DIY Gnome Ornament: A Quick and Crafty Holiday Gift
The holiday season is a time for creativity and crafting. One of the most charming and easy-to-make decorations is a DIY gnome ornament. Inspired by the whimsical gnomes from Scandinavian folklore, these little guys add a touch of magic to any holiday decor. This project is perfect for both kids and adults, and it uses materials you probably already have at home. Follow this step-by-step guide to create your own adorable gnome ornament.
Materials:
- paper toilet roll
- beige, white or grey yarn (for the beard)
- contrasting yarn (for the hat)
- book or cardboard
- wooden bead
- glue gun
- yarn, string or twine for hanging the ornament
- tapestry needle
- scissors
Gnome Ornament Instructions:
1. Cut a 1” piece from a toilet paper roll and set aside.
2. Wrap the contrasting yarn around a book or a 6-7” cardboard piece. Wrap 45 times if using worsted weight yarn. Wrap more times if using thinner yarn or less if using thicker yarn. Cut the yarn loose at one end. Now you have 45 strands of yarn.
3. Wrap a yarn strand around the 1” paper roll. Fold they yarn in half and insert into the paper roll. Then pull the yarn ends through the loop on the other side to attach to the paper roll. Repeat with all the yarn strands so that the entire paper roll is covered with looped yarn strands.
4. Push all the yarn strands through to the other side of the roll. This creates the brim of the gnome’s hat.
5. Cut a 6” strand of yarn or use a leftover yarn strand to tie the loose strands together at the top of the gnome’s hat. Trim the loose ends so they are even. This creates the Pom Pom of the hat.
6. Cut a 6” length of string, twine or yarn. Fold in half and tie a knot at the end. Make a double knot if the string or yarn is fine. Thread the string onto a tapestry needle and insert it into the hat from the inside to the outside Pom Pom. Pull the needle through. This creates the hanging string for the gnome.
7. Insert a piece of tissue or toilet paper into the hat to create a filling.
8. To make the beard, wrap the beige yarn around the same book or cardboard 45-50 times. Wrap more times if using thinner yarn or less times if using thicker yarn. Slide the yarn loop off of the book or cardboard.
9. Cut off an 8” length of yarn and tie it around the beard yarn loop. Then cut the yarn loose on both sides of the yarn loop. This is the gnome’s beard.
10. Fold the beard in half. Heat up the glue gun and dab a big glob of glue onto the middle of the beard. Then stick the beard into the hat, holding it in place until the glue dries, about 20 seconds.
11. Glue the sides of the beard onto the inside of the hat to secure it in place.
12. Glue the wooden bead onto the beard, so that the hat slightly covers the top of the bead. (I used foundation to make my bead nose more skin tone).
13. Trim the beard to complete your gnome.
Variations
- Gnome Family: Create a whole family of gnomes by making different sizes and styles. Use larger or smaller bases, different colors, and various embellishments to give each gnome its own unique personality.
- Seasonal Gnomes: While this guide focuses on holiday gnomes, you can make gnomes for any season. Use pastel colors for spring gnomes, bright colors for summer gnomes, and earthy tones for fall gnomes.
- Themed Gnomes: Customize your gnomes to match specific themes or interests. For example, you can make a sports-themed gnome with a felt jersey and a mini ball, or a nature-themed gnome with faux flowers and leaves.
Making a DIY gnome ornament is a fun and easy craft project that’s perfect for the holiday season. With just a few simple materials and a little creativity, you can create a charming decoration that adds a touch of whimsy to your home. Whether you’re making these gnomes for yourself or as gifts, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone who sees them. So gather your supplies, get crafting, and enjoy the holiday season with your new gnome friends!
