I’m fully in my mushroom era and I’m not even sorry about it. My apartment has slowly transformed into a woodland wonderland, and honestly? The vibe is immaculate.
Mushroom crafts hit that perfect sweet spot of whimsical, nature-inspired, and actually cute. Whether you’re into cottagecore, forest fairy aesthetic, or just think mushrooms are neat, these projects are fun to make and even better to display.
Let me show you some ideas that won’t require advanced crafting skills or expensive supplies. (btw – they are perfect for decorating for a fairy garden party)
Why Mushrooms Though?
They’re having a major moment right now, and for good reason. Mushrooms fit into so many aesthetics: cottagecore, dark academia, witchy vibes, maximalist grandma chic, or minimalist Scandinavian. They’re versatile, recognizable, and there’s something inherently cozy about them.
Plus, they’re genuinely fun to make. The simple shape means even craft beginners can create something cute, and there are endless ways to personalize them.
Easy Mushroom Craft Ideas
Painted Rock Mushrooms
This is where I started and it’s probably the easiest entry point into mushroom crafting.
Find smooth, round rocks for the mushroom caps and smaller, flatter rocks for the stems. Paint the caps in classic red with white dots, or get creative with different colors like purple, blue, or brown. Paint the stems white or cream. Once dry, glue them together with strong craft glue or hot glue.
Group them together in a little cluster on a bookshelf or windowsill. They’re adorable, practically free if you collect your own rocks, and you can make a whole family of different sizes. I have a collection of about ten on my bookshelf and they make me smile every time I see them.
Clay Mushroom Decorations
Air-dry clay or polymer clay both work beautifully for this.
Roll a ball for the cap and a cylinder for the stem. Press them together and shape until you’re happy with the proportions. Add texture to the underside of the cap by pressing lines with a toothpick to create gills. Let air-dry clay sit for 24-48 hours, or bake polymer clay according to package directions.
Once hardened, paint them in whatever colors speak to you. Classic red and white spotted toadstools, natural brown mushrooms, or fantasy colors like pastel pink and lavender. Seal with a clear coat to protect the paint.
These work as standalone decorations, can be turned into ornaments by adding a hook before they dry, or grouped in a terrarium or fairy garden setup.
Paper Mushroom Garland
Create a whimsical garland for your room.
Cut mushroom shapes from cardstock or craft paper in various colors. You can make them flat or fold them slightly for dimension. Add spots with paint, markers, or by gluing on small paper circles. Punch holes at the top and string them on twine or ribbon.
Hang across a window, above your bed, or along a bookshelf. It’s lightweight, customizable, and adds instant woodland vibes to any space. Change out the colors seasonally or keep them up year-round.
Wooden Mushroom Decorations
If you have basic woodworking tools or can cut simple shapes, wooden mushrooms are lovely.
Cut mushroom silhouettes from thin wood or use pre-cut wooden circles and rectangles. Sand smooth, then paint or stain. You can keep them natural wood with just a clear coat, paint them in bright colors, or do a combination of stain and paint.
Attach to wooden bases so they stand up, or leave them flat to use as coasters or decorative accents. Group different heights together for visual interest. These have a more rustic, earthy vibe than other crafts.
Mushroom Ornaments
Perfect for year-round decorating, not just Christmas.
Use any of the above methods (clay, felt, crochet, painted wood) but add a ribbon loop at the top. Hang them on a decorative branch, in windows, from cabinet knobs, or save them for actual holiday tree decorating.
I have a collection that hangs from a branch in a vase on my console table. It’s an ongoing project where I add new ones whenever I feel crafty.
Mushroom Diorama
The Color Schemes That Work
Classic red cap with white spots is always adorable and instantly recognizable. Natural brown and tan mushrooms feel more sophisticated and cottagecore. Pastel mushrooms in pink, lavender, mint, and peach create a dreamy fairy vibe. Dark moody mushrooms in burgundy, forest green, and deep purple work for witchy aesthetics.
You can also go full rainbow with each mushroom a different color, or stick to a monochromatic palette if that fits your decor better.
Where to Display Your Mushroom Crafts
Create a mushroom shelf or designated area where you group them all together for maximum impact. Scatter them throughout your space on different shelves and surfaces. Use them in terrariums or fairy garden setups with moss and small plants. Display them seasonally in fall and spring when mushrooms feel most appropriate. Incorporate them into bookshelves between books or on top of stacks.
I have mushrooms in almost every room now. A few on my bookshelf, some in my kitchen window, a garland in my bedroom, and painted pots on my plant shelf. It sounds like it could be too much, but somehow it just feels cohesive and whimsical.
Tips for Mushroom Crafting Success
Start with the easiest project first. Painted rocks are genuinely foolproof and give you confidence to try more complex crafts. Don’t stress about making them perfect. Wonky mushrooms have character. Use reference photos if you want realistic proportions, but also feel free to make them as stylized as you want.
Craft in batches. If you’re painting rocks or making felt mushrooms, do several at once. It’s more efficient and you end up with a nice collection. Seal painted items to protect your work, especially if they’ll be handled or displayed near moisture.
My Mushroom Craft Journey
I started with painted rocks because I had rocks and paint and it cost nothing. Then I got into clay mushrooms and made about twenty in different colors. Now I’m learning to crochet specifically so I can make crochet mushrooms because they’re so cute and squishy.
My apartment has slowly filled with these handmade mushrooms and I love every single one of them. Some are better than others in terms of craftsmanship, but they all bring me joy. That’s what matters.
Why This Craft Trend Isn’t Going Anywhere
Mushrooms tap into our desire for connection with nature, especially if we live in cities or spend most of our time indoors. They’re cute without being saccharine. They work in almost any decor style with the right colors and materials. And they’re satisfying to make, whether you’re crafting for relaxation, creativity, or just to make your space feel more like you.
Plus, there’s something inherently magical about mushrooms. They appear seemingly overnight, they’re varied and interesting, and they have this folklore and fairy tale association that just works.
So grab some paint, clay, felt, or whatever crafting supplies you have on hand and make yourself some mushrooms. Your space will thank you, and you’ll have something cute and handmade to show for your efforts.
Welcome to the mushroom craft club. We have snacks and extremely whimsical decor.