Faux Caramel Apple Tutorial

Ok Everyone, I am going to attempt to do a tutorial on Faux Caramel Apples. I have never done one of these, so we will just see how it goes! I couldn't figure out how to do this on my facebook page, so I reverted back to using an old blog page I started back in the spring, and never got into using much. So, I will just try to post the link.


READ ALL DIRECTIONS BEFORE BEGINNING!! :)


Supplies:

Styrofoam Apples - I buy mine at the Dollar Tree.
Mod Podge - Gloss
Paint - Either Raw Sienna from Folk Art, or something similar for the caramel, and a red for the candy apples if you choose to make some of those. I have burgundy by Folk Art and may try Alizarin Crimson by Americana later.
Wax Paper
Glue Gun
Popsicle Sticks
Old Cookie Sheet
Flat head screwdriver/small hammer
Corn Cob Bedding - For small animals. Get the smallest bag you can find, Goes a long way!
Container for mixing modpodge
Spoon

Step One

Start with your apples

Pull tags and stems off of your apples. Then take the flat head screwdriver, and position it where the popsicle stick will go. I tap it lightly with the hammer until it goes down inside the apple. Don't hammer to hard. These apples are pretty soft.

( Sorry for the crooked image. )

After you have done this to all the apples you want to make, take your hot glue and put a small amount into the hole you just created with the screwdriver. Immediately insert a popsicle stick. Let dry for a few minutes. At this point, also try to get those icky glue strings off of the apple that you may have strung across it. They will show up under the paint if you don't clean them off.

( crooked again! I must figure that out! )

Now take your container and add Modge Podge and paint color and mix together with the spoon. Note: Shake the container of Mod Podge well before you pour it into the container. Mix the desired amount of paint to get the color you wish. Some like it darker, some lighter.

When it is mixed, hold your apple by the stick, ( make sure your work area is covered to protect your table. I put down wax paper on a cookie sheet and pour the mixture over that. ) spoon the mixture onto the apple starting at the top and let it kind of run down the apple. Sometimes I cover the entire apple, sometimes I like to let some of the apple show. Note: I always end up with a big "puddle" of glue under where I was pouring. I just spoon it up and reuse it on the last of the apples I am making in that batch.

Let apple sit for about 30 seconds, then sprinkled the desired amount of nuts onto the top of the apple.

 Once one is done, I set it aside on a separate cookie sheet lined with wax paper. I fill up as many cookie sheets as I want. I am sure you will have to make more mixture if you plan on making several apples. I used a little jelly jar and it made 5 apples. Now let the apples sit in a dry area. It will take 2-3 days for them to get good and dry. I do occasionally move them around so the bottom dries quicker. That way it's not sitting in wet glue the whole time.  Once the sides are completely dry, I lay them on their sides on a clean sheet of wax paper so the bottoms can dry. The paint will darken as it dries, so don't panic if they are too light right after making them.

That's it! Enjoy your apples!!  I like to tie tea stained tags on mine with either a saying about fall or a stamped picture of a pumpkin, etc.


Let me know how they work out for you!!

By the way, I think I figured out the problem with the sideways photos. I will remember that for the next tutorial! :)