowl (any size or shape)
• 25-40 clean acorn caps
• Acrylic paint
• Small paintbrush
• Hot glue gun + glue sticks

Step-by-step Guide:

Step 1: Paint the inside of each acorn cap using your chosen color. Let dry completely.

Step 2: Carefully glue each cap along the rim of the bowl. Try overlapping slightly or alternating directions for a natural look.

Step 3: Let the glue set fully, and then display your bowl on a shelf or table. It’s the kind of piece people will ask about!

#6. Walnut Shell Leaf Fairy

This sweet craft turns natural materials into a charming woodland figure, complete with a pinecone body, an acorn head, and a giant leaf for wings.

Additionally, it feels like something out of a children’s storybook, the kind you’d read under a blanket while sipping cocoa. You can make this project to bring big smiles to kids.

Materials Needed:

• 1 acorn (with cap)
• 1 small pinecone
• 1 large dried leaf
• 1 walnut shell
• 2 tiny twigs
• Hot glue gun
• Black marker

Step-by-step Guide:

Step 1: Use the black marker to draw a sweet little face on the acorn.

Step 2: Glue the acorn head onto the flat top of the pinecone, then glue the pinecone into the walnut shell, securing it upright.

Step 3: Attach twigs to each side for arms and glue a leaf to the back like fairy wings.

#7. Elegant Green Acorn Ornaments

I love how these acorns catch the light as they look beautiful nestled in a bowl or hanging on a tree branch. Bonus, they’re made with plastic Easter eggs and real acorn caps, so they’re easy on your budget and a great way to upcycle seasonal leftovers.

Materials Needed:

• Small green plastic eggs
• Real acorn caps
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Matte or satin green spray paint
• Eye screws

Step-by-step Guide:

Step 1: Paint your plastic eggs green if needed and let them dry completely.

Step 2: Twist a small eye screw into the top of each egg (or hot glue a loop of string if preferred).

Step 3: Use hot glue to attach the acorn caps to the top of each egg.

Step 4: Let everything set, then display them in a bowl or hang them on your tree.

#8. Tiny Acorn-Top Cork Cottages

These miniature acorn-roofed houses are like something plucked from a woodland fairy tale. Made from old corks and acorn caps, they’re charming, cozy, and almost too cute to handle.

And the best part is that it’s practically free, just gather a few things from your recycling bin and the backyard. You can make it a weekend craft with your little ones, or a peaceful solo moment with a cup of tea and some music in the background.

Materials Needed:

• 4-6 wine corks
• 4-6 acorn caps (similar size)
• White and black acrylic paint
• Small paintbrush
• Hot glue gun

Step-by-step Guide:

Step 1: Paint each cork white and let it dry completely.

Step 2: Use black paint to add little windows and doors and it doesn’t need to be perfect, just sweet.

Step 3: Once dry, hot glue an acorn cap to the top of each cork like a roof.

Step 4: Display your tiny homes on a shelf, tuck them into houseplants, or create a full acorn village.

#9. Acorn Cap Beeswax Candles

These tiny acorn candles are like nature’s version of fairy lights. I first made a batch during a rainy weekend with some leftover beeswax, and now I can’t imagine fall without a bowl of them glowing softly on the windowsill.

Materials Needed:

• 30-40 acorn caps
• ½ cup beeswax pellets or grated beeswax
• Candle wicks (cut into ½” pieces)
• A small glass jar
• Toothpick or tweezers

Step-by-step Guide:

Step 1: Melt the beeswax slowly using a double boiler or heat-safe jar in hot water.

Step 2: Pour a small amount of wax into each acorn cap, just enough to fill it.

Step 3: Quickly place a short wick piece into the center before the wax sets. You can use tweezers for better precision.

Step 4: Let the candles cool and harden completely before using.

#10. Acorn-Kissed Picture Frame

If you’ve ever taken a walk with your kids on a crisp fall day and come home with pockets full of acorns, this craft is made for you.

Turning those little treasures into a picture frame creates a keepsake that’s as heartwarming as the memories inside. Specially, this project doesn’t require any fancy tools, just a simple frame, some glue, and a pile of acorns you probably already have.

Materials Needed:

• 1 plain wooden photo frame
• About 40-50 acorns (with caps on)
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Optional: clear sealant spray

Step-by-step Guide:

Step 1: Wipe your frame clean and plan out your acorn layout before gluing.

Step 2: One by one, glue the acorns around the edge of the frame, then mix up sizes for a more natural look.

Step 3: Let the glue cool and dry completely.

Step 4 (optional): Spray the finished frame with a light coat of sealant if you’d like a glossy finish and extra protection.

#11. Glittered Acorn Cap Wreath

If you’ve ever stepped outside on a crisp fall day and crunched over a scattering of acorns, this wreath captures that exact feeling but with a little sparkle.

Moreover, what makes it fun is that you’re using actual acorn caps paired with painted faux acorns or beads. I made mine for the front door, but it would look beautiful above a mantel or on a porch wall.

