let's make {acorns}

So, maybe I'm jumping the gun a bit, but I am looking forward to fall, so this week's project has an autumnal theme--acorns! Here's a simple guide to making your own polymer clay acorns. Make a bowlful--they're adorable. :)

Here's what you need to make four acorns.
1/2 ounce light brown clay
1/4 ounce dark brown clay
small piece of cardstock
scissors
sharpened pencil

Slice each of the pieces of clay into four small equal portions (the light pieces will be twice as thick as the dark ones).

Roll each clay piece into a ball.

Flatten the darker brown clay ball into a flat disk (it should measure 3/4 to 1 inch in diameter).

Place the darker clay disk on top of the lighter ball and gently press down the edges to make the cap of the acorn.

Bend a small "v" in a piece of heavyweight cardstock (you could also use an old card for this).

Cut the cardstock about 1/8 inch from the fold down both sides and spread the edges about 10 minutes apart.

With the pointed side down, press the "v" into the cap of the acorn along the edge. No need to be meticulous, just start creating the texture of the cap.

Continue around the rim of the cap and work your way to the top.

Using the point of a sharpened pencil, carefully make a hole in the top of the cap.

Take a small piece (a pea-sized piece will be enough for all four acorns) of the dark brown clay and roll it out into a rope about 1/8" thick. Cut a length of the rope (1/4 to 1/2 inch) and insert the stem into the cap of the acorn.

While holding the acorn on the sides (light brown section), gently pinch the bottom of the acorn, while rotating the acorn to create the point on the tip.

Now, place the acorn on a baking sheet that is covered with a piece of parchment paper and bake the pieces for 20-25 minutes at 275 degrees. You may also cover the acorns with a piece of aluminum foil to prevent scorching. Allow the acorns to cool after baking. Any obvious scratches or fingerprints can be buffed away using fine grit sandpaper (wet it first to cut down on the dust).