How To DIY The Adorable TikTok-Viral Mushroom Incense Holder For Your Home

It's pretty clear by now that mushroom-shaped décor isn't going anywhere. With the millennial pineapple well and truly ousted, you've probably got a wishlist of fungi-themed décor longer than your arm. It's no surprise those mushroom incense holders you're seeing on retail shelves — physical and virtual — go quick. The downside is they're a bit pricey, and, to be frank, many aren't that cute or well-made. For example, a green-based holder with two teeny red polkadot fairy toad stills will set you back $17.48 at Walmart. And it stands less than 3 inches tall! Use that money to get some polymer clay, a few sculpting tools, and some paint and craft one for yourself.

Three to 4 ounces of white polymer clay should be enough for this project. You'll use around 2 ounces for the base and the remaining 1 to 2 ounces for the sculptural elements. Joann sells a 1-pound box of Sculpey oven bake clay in white for $12.99. Alternatively, a 1-pound block of white polymer clay by Craftsman goes for $16.98 on Amazon. You'll need tools to cut out the base, attach the ornamental features (vines, mushrooms, and the like), and add texture. You could get away from a fork and blunt butter knife from the kitchen. If you think you may want to keep sculpting after this project, invest in a set of sculpting tools. We like the simple four-piece Sculpey Bake Shop set selling for $3.99 at Polymer Clay Superstore.

Don't feel confident creating leaf shapes yourself? Buy a pre-made polymer cutter! Moon House Cutters has a set of four fall leaf cutters ranging in size from 0.48 to 0.98 inches for $15.90. If you prefer a matchy-match vibe, get a single spring leaf polymer clay cutter for $6.39 from RoseauxClayCo. It's giving rainforest Alocasia, you know, that low-light indoor plant people can't stop buying. You'll need a form to sculpt the base around say, a medium-sized ceramic or glass vase or a half-gallon glass jar. You'll also need some aluminum foil, a rolling pin, and a toaster or full-size oven — that reaches at least 275 degrees Fahrenheit. Check the back of your clay packaging to confirm baking temperatures since they can vary slightly across brands.

When adding color to your creation, the sky — or perhaps the mycelium network underneath the forest floor — is the limit. You can paint polymer clay with water-based acrylics, oil-based paints, or inks, though acrylics are the go-to option for most polymer artists and the easiest option for first-time sculptors. Go pretty pastel with this set of 7 matte acrylics in 2-ounce bottles — $12.95 from Blick. Prefer something a bit more vibrant? Try this Jacquard Lumiere Exciter Pack 9 0.5-ounce bottles of halo and jewel-colored paint for $23.19 from Poly Clay Play. For something appropriately fungi, DecoArt sells a black light neon paint set with six 2-fluid-ounce bottles of transparent color for $17.99.

If you don't have any experience with sculpting, don't worry! You're working with organic forms, and nature embraces irregularity and imperfection. Just think of this as a chance for you to experiment. Create the base by rolling a clay slab that's about ½ inch thick. Cut out a circle and press it over an upturned vase or glass jar, shaping it into a shallow bowl. Pop the base in the oven to harden. While it's baking, craft some leaves using your sculpting tools or cutters, roll a long, thin coil for the vine stem, and make the stem and cap of your mushroom. Don't forget to pop a deep hole in the top middle of the mushroom cap — that will hold your incense stick upright.

Place a small hunk of fresh modeling clay into the middle of your baked base and use your tools to attach the mushroom. Support the mushroom with aluminum foil and bake your creation again. While it's baking, make your vines and leaves. To make the incense holder look realistic, the vine should appear to "grow" from the mushroom base. If you're feeling creative, add wee critters (we're imagining the caterpillar from Disney's "Alice in Wonderland") and spiky green grass to the piece. Support the foliage — and anything else you've added — with small squares of foil as needed and bake a final time. Once hardened and fully cooled, paint the incense holder in your choice of hues.