Walnut shells often get tossed aside once the tasty part’s gone, but they’re actually little masterpieces of nature just waiting for a second life. From their rugged outer texture to their perfect cradle-like shape, these shells are surprisingly versatile.
After protecting the seed through wind, rain, and sun, they’ve done their job yet instead of heading for the trash, they can step into a whole new role.
Crafters around the world are turning these humble shells into delightful ornaments, miniature worlds, and charming gifts. If you’ve ever cracked a walnut and thought nothing of the leftover shell, these 20+ ideas will definitely make you look twice.
#1. Miniature Animal Nesting Boxes
These walnut shell keepsakes are both a craft project and a storytelling piece. They make charming gifts, surprise favors, or delightful additions to nature-themed decor.
Materials Needed
- Whole walnuts
- Miniature animal figurines
- Small brass jewelry hinges
- Super glue
- Tweezers
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Carefully crack open each walnut using a knife or nutcracker, trying to keep both halves intact.
Step 2: Use a hot glue gun or super glue to attach a tiny animal figurine in one half of the shell.
Step 3: If desired, glue a small patch of moss, felt, or lace beneath the figurine to add softness and contrast.
Step 4: Attach a miniature hinge between the two halves using precision glue or small screws, allowing the walnut to open and close like a tiny treasure chest.
#2. Mini Walnut Shell Nativity Scene
This miniature nativity set is a quiet, peaceful tribute to Christmas, made from the humblest of materials like walnut shells, wooden beads, scrap burlap, and a sprinkle of love.
Also, each figure fits neatly into your palm, reminding you that even the smallest things can hold big meaning.
Materials Needed
- 3 walnut shells
- 3 wooden beads (approx. 0.75-1 inch diameter)
- Small scraps of burlap
- Silver thread
- Fine-tipped black pen
- Small wooden round base (about 4-5 inches wide)
- Decorative moss
- Wooden skewer and small star cutout
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Scissors
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Draw tiny eyes on each wooden bead using a fine pen. You want to wrap each bead lightly with burlap to form cloaks and glue in place. Next, add a thin silver thread as a halo.
Step 2: Glue one bead onto a walnut shell for the baby, and two beads into upright walnut shells for the parents. Next, wrape with more fabric as needed to suggest posture.
Step 3: Attach the moss onto the wooden base with hot glue. Then, arrange and secure the three walnut figures at the center.
Step 4: Glue the star to the top of a skewer or stick and insert it at the back of the scene.
#3. DIY Mini Venus Flytrap Walnut Craft
With jagged white teeth made from paper or polymer clay, walnut craft looks like something straight out of Little Shop of Horrors only cuter and small enough to fit in your palm.
If you love quirky, Halloween-inspired projects or want to challenge your craft skills, this one is a showstopper for shelves and school projects alike.
Materials Needed
- 1-2 half walnut shells
- Green acrylic paint
- White paper or polymer clay
- Red felt or paper
- 7 green pipe cleaners
- Mini terracotta pot (2-3 inch)
- Hot glue gun
- Optional: black paint or marker
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Paint the walnut shell halves green inside and out. Let dry, then add a red lining inside to mimic the mouth.
Step 2: Cut and glue small paper triangles or clay teeth along the shell’s edge. You wan to glue the two halves together at an angle to create an open-mouthed look.
Step 3: Twist green pipe cleaners into spirals and stems. Then, attach them to the walnut head and create extra vines for the base.
Step 4: Paint leafy textures on the base pipe cleaners to resemble leaves. Now, you secure everything inside a small pot using hot glue.
#4. Miniature Mushroom Walnut Ornaments
Inside each half-shell, tiny red mushrooms with white spots sprout from tufts of moss, creating a magical scene that feels straight out of a fairy tale.
Perfect for woodland-themed Christmas trees, nature-inspired decor, or handmade gifts, they’re charming, quirky, and irresistibly whimsical.
Materials Needed
- Half walnut shells
- Mini faux mushrooms or polymer clay
- Dried moss
- Hot glue gun
- Thin gold string
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Start by preparing your walnut shells, removing any inner bits and ensuring the surface is smooth and dry.