Materials Needed:

• About 100 clean, dry acorn caps
• 40-50 small plastic eggs
• Brown and metallic acrylic paint
• Hot glue gun + glue sticks
• Grapevine (12″–14″)
• Optional: twine

Step-by-step Guide:

Step 1: Paint your faux acorns (or beads) in fall shades, you can try a mix of matte brown and metallic for dimension, then let them dry fully.

Step 2: Glue each painted nut into an acorn cap, you should hold a few seconds until secure.

Step 3: Begin gluing individual caps and glittered acorns around your wreath form, layering and angling them to create a full, textured look.

Step 4: Fill in any gaps with single caps or smaller decorations. Then add a loop of twine to the back for easy hanging.

#12. Acorn Cap Peg Dolls

These tiny peg dolls are full of whimsy and warmth like a whole woodland village fitting in the palm of your hand.

Plus, you can paint a whole family, or even turn them into ornaments or nature table decorations. It’s a quiet, calming craft that encourages imagination and connection with nature.

Materials Needed:

• 6 small wooden peg dolls (approx. 1.5″–2″ tall)
• 6 real acorn caps
• Acrylic paint in fall tones (brown, rust, green, cream, etc.)
• Fine-tip black pen
• Hot glue gun
• Optional: twine

Step-by-step Guide:

Step 1: Paint each wooden peg doll in a different fall color and let dry.

Step 2: Use a fine pen or tiny brush to add sweet, simple faces, then glue an acorn cap to each head like a little hat.

Step 3 (optional): Add a loop of twine to the top if you’d like to hang them.

#13. Colorful Acorn Wind Chime

If you’ve ever walked through a quiet forest and heard the leaves whispering above, this sweet little wind chime brings that same kind of magic home.

Moreover, it sways gently with the breeze, each felted acorn adding a soft pop of color that makes even cloudy days feel playful and of course, kids will be surprised.

Materials Needed:

• 9-10 acorn caps
• Wool roving or small colorful felt balls (1-1.5 inch each)
• 1 sturdy stick (10-12 inches long)
• Natural jute string
• Hot glue gun

Step-by-step Guide:

Step 1: Glue a felted ball into each acorn cap and let dry. You can use wool roving and felt it by hand, or buy ready-made.

Step 2: Tie a piece of string to each acorn top, leaving varying lengths for a nice cascading effect.

Step 3: Tie each string to the stick, spacing them out evenly.

Step 4: Add a final string across the top for hanging, then display it where it can catch a gentle breeze.

#14. Pinecone Acorn Owl Buddy

This little forest owl might be the most charming thing you’ll craft all season. It’s got acorn caps for giant googly eyes, a pinecone body, and tiny wings that flap with imagination.

The best part is that you probably have everything you need right outside your door or tucked in your craft drawer.

Materials Needed:

• 1 medium pinecone
• 2 acorn caps (similar size)
• 2 googly eyes (½ inch)
• 3-4 acorn tops
• Small craft feathers (red, yellow)
• Scrap paper
• Glue (hot glue or tacky)

Step-by-step Guide:

Step 1: Glue two acorn caps to the top of the pinecone for eyes, then add googly eyes inside the caps.

Step 2: Cut a tiny triangle from red paper for the beak and glue it right below the eyes.

Step 3: Snip yellow paper or feathers into small wing shapes and glue to the sides.

Step 4: Use acorn tops as feet and glue the pinecone body onto them so it stands.

#15. Simple Acorn Circle Ornament

This delicate hanging ornament is one of those crafts that’s just as lovely to make as it is to admire. Whether you hang it on a door handle, a window latch, or your holiday tree, it carries that warm, woodland charm only real acorns can bring.

You’ll get to enjoy a little time stringing nature’s beads together and in the end, you’ll have something totally one-of-a-kind.

Materials Needed:

• 15–20 acorns (whole with caps)
• Small wooden beads (about 10–15)
• Thin wire (12–14 inches)
• Ribbon (about 6 inches)
• Small drill or awl

Step-by-step Guide:

Step 1: Carefully drill a small hole through the center of each acorn from top to bottom.

Step 2: Thread the wire through the acorns and beads, alternating to create a natural rhythm.

Step 3: Twist the ends of the wire together to form a circle, then cover the join with a ribbon tied into a loop.

Step 4: Hang it up and enjoy the gentle nod to the forest right inside your home.

#16. Sparkling Acorn Gem Treasures

These shiny little acorns look like they tumbled right out of a fairy’s pocket. The combo of real acorn caps and glass pebbles creates a magical effect, especially when sunlight hits them.

Moreover, they’re easy enough for older kids to make (with supervision for the glue) and they feel like tiny treasures when finished.

Materials Needed:

• Real acorn caps (about 1 per acorn)
• Flat-bottom glass marbles
• Strong craft glue (like E6000)
• Optional: twine or ribbon

Step-by-step Guide:

Step 1: Sort through your acorn caps and pick ones that are whole and sit snugly over the gems. You may need to trim or sand a few to get a good fit.

Step 2: Place a small dab of glue inside the cap, press the glass gem in, and hold for a few seconds.

Step 3: Let dry completely on a flat surface. If you’d like to hang them, loop a bit of string through a small drilled hole or glue it to the cap before drying.

