In an attempt to get Love Bug home from the park down the street with minimal complaints, MJ made up a game that included vengeful squirrels and acorns. MJ and Love Bug pretended the squirrels were out to get them because they had stolen the squirrels acorns. This game hastened the trip back from the park and gave it a little excitement, making the park departure less traumatizing.
Little did we know that this would lead to stories upon stories of crazed squirrels trying to get into the house for their acorns. It’s pretty amazing how little brains work.
Anyway, this game led me to pick up a few, then a couple more, then a whole basket full of acorns for myself. I found some really nice fat ones on one of our days to a different park across town. I probably looked silly filling bags with acorns but I couldn’t stop myself.
I had them sitting in a basket on the table first because I couldn’t decide what to do with them. Then, when a couple worms climbed out, I decided I had to do something and I chose to spray them with some metallic paints.
First I boiled them all with a little essential oil. This, and the fact that they were drying out, made most of the tops come off. So then I spent a few hours matching hats and gluing them together. Yes, it was rather tedious and my husband thought I was nuts.
After they were all put back together, I split the group and started spraying. This was also tedious. Acorns are not very heavy and would some times roll around as I sprayed them. Then, after one coat would dry, I would hand turn them so I could spray the unpainted parts.
Time consuming and tiresome, I did like the outcome.
Next year, I will find another way to display them. I’ve had enough of them for this year.
For other acorn ideas, check Dana’s Autumn Acorn Tutorial on Made.
-amy c
