How to Dry Acorns for Crafts

Author Info

Last Updated: November 21, 2023 Approved

Acorns, the nut from oak trees, are a commonly harvested food that are eaten raw or used in recipes. Acorns usually ripen and fall in September and October. There is often an overabundance of acorns and they can alternatively be used for crafts. Children can use them to make murals, buttons and other creations, or adults may use them to frame mirrors and candle holders. Whatever acorn crafts you have in mind, there are a few best practices to follow when drying acorns for crafts. Insects often hide inside the shell and you can safely and effectively destroy the risk of future insect problems. This article will tell you how to dry acorns for crafts.

Steps

Download Article

1
Harvest acorns from red and white oak trees as soon as they fall off the trees, if possible. They may be green, tan or brown. The more time they are on the ground, the higher the possibility will be that they may be attacked by insects.
- Acorns are a large portion of a squirrel's diet. They are quick to harvest the best acorns, and you will see them actively hunting when the acorns are ripe.
Brush them gently with a nylon brush to remove dirt, insect larvae and leaves.^{[1]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
3
Lay your acorns out across a towel to dry them for 1 hour. Throw away any nuts that are already molding or decaying. These nuts will not retain the look of healthy nuts in your craft projects.
- If you find any acorns with tiny holes in them, this is a sign that insects have been inside them. Drying them for crafts will kill the insects so it is up to your discretion whether you want to save these acorns.^{[2]
  X
  Research source}
Lay your acorns in a single layer on a cookie sheet with a lip on it. Place your acorns in the preheated oven.^{[3]
X
Research source}
This will allow the moisture to escape from the acorn kernels as they dry.^{[4]
X
Research source}
Leave the acorns in for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, to ensure they dry completely. Remove them from the oven when they have dried.
Remove any acorns that may have burned in the process of drying. Allow your acorns to cool on a wire rack for an hour before attempting to use them.
You can attach them using glue or hot glue. Look for acorn craft ideas in magazines, blogs or crafting books.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

How do I maintain the color of the acorns when drying them?

Beth H.

Community Answer

You can use clear acrylic to preserve and protect them.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 6 Helpful 36
Question

Do I have to clean acorn caps too before using them for crafts?

Community Answer

Yes, if you want them preserved for a longer time period; otherwise, your caps will age and your nuts will not.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 6 Helpful 12
Question

How long would these dried acorns last?

Community Answer

Once they are dry, they should last as long as needed, as long as they aren't re-wetted. To further prevent the chance of mold growth (from moist environments), seal the nuts with a craft or wood varnish of your choice.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 10

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Acorns that are dried in this manner can also be eaten. However, drying acorns for eating is usually done by letting them sit out and air dry over a period of weeks or months. Oven drying acorns causes them to lose their moisture and lose their freshness. They can only be eaten for 1 to 2 months after oven drying.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
If you are air drying the acorns, make sure it is somewhere free of squirrels, insect larvae, and other harmful stuff.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0