Step 2: Arrange a small pinch of moss at the base of each shell and glue it down.
Step 3: Add 1-3 mini mushrooms and nestle them into the moss with a dab of hot glue.
Step 4: Finally, attach a loop of string to the top of the shell for hanging, either with glue or by threading it through a small drilled hole.
#5. Floating Walnut Shell Candles
These delicate floating candles are perfect for winter wishes, table centerpieces, or a quiet evening ritual. Their charming size and gentle flicker add a sprinkle of magic to any moment.
You won’t believe how easy they are to make or how lovely they look drifting across a bowl of water or tucked into holiday decor.
Materials Needed
- 12 half walnut shells
- White candle wax (about 1-2 tablespoons per 4-5 shells)
- Small candle wicks (cut to 1″ pieces)
- Double boiler
- Toothpick
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Carefully melt the candle wax in a double boiler or microwave in short bursts.
Step 2: While the wax is melting, place each wick upright in the center of the walnut shell. Use a toothpick to steady it if needed.
Step 3: Pour melted wax gently into each shell, filling to the top edge. Let cool and solidify completely.
Step 4: Trim the wick if needed, then float them in water or nestle them in moss for a dreamy touch.
#6. Miniature Walnut Shell Birdhouses
These walnut shell birdhouses are tiny treasures that turn a simple branch into a magical scene. They feel like fairy homes suspended in a leafy neighborhood.
You might find yourself smiling every time you catch one gently spinning in the breeze as each half shell is transformed with just a bit of creativity.
Materials Needed
- 1 whole walnut shell per house
- Small triangle-shaped roof pieces (about 2×3 cm)
- Acrylic paint
- Small wooden beads (1 cm)
- Craft drill or small hand tool
- String
- Hot glue gun
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Carefully split and clean your walnut shells. You need to drill a small round hole (approx. 6 mm) on the front of each shell to serve as the birdhouse door.
Step 2: Paint your tiny roof pieces in your favorite colors and let them dry. Then attach each roof onto the top of the walnut shell using hot glue.
Step 3: Add a tiny perch under the entrance using a glued-on twig. Now, you can thread a loop of string through the roof or back of the shell for hanging.
#7. Adorable Walnut Owl Wreath
Who says wreaths have to be traditional? This clever circle of sleepy-eyed walnut owls is so cute to burst with woodland charm and personality.
Plus, framed with fresh greenery and arranged into a wreath, this is a cozy DIY that instantly warms up any door, wall, or window.
Materials Needed
- 14 walnut shells
- Small pieces of brown and yellow felt
- 28 googly eyes (approx. 6-8mm)
- 20-25 small fresh rosemary or pine clippings
- Wreath form (6 to 8 inches)
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Scissors
- Optional: floral wire or twine
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Cut out tiny wings and beaks from felt. You’ll need two wings and one small triangle beak per walnut.
Step 2: Glue the wings to the sides of each shell, the beak to the front, and finish with a pair of googly eyes above the beak.
Step 3: Attach greenery to your wreath form in a circular pattern, overlapping for fullness. You can use hot glue or secure with floral wire.
Step 4: Once the greenery is in place, glue each owl onto the wreath form, spacing them evenly around the circle.
#8. Golden Walnut Shell Ornament
This golden walnut shell ornament is one of those quietly beautiful touches that instantly elevates your tree.
Moreover, with its natural texture painted in shimmering gold and tied with deep red ribbon, it looks like something out of a storybook Christmas.
Materials Needed
- 1 whole walnut shell
- Gold acrylic paint or gold spray paint
- 1 piece of red satin ribbon (about 10-12 inches)
- 1 piece of gold string (about 6 inches)
- Hot glue gun and glue stick
- Small paintbrush
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Carefully split the walnut in half and remove the nut meat. You want to clean the inside thoroughly and let dry.
Step 2: Paint the entire outside of the shell gold using a brush or spray paint. After that, let it dry completely about 15-20 minutes.
