Mushroom Wall Hook Set

Step by Step

1. 1 Form the Mushroom Caps

   Take about 50g of clay and roll it into a smooth ball. Gently press one side down on your work surface to create a flat bottom and a rounded dome top. The cap should be about 2 inches in diameter and about 1 inch tall. The flat bottom is what attaches to the wall. Make three, varying the sizes slightly for visual interest (try 2 inch, 1.75 inch, and 1.5 inch).

   

2. 2 Form the Stems

   For each cap, roll about 30g of clay into a short cylinder, roughly 1 inch tall and 3/4 inch in diameter. These are stubby little stems, not tall and thin. A short, thick stem is stronger and provides the hook surface where things actually hang.

   

3. 3 Attach Stem to Cap

   Score the top of each stem and the center of each cap's flat bottom with a fork. Wet both surfaces. Press together firmly. The stem should sit centered on the cap. Smooth the joint with wet fingers so the stem flows seamlessly into the cap. This seam should be invisible when done.

   

4. 4 Create the Flat Back

   This is the step people forget. Turn each assembled hook so the stem faces up. Press the cap's dome against a flat surface to create a small flat spot on the back (the part that sits against the wall). You need a flat mounting surface about 1.5 inches wide for the Command strip to adhere properly.

   

5. 5 Smooth

   Wet your fingers and smooth all surfaces. These hooks will be at eye level on a wall, so imperfections show. Pay attention to the joint between stem and cap, and make sure the dome surface is smooth and even.

   

6. 6 Dry and Mount

   Dry on parchment paper for 24-48 hours. Once cured, sand lightly and seal if desired. To mount: attach a small Command strip to the flat back of each hook, then press firmly against the wall for 30 seconds. Wait 1 hour before hanging anything. Arrange the three hooks at staggered heights for the best visual effect.