#17. Glossy Acorn Christmas Ornaments

These glossy little acorn ornaments include mix of deep, warm browns and cheerful plaid bow makes them perfect for rustic Christmas trees or cozy winter decorating.

They’re super budget-friendly, especially if you already have ribbon scraps lying around. And the glossy finish is just a coat of clear nail polish or varnish brings them to life.

Materials Needed:

• Real acorns
• Small red plaid ribbon (cut into 3–4″ strips)
• Gold string or thread
• Hot glue gun
• Clear nail polish or glossy craft varnish

Step-by-step Guide:

Step 1: Brush a thin coat of varnish or nail polish over each acorn and let it dry completely.

Step 2: Tie your ribbon pieces into small bows and hot glue one to each acorn cap.

Step 3: Loop a gold string and glue it securely to the top back of the cap for hanging.

Step 4: Let all glue set, then hang them on your tree or package gifts with a sweet handmade touch.

#18. Painted Acorn Tassel Garland

This cheerful fall garland has that cozy handmade charm we all love. The painted tones bring out that soft autumn glow, and the tassels at each end add a playful touch.

Materials Needed:

• 20–25 acorns, cleaned and dried
• Acrylic paints (white, orange, gold, beige)
• Paintbrush
• Hot glue gun
• Twine or string (about 3–4 feet)
• Yarn for tassels

Step-by-step Guide:

Step 1: Paint each acorn in your chosen fall shades and let them dry completely.

Step 2: Carefully hot glue the caps back on if they’ve come off during drying.

Step 3: Thread each acorn onto the twine, spacing them evenly.

Step 4: Tie tassels at both ends of the garland for a finished look and hang it wherever it makes your home feel a little more fall.

#19. Floral Fabric-Wrapped Acorns

These sweet little acorns look like they popped out of a storybook. Each one is wrapped in tiny floral fabric, giving it a soft, vintage charm that’s hard to resist.

This is the kind of craft whispers memories of handmade quilts, garden walks, and cozy autumn afternoons. They’re perfect for bowl fillers, wreaths, or even gift toppers if you want to add a personal touch.

Materials Needed:

• 15–20 real or faux acorns
• Small fabric scraps with floral patterns
• Mod Podge
• Scissors
• Small brush

Step-by-step Guide:

Step 1: Cut your fabric into small pieces, just enough to wrap around the acorn base.

Step 2: Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the acorn and press the fabric onto it, smoothing gently.

Step 3: Let it dry completely, then add another coat of Mod Podge to seal it.

Step 4: Once dry, glue the caps back on if needed and you’ve got the prettiest little acorns ready to scatter around your home.

#20. Jingle Bell Acorns

These charming little jingle bell acorns are like the joyful sound of fall and winter wrapped up in one adorable ornament. They make the perfect gift topper, garland piece, or Christmas tree accent.

The best part is that they’re surprisingly easy and inexpensive to make. Just a walk in the woods, a handful of acorn caps, and a few shiny bells and you’re in business.

Materials Needed:

• 20–30 acorn caps (dried and clean)
• 20–30 small gold jingle bells (around 1″ size)
• Hot glue gun
• Twine (about 6–8″ per ornament)

Step-by-step Guide:

Step 1: Dab a bit of hot glue inside each acorn cap, then press a jingle bell into the glue and hold for a few seconds.

Step 2: Loop a piece of twine through the bell’s top and tie it for hanging.

Step 3 (Optional): Group several together for a garland or gift bundle.

#21. Acorn Cap Flower Pendants

I made my first one during a lazy autumn weekend, and now I always collect a few caps and petals during hikes, just in case inspiration strikes.

These pendants make the sweetest gifts, and they’re practically free if you’ve got some acorns and dried flowers on hand.

Materials Needed:

• 10–12 large acorn caps
• Dried flowers (small blooms)
• Mod Podge
• Twine
• Small screw eye pins (optional)

Step-by-step Guide:

Step 1: Fill each cap with a little glue, just enough to anchor the dried flowers.

Step 2: Gently press flower heads or small petals into the glue, then let them dry completely.

Step 3: Once dry, seal with a thin layer of Mod Podge for extra protection and a little shine.

Step 4: Attach a screw eye pin to the top of the cap and string it onto a necklace cord.

#22 Spooky Acorn Ghost Earrings

This little ghost earring is just the kind of low-effort, high-fun craft that makes fall crafting feel like a treat.

I made these one rainy October afternoon with some leftover acorns and old jewelry findings and wore them to a Halloween potluck. They were a hit!

Materials Needed:

• 2 large acorns (caps on)
• White acrylic paint
• Black permanent marker
• Small screw eye hooks
• Earring hooks
• Small jump rings (optional)
• Paintbrush, pliers

Step-by-step Guide:

Step 1: Paint the acorn body white and let it dry fully. You can do two coats if needed.

Step 2: Use a marker to draw ghostly faces like big eyes, an O mouth, or any spook you like.

Step 3: Screw a small eye hook into the top of each cap, then attach jump rings if needed.

Step 4: Use pliers to attach the earring hooks, and you’re ready to haunt in style.