Step 3: Cut a piece of gold string, form a loop, and hot glue it inside one half of the shell for hanging.
Step 4: Finally, tie a small bow with the red ribbon and glue it to the top of the shell.
#9. DIY Miniature Walnut Shell Cottage
This walnut shell miniature has been transformed into a cozy little stone cottage, complete with ladders, shelves, and charming furnishings like books, chairs, and even tiny skulls for a mysterious twist.
If you love fantasy dioramas or want to craft something that feels like it belongs in a secret forest village, this is the project for you.
Materials Needed
- Half walnut shells
- Polymer clay
- Acrylic paint (stone gray, moss green, wood brown) and fine-tip paintbrushes
- Craft glue
- Toothpicks
- Optional: tiny fabric scraps, moss, twine, glitter
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Start by painting the inside of each walnut shell to create the illusion of a mossy or stone wall. Let dry.
Step 2: Use clay to shape tiny furniture like chairs, shelves, books, or even food items. You should cure according to the clay instructions.
Step 3: Next, use glue to affix ladders, seats, or platforms made of toothpicks.
Step 4: Add finishing touches like tiny moss patches, pillows made from fabric, or a rug using felt.
#10. Walnut Shell Winter House Ornaments
These tiny walnut houses hang easily on a tree or sit snugly on a windowsill, adding a handcrafted warmth to your holiday decor. Best of all, they’re budget-friendly and easy to make in batches.
Materials Needed
- 6-10 whole walnut shells
- Corrugated cardboard (approx. 1.5″ x 2″)
- White string (cut into 6-inch loops)
- White acrylic paint and fine brush
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Small felt (about 1″ wide)
- Scissors
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Paint tiny windows and doors on the walnut shell using white acrylic or a paint pen. Let dry.
Step 2: Cut a piece of corrugated cardboard and fold it gently in half to create a roof. Then glue it onto the top of the walnut shell.
Step 3: Glue the walnut onto a felt to help it stand. Now, you attach a loop of string at the top of the roof if you want it to hang.
#11. DIY Walnut Shell Couple Figurines
Haha, these walnut shell creatures are like cheerful woodland puppets frozen mid-laughter from a forest fairy tale.
Specially, their big goofy grins and wide eyes add personality, while the base of jute and pine accents makes them feel earthy and warm.
Materials Needed
- 2 whole walnut shells
- White pumpkin or melon seeds
- Mini pinecones
- Jute rope
- Googly eyes
- Hot glue gun
- Twigs or craft wire
- Faux leaves, mini flowers
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Carefully open the walnuts, then glue two shells back-to-back to form the head, and another two for the body.
Step 2: Cut and bend twine or thin sticks to shape arms and legs, then attach them to the body walnut.
Step 3: Next, add the heads on top using hot glue. You continue to glue pumpkin seeds on as ears, hands, or wings, then add googly eyes.
Step 4: Arrange pinecones, leaves, and flowers on the base. Then attach the figures standing tall and cheerful.
#12. Mini Walnut Shell Pin Cushions
Who knew a walnut shell could hold so much function and cuteness? These miniature pin cushions are perfect for quick fixes, travel kits, or gifting to your favorite sewing enthusiast.
Materials Needed
- 1 half walnut shell per pin cushion
- Scrap fabric (roughly 2″ square)
- Cotton or polyester stuffing
- Hot glue
- Scissors
- Pins
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Cut a small circle of fabric (about 1.5-2″ in diameter). Next, place a small amount of stuffing in the center of the fabric and gather the edges together to form a ball.
Step 2: Glue the gathered edge side into the walnut shell so the smooth, puffy side sits up. You should hold it in place until it’s secure.
Step 3: Once dry, add a few colorful pins to complete the look.
#13. Walnut Shell Keepsake Box
This romantic little craft is more than just charming, it’s the tiniest declaration of love, tucked in the soft cradle of a walnut shell. It’s perfect for anniversaries, proposals, or simply saying “I love you.”
