How to Turn Fake Fruit Into Whimsical DIY Characters

Give Everyday Thrifted Finds a Creative Second Chance

Sometimes inspiration isn't something you plan for—it's something you stumble across.

Maybe it's a colorful button. A handful of ribbon scraps. Or even a bag of fake fruit sitting on a thrift store shelf.

In this Second Chance Studio project, artist and designer Mr. Walters (Britton) shows how everyday materials can become quirky little characters full of personality. Best of all, there's no right or wrong way to make them—just creativity, curiosity and a willingness to play.

Watch the Video

Follow along as Mr. Walters transforms thrifted fake fruit into whimsical characters using simple craft supplies and plenty of imagination. Then use the ideas below to create a few new friends of your own.

Start With an Unexpected Thrift Find

The next time you're shopping at Goodwill, don't overlook the unusual items.

Fake fruit is lightweight, colorful and easy to decorate, making it the perfect base for fun DIY characters.

Instead of asking, "What is this?"

Try asking:

"What could this become?"

That shift in perspective is what upcycling is all about.

Gather Your Supplies

One of the best things about this project is that you probably already have many of the materials at home.

Look for lightweight embellishments like:

• Felt scraps
• Ribbon
• Yarn
• Pom-poms
• Buttons
• Beads
• Decorative paper
• Pipe cleaners
• Googly eyes
• Faux fur
• Cardboard
• Foam board
• Decorative gems

Don't worry if you don't have every item on the list.

The goal isn't perfection—it's creativity.

💡Mr. Walters' Tip: Once you start making these characters, you'll begin seeing faces and personalities in everyday objects everywhere you look.

Gather Your Basic Tools

You'll also want a few simple crafting tools nearby:

• Craft glue or school glue
• Scissors
• Needle-nose pliers or wire cutters
• Tweezers (helpful for tiny pieces)
• Straight pins or push pins

And of course…

Your imagination.

Let the Materials Guide the Character

Before reaching for the glue, spend some time experimenting.

Move eyes around.

Try different noses.

Flip pieces upside down.

Sometimes a button becomes an eye.

Sometimes ribbon becomes hair.

Sometimes a pom-pom becomes the perfect nose.

Rather than designing every detail ahead of time, let the materials inspire the personality of your new character.

Assemble Your New Friend

Once you've found a face you love:

• Glue lightweight pieces directly onto the fruit.
• Use tweezers for smaller embellishments.
• Secure heavier objects with straight pins for extra support.
• Add painted or drawn details if you'd like even more personality.

There's no wrong way to create these whimsical characters.

Every version will be completely unique.

Display Your Fake Fruit Friends

Finished your masterpiece?

Now it's time to show it off!

Try displaying your new character:

• On a bookshelf
• In a decorative bowl
• Hanging as an ornament
• On a handmade wooden stand
• Hidden somewhere unexpected for someone else to discover

Part of the fun is sharing a little surprise—and a smile—with others.

Creativity Starts With Curiosity

Projects like this remind us that creativity doesn't have to begin with expensive supplies.

Sometimes all it takes is a thrifted find, a handful of odds and ends and the willingness to see everyday objects differently.

If you create your own fake fruit friend, tag Goodwill of Greater Milwaukee & Chicago. We'd love to meet your newest creation.

Every item deserves a second chance.