Wintry Mushroom Tablescape

DIY by Brooke Darwin | Photos by Topograph

Engaging in do-it-yourself (DIY) projects can offer a variety of benefits, both personal and practical. One can learn new skills, express creativity, use critical thinking, be resourceful, and foster a sense of self-reliance and accomplishment. Brooke from Bread Savage finds that engaging in hands-on projects provides a productive outlet and a way to relax and unwind from the day-to-day stress of owning and operating a business. Below, she shares one of her favorite projects where she creates mushrooms for an enchanting wintry tablescape.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

Alluminum foil, hot glue gun, modeling clay, paints of your choice, paint brushes, technique tools, and a creative mind!

STEP 1

Create the foil stem by cutting the desired length, then folding in half and rolling.

STEP 2

Form the mushroom cap by cutting a square-shaped piece of foil and gently folding inward until the cap is formed.

STEP 3

Use a hot glue gun to attach the stem to the cap. You can add more foil to reinforce the stem if desired.

STEP 4

Roll a piece of modeling clay into a ball and then begin flattening into a round shape. Take the flattened piece and wrap it around the foil mushroom cap until covered.

STEP 5

Grab another piece and do the same for the stem, wrapping until covered, and joined with the cap. Use your spatula tool to drag some clay from the base of the cap down, creating the skirt.

STEP 6

Take a tool with a pointed end, and begin creating lines beneath the mushroom cap. Let dry for 24 hours.

STEP 7

Apply the yellow paint to the edges of the mushroom. When dry, apply the red paint to the entire cap, leaving some of the yellow peeking through.

STEP 8

Once dry, apply the creamy white paint to the stem, and then create dots all over the top.

tips

Create an assembly line. For example, if you plan on making 10 mushrooms, form the foil base for all 10 at the same time, moving through each step the same way. You can add hooks during the clay application if hanging the mushrooms is desired.

Note: Each mushroom should be unique and not exactly the same. The project should be enjoyable and gratifying; there’s no perfect line or shape required when molding the clay.