Materials Needed
- 1 half walnut shell
- Small lace scraps
- Mini heart charm
- Small paper tag
- Pen or fine marker
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Optional: ribbon or twine
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Carefully clean out the walnut shell, keeping both halves intact.
Step 2: Cut lace pieces to fit snugly inside each half, then glue them down gently using a hot glue gun.
Step 3: Write your message on a small tag or torn edge of cardstock, something simple like “I love you” says everything.
Step 4: Nestle the heart charm inside one half. Optionally, you can glue a loop of ribbon to the top to turn it into a hanging ornament or gift topper.
#14. Walnut Shell Bee Ornament
What about this adorable walnut shell bee ornament? It looks like a cheerful little visitor bringing a pop of sunshine and whimsy to your tree or garden decor.
Materials Needed
- 1 walnut shell half
- Yellow and black acrylic paint
- A small black pom-pom or fabric ball
- Pipe cleaner or thread
- Transparent ribbon
- Hot glue gun
- String or twine
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Paint the walnut shell yellow and let it dry completely. Next, add black stripes using a small brush or black marker.
Step 2: Glue the black pom-pom or fabric head onto the narrow end of the shell. Now, you can attach tiny antennae made from cut pipe cleaners.
Step 3: Cut two small wing shapes from ribbon or mesh and glue them to the top.
Step 4: Finally, tie a string or loop of twine at the top to make it ornament-ready.
#15. Painted Walnut Shell Ladybugs
These vibrant ladybugs are actually walnut shells in disguise! With just a bit of paint and imagination, a few cracked halves transform into the most charming rainbow of lady beetles you’ve ever seen.
This is also the perfect weekend craft for kids, classrooms, or cheerful garden decor.
Materials Needed
- Half empty walnut shells
- Acrylic paints in various colors
- Black and white paint and thin paintbrushes
- Clear varnish (optional)
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Paint each shell a bold base color like red, blue, yellow, green, purple or whatever you like.
Step 2: Use black paint to add a small semicircle at one end for the ladybug’s head. You continue to add dots along the back and a line down the center to complete the look.
Step 3: Use white and black paint to carefully dot on two adorable eyes.
Step 4: Let the bugs dry fully, then coat with a clear sealant to protect your work if you plan to handle them frequently.
#16. Metallic Walnut Shell Garland Ornaments
Painted in rich tones of gold, copper, and silver, these shimmering walnuts reflect light beautifully on the tree, garland, or even gift wrap.
Also, the real charm is in the texture as the natural walnut surface becomes even more striking once dressed in metallic paint. They’re super lightweight, affordable to make in bulk, and easy enough for kids to join in.
Materials Needed
- 20-25 whole walnuts in shells
- Acrylic or spray paint in gold, silver, and copper
- Red and white baker’s twine (cut into 8-10 inch pieces)
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Small paintbrush
- Optional: sealer spray
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Clean the walnuts with a damp cloth and let them dry. Then you can lay them out on paper or cardboard for easy painting.
Step 2: Paint each walnut in your chosen metallic color. You can mix shades for a more playful effect. Let dry completely about 15 minutes for spray, 30+ for acrylic.
Step 3: Cut pieces of baker’s twine and tie them into loops. You now use hot glue and secure each loop to the top of a walnut shell.
Step 4: Once cooled, hang on your tree, string them into a garland, or use as adorable gift toppers.
#17. Baby Jesus Garland in Walnut Shell Cradles
You can see each little figure is lovingly nestled inside a walnut shell, wrapped snugly in a soft blue fabric blanket, with a tiny painted face smiling up sweetly.
Bonus, intertwined with gold stars and warm rustic accents, it feels like a miniature nativity story unfolding across your tree or mantel.
Materials Needed
- 1 halved walnut shells per baby
- 1 wooden beads per baby head
- Blue fabric (about 4×4 cm per wrap)
- Raffia, dried moss, or coco fiber
- Gold string
- Small gold star embellishments (optional)
- Hot glue gun, scissors, fine-tip black and red markers
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Line each walnut shell with a bit of raffia to resemble a soft nest. Then you wrap a small strip of blue cloth around the base of each bead to create the swaddle.
