Use a ruler to measure 8½ inches away from the pointed end of a kitchen skewer. Mark with a pencil, then use wire cutters to cut the skewer. The pointed end will go into the apple.

Wrap the skewer with floral tape to cover 4½ inches from the top.

Wrap a flattened piece of paperclay around the skewer, covering 4½ inches from the top. It should just overlap itself around the skewer. Trim off any excess.

Roll the paperclay–covered skewer into shape between your hands, then flatten the end so it looks like a cut twig.

Use a kitchen fork to create a wood-grain pattern.

Use wire cutters to cut a roundheaded straight pin short enough to push into the clay but not go all the way through.

Press into the paperclay where you want the eyes to be.

Use a sculpting tool (or a skewer) to create the mouth.

Create branches by pressing in several pieces of wire.

Cut leaves from card stock and attach them to the branches with white glue.

Paint a brown base coat, then add wood-grain details with other shades of acrylic paint. You want it to resemble a wooden twig. Allow to dry.

Finish by painting the face, eyes, and leaves. Now you can make a whole forest!