Back-to-School Teacher Gift: DIY Terra-Cotta Apple

Delight your teacher with this terra-cotta apple—perfect for storing erasers, paperclips and treats.

By: Melissa Caughey

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A Treat for Teacher

This DIY terracotta apple can be filled with gummy worms for a special first day treat!

Gather Your Supplies

For this craft you will need:

a terra-cotta pot and saucer

dremel or drill

safety glasses

garden twine

green felt

scissors

red spray paint

twig

garden clippers

hot glue gun

crafting paper

Make Leaves

With the scissors cut out a few leaves for the top of the apple.

Drill a Hole

Spread out the craft paper to protect your work space. Wearing safety glasses, drill a hole through the center of the terracotta saucer large enough for your twig to go through.

Cut the Twig

Cut the twig a couple of inches longer than the length of the terracotta pot and lid.

Two More Twigs

Cut two more smaller twigs, each about an inch and a half long. Cut a length of garden twine about two feet. Drill holes through the three twigs like so and string the twine through. Both ends of twine should be even on either side of the twigs.

Knot the Ends

Knot both ends of the twine close to the edges of the small twigs.

A Bit of Paint

In a well ventilated area, protect your work surface with craft paper and spray paint the apple red.

A little bubbling of the spray paint is okay and gives the apple texture. This can happen on hot and humid summer days. If you would prefer a smooth apple, lightly sand the paint when dry and reapply.

Support Glue

Thread the twine through the terracotta pot's drainage hole. Then glue the two shorter twigs to the bottom of the pot. The longer twig should stand up straight in the center of the pot.

Loop the Ends

Slip the terr-cotta saucer over the top of the center twig. Bring the twine up and wrap the twine around the twig and make a loop in the end of the twine. Repeat on the other side.

Add Leaves

Remove the terra-cotta saucer and hot glue the felt leaves to the top.

Return the Lid

Slide the lid over the top of the twig again.

Adjust the Loops

Adjust the loops for fit. They should be able to fit over the twig.

View from Above

Trim off any excess twine. This apple is now ready for use!

Treats and More

Fill the apple with gummy worms secured inside the apple in a plastic bag for a fun teacher treat or simply add some tiny school supplies for the teacher like paperclips, chalk, or even erasers. Your teacher will love using this apple every day!

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Photo By: Photo by Melissa Caughey