DIY Cotton Mushrooms
20 December 2006 | by jen in Whatnot
Here’s the tutorial I was talking about a few days ago. A little late, I know, but that’s how it goes this time of year for me. But, never fear, you can make them for next Christmas or for fun, because cute little mushrooms aren’t just for the holidays!
These aren’t cotton but paperclay. They look just like those vintage cotton mushrooms you see for sale, only you make these yourself which means you can customize them however you like: size, color, shape, etc. (Yes, I know, that why we crafters are so crafty!)
Skill Level: Beginner
*This project takes 2-4 days because of drying time.*
Here’s what you’ll need (you can find most/all of these supplies at Michaels):
- Paperclay, preferably Delight because it’s white and very lightweight
- Floral wire
- Red and white acrylic paint (or desired colors)
- Acrylic varnish (I used matte, indoor/outdoor)
- 1 small flat and 1 small round paintbrush
- Small wire cutters
- Something to protect surface
- Cup of water
- Paper towels
- Optional: Alligator clips
The follow pictures are kind of crappy because I didn’t have good light in my work area, but I think you’ll get the idea!
Cut a 6″ piece of floral wire. At one end, twist or curl the wire to form an anchor. Then, take some paperclay (approx. the size of a golfball to start) and form it around the anchored end, leaving about 3-4″ of wire at the bottom:
Wrap paperclay around the wire and sculpt into a vague mushroom shape:
Continue to work the paperclay into desired shape. You may wet your hands a little to help smooth out the clay. Here are 3 slightly different examples:
Let forms dry for 1-3 days. (One day should be fine since these objects are small.)
When ready, use the flat paintbrush and paint the tops red. Apply 2 coats. (According to manufacturer’s directions.) Paint stems white if you used non-white paperclay. Dry.
With round paintbrush, add white dots. I hung mine up to dry in the laundry room, away from a certain cat:
When paint is completely dry, coat mushrooms with varnish. I choose to coat the entire mushroom, but I suppose you can coat just the top. (Painted area.)
Position your mushroom on top of the end of a branch and wrap the wire around it.
****Optional: Wrap wires from bottom of mushrooms around alligator clips. This may extend the life of your mushrooms as the wires will probably eventually break from bending.
You can also try making the wire stick up from the top of the mushroom, or using a loop of heavy thread or string at the top so the mushroom will hang like most other ornaments. OR, skip the wire altogether and glue the mushrooms into your decorative arrangements.
Enjoy!
What are your thoughts, dears? | ♥ 
20 December 2006 | ndukay says:
so, so adorable! did you put them all over your tree? i love them!!!
20 December 2006 | mewtate says:
these little mushroom guys brought a smile to my face! maybe i’ll get to see them in person on friday!!!
22 December 2006 | Guro says:
Oh my, these are so cute!! Thank you for posting a tutorial :O) I have to try this for next Christmas, or maybe after this Christmas.br /Thank you for all the inspiration this year, and Merry Christmas!
22 December 2006 | Lina says:
Those are so cute!
23 December 2006 | jen says:
Thanks everyone! Happy Holidays!
06 December 2008 | Beth says:
You are feeding my “addiction” to red and white mushrooms…especially at this time of year! Great tutorial, thank you!
07 January 2009 | alice says:
Oh this is such a good idea!
08 January 2009 | Andi says:
Thank you for posting this, it hadn’t occurred to me to make them myself (I bought a small bunch when we were in Steubenville and have been hoarding them ever since). Yay!
09 January 2009 | Geek+Nerd says:
Thank you for posting this tutorial. The mushrooms are so cute!
15 January 2009 | Eireann says:
that’s a great idea!
24 July 2010 | Darlene says:
Those mushrooms are gorgeous!!! Thanks so much for generously sharing your tutorial.