There’s something magical about crafting with kids when the weather turns crisp and the leaves start to fall. Cozy afternoons, warm drinks, and a table covered in paint and glitter? Yes, please! This Paper Plate & Paint Splat Acorn Craft is one of our all-time favorite fall activities, and today I’m sharing exactly how to make it with your own little ones.
The best part? This craft uses that super-fun paint splat and squish technique kids absolutely love. No two acorns turn out the same, so every child gets to make something totally unique. Plus, I’m including a free acorn cap printable to make assembly quick and easy. Let’s dive in!
Craft Supplies:
Gather these supplies before you get started:
- 1 white paper plate – this becomes your acorn body
- Brown paint – we used two different colors of brown Tulip fabric paint
- Loose craft glitter – for that cozy fall sparkle
- Googly eyes – two large ones give the best look
- Cardstock – to print the acorn cap
- Scissors – for cutting out the cap
- Stapler – to secure the cap to the paper plate
- Free acorn cap printable – grab it from box.com – password is GLUEDTOMYCRAFTS2026
Directions:
Step 1: Create the Paint Splat Acorn Body
- Fold your white paper plate in half, then open it back up. Squeeze a generous blob of brown paint onto one side of the plate near the fold. You can add a few dots of a lighter tan shade too if you want extra texture.
- Now for the fun part! Fold the plate closed again and gently squish and press all over with your hands. Rub the paint around so it spreads inside. When you open the plate back up, you’ll see a beautiful symmetrical, textured brown design. Every single one looks different, which is what makes this technique so exciting for kids.
Step 2: Sprinkle on the Glitter
- While the paint is still wet, sprinkle orange glitter over the center of your acorn body. The wet paint acts like glue and holds the glitter in place. Focus the sparkle in the middle for that warm, autumn glow. Give the plate a gentle tap to shake off any loose bits.
Step 3: Add the Googly Eyes
- Grab your two googly eyes and place them near the center of the painted area. Place them side by side to give your acorn a friendly little face. This tiny step brings the whole craft to life, and kids always giggle when their acorn starts looking back at them!
- Let everything dry for a bit before moving on.
Step 4: Print and Cut the Acorn Cap
- Print the free acorn cap printable onto brown cardstock. Cardstock holds up better than regular paper and gives the cap a sturdier feel.
- Once printed, carefully cut out the acorn cap along the outline, including the little stem at the top. For younger kids, you may want to handle the cutting yourself or use safety scissors with supervision.
Step 5: Assemble Your Acorn
- Now let’s put it all together! Place the acorn cap over the top third of your paper plate so it overlaps the painted body. Staple it down firmly, making sure the stem points upward.
- And just like that, your paint splat acorn is complete!
RELATED —> Paper Plate & Coffee Filter Acorn Craft Idea
Once you’ve made a few of these charming acorns, why stop there? Line them up along a windowsill, tape them to the fridge, or string them together for a festive garland. They also make sweet little gifts for grandparents or classroom decorations that celebrate the season.
So grab those supplies, roll up your sleeves, and get ready for some messy, giggly fall fun. Happy crafting, my friends!
