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These gnomes are simple to make and spread cheer like no other! Plus they can be customized in scores of ways -- between different vest colors + Dresden accents + festive miniatures, you can create a completely unique set to match even the most special decorations. Completed figures are about 4" tall.
Supplies: 3/4" Spun Cotton Heads, Spun Cotton "Shoes", 3-1/4" Chenille Bumps, Dresden Bows, Top Hats, Festive Miniatures, Small Dresden Trims, Crepe Paper, Clear-drying Glue (like Alleen's or E6000), Needle-nose Pliers, Scissors, Template, Paint, Pipe Cleaners or Skewers,
Template: Click here to download a free pdf of our Gnome Vest Template + Accordion. (Print at "actual size.")
Step 1: Arrange your supplies. To make 1 gnome you will need: 1 head, 3 chenille bumps (1 for arms, 2 chenille bumps folded in half for body/legs), 1 vest, 1 bow and 1 piece of Dresden border for buttons. 1-2 items to hold, 2 spun cotton shoes.
Paint spun cotton shoes to compliment your gnome's attire. Use skewers or pipe cleaners as handles while painting and for drying.
Step 2: Bend two chenille bumps in half to create the body and legs. If needed, pinch the top of the bumps together with your pliers so it will better fit in the spun cotton head.
Step 3: Create arms by placing 1 chenille bump between the bent bumps. Just below the arms, twist the "body" 1 full turn to secure the arms in place and make a unitized figure. Bend the arms slightly downward.
Step 4: Cut vest pieces out of crepe paper. On vest back, fold small tabs on shoulders and at sides. Apply glue to shoulder tabs and glue vest pieces together. Let dry.
Step 5: Put vest onto figure and glue at sides. Let dry. Put spun cotton head onto figure and adjust vest if needed. Glue head into place.
Step 6: Glue Dresden trim down center of vest. Glue bow slightly under beard. Let dry.
Step 7: Glue on shoes and top hat. Let dry. Shoes can be bent upward; top hat can be tilted to the side for character.
Step 8: Use pliers to create small loops that will serve as your gnome's "hands" for holding his items. Apply a small drop of glue in the loop, hand him his item and let dry Repeat for each side.
Step 9: As always, display proudly! These guys look charming tucked into tree branches, accessorizing gifts and packages, and helping make merry on tablescapes and in dioramas.
There are so many ways to make your gnomes unique. Below are some of our favorites with tips.
Match shoes to hats: black hats + black shoes makes for a cohesive look, like below Left and Center Right.
Gnomes love mushrooms: have him hold a cluster of tiny toadstools. Leave stems long like below Center Left, or twist and trim like the mixed cluster below Right.
Go all in on different shades of red and green: you can't go wrong with a Christmas classic. Below Left, Center Left and Center Right all have variations of red and green in their vests, bow ties and accessories. Center Left and Center Right are even made with red and green chenille bumps.
Feeling lucky? Go from Gnome to Leprechaun in four easy tweaks: gold chenille bumps + green vest and buttons + gold Dresden star shoe buckles and bow tie + Dresden shamrock to hold. Now if below Right will just lead us to that pot of gold!
Mix bump colors: try one color for arms and one for legs for an extra level of customization, like below Center Right.
Mix in other spun cotton heads: achieve a charming result with other 3/4" heads like the figures below. Left, Center Right and Right all follow a Christmas theme with their red and green color schemes, but we couldn't resist making a Fall friend as well. The adorable pumpkin below has escaped from the patch with gourd in tow. Like the Leprechaun, simply change up the color scheme: green chenille bumps + orange vest and green buttons + autumn accessories. Twist the gourd stem around a pencil or paintbrush handle for interest. Don't tell the gnomes, but the pumpkin is one of our favorites :)
Item No. NAL-P-3
Bundle of 12 green fabric pine sprigs. Sprigs measure approx. 1-1/2" long x 1/2" wide with 3-1/2" stems. Imported from Austria. These sprigs are exquisitely made using antique dies and flower crafting techniques.An excellent addition to Christmas crafting projects and repairs.
Item No. NAL-P-6
Bundle of 12 green fabric pine sprigs with white accents. Sprigs measure approx. 1-1/2" long x 1/2" wide with 3-1/2" stems. Imported from Austria. These sprigs are exquisitely made using antique dies and flower crafting techniques.An excellent addition to Christmas crafting projects and repairs.
Item No. NAL-P-2
Bundle of 12 green fabric pine sprigs with tiny white berries. Sprigs measure approx. 1-1/2" long x 1/2" wide with 3-1/2" stems. Imported from Austria. These sprigs are exquisitely made using antique dies and flower crafting techniques.An excellent addition to Christmas crafting projects and repairs.
Item No. NAL-P-9
Bundle of 12 dusty pink fabric pine sprigs or pampas grass. Sprigs measure approx. 1-1/2" long x 1/2" wide with 4" stems. Imported from Austria. These sprigs are exquisitely made using antique dies and flower crafting techniques.An excellent addition to Christmas crafting projects and repairs.
Item No. NAL-P-7
Bundle of 12 light green fabric pine sprigs or pampas grass. Sprigs measure approx. 1-1/2" long x 1/2" wide with 4" stems. Imported from Austria. These sprigs are exquisitely made using antique dies and flower crafting techniques.An excellent addition to Christmas crafting projects and repairs.
Item No. NAL-P-10
Bundle of 12 palest pink fabric pine sprigs or pampas grass. Sprigs measure approx. 1-1/2" long x 1/2" wide with 4" stems. Imported from Austria. These sprigs are exquisitely made using antique dies and flower crafting techniques.An excellent addition to Christmas crafting projects and repairs.
Item No. NAL-P-8
Bundle of 12 white fabric pine sprigs or pampas grass. Sprigs measure approx. 1-1/2" long x 1/2" wide with 4" stems. Imported from