Step 2: Glue the swaddled bead into the shell to resemble baby Jesus lying in a manger.
Step 3: Next, you add a sweet face using a fine-tip marker including two dots for eyes, a small smile, and a rosy cheek.
Step 4: Glue stars along a golden thread, then attach the walnut babies at regular intervals to complete your garland.
#18. Walnut Shell Ring Box
Whether you’re planning a proposal, creating a keepsake, or gifting jewelry with a heartfelt twist, this handmade container adds a poetic charm.
This tiny ring box made from a walnut shell is a symbol of delicate beauty and thoughtful simplicity. Plus, it’s lightweight, biodegradable, and wonderfully unique.
Materials Needed
- 1 whole walnut
- Small piece of soft cotton cloth (about 3×3 inches)
- Hot glue
- Optional: satin ribbon or twine
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Gently crack the walnut in half, trying to preserve both shell sides intact. You should remove the nut and clean the inside thoroughly.
Step 2: Cut a small piece of soft fabric, fold or roll it to fit inside one half of the shell snugly. Then glue the fabric in place.
Step 3: Nestle your ring(s) into the fabric so they sit securely. If needed, add a second layer or tuck for extra padding.
#19. Mini Walnut Shell Baskets with Twine
These miniature baskets made from walnut shells and natural jute twine are as charming as they are simple.
Moreover, the texture of the twine wrapped along the rim adds a warm, handmade look like something straight out of a forest fairy tale.
Materials Needed
- 1 walnut shell half
- Jute twine (approx. 15-20 cm per basket)
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Scissors
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Start by wrapping the twine around the top edge of the walnut shell, securing it with hot glue as you go.
Step 2: Cut a length of twine for the handle and glue both ends to opposite sides of the shell to create a little loop.
Step 3: Let it dry completely and ensure the handle is firmly attached. Now you can fill it with mini eggs, dried flowers, tiny notes.
#20. Walnut Shell Reindeer Ornaments
Wow, these tiny reindeer are full of holiday cheer and handmade joy! Each one is made from a humble walnut shell, yet somehow they come to life with their little red noses and felt antlers.
Specially, they’re perfect for decorating your Christmas tree, adding to wrapped gifts, or crafting with kids on a cozy December afternoon.
Materials Needed
- 3 walnut shells
- 3 small red pom-poms (about 0.5 cm diameter)
- Brown felt sheet (approx. 6 x 6 inches)
- Black marker
- Red ribbon (cut into 6-8 inch strips)
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Scissors
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Clean out the walnut shells and make sure they’re fully dry. If they don’t sit flat, gently sand the backs.
Step 2: Cut antler shapes from brown felt and glue one on each side of the shell. You can make a paper template first if you’d like them to match.
Step 3: Attach a red pom-pom to the pointed end of the walnut for the nose. Then, use the marker to draw two small eyes just above.
Step 4: Flip over and glue a looped ribbon to the back for hanging.
#21. DIY Walnut Shell Sailboat Ornament
With a shimmering golden hull and sails made from vintage book pages, it captures a sense of nostalgia and imagination, the kind of ornament that feels like it’s straight out of a childhood dream.
Additionally, when decorating a Christmas tree or creating a literary-themed garland, this little boat makes a poetic and eye-catching addition.
Materials Needed
- Half walnut shell
- Gold acrylic paint
- A small piece of book page
- Wooden toothpick
- Small piece of white ribbon
- Hot glue
- Optional: glitter or faux snow
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Paint the outside of the walnut shell and let it dry. Gold adds a magical touch, but feel free to personalize.
Step 2: Cut your paper into a small sail shape and glue it onto the mast, then add a tiny flag at the top for flair.
Step 3: Carefully glue the mast inside the walnut shell, securing it with a generous dab of glue at the base.
Step 4: If you want extra sparkle, add a rim of faux snow or glitter around the edge.
Step 5: Attach a loop of string or fishing line to the top of the mast for hanging.
