Make a Shrill Whistle From an Acorn Cap

From the time I was a kid, I envied people who could stick a thumb and finger in their mouth and generate an attention-getting whistle. Despite patient people trying to show me how to do it and assuring me it was "easy" -- the kiss of death -- I still don't get it. I just get hyperventilated.

I take some consolation from a bit of wood lore I learned in high school: whistling on an acorn cap. Let me warn you from the start that acorn whistles are ear-splitters. I never show people how to do it indoors. Once they get it, I shoo them far away.

I'd like to know how this project goes for you. I'm happy to answer questions about it. Feedback from you is an important way for me to know what works and what needs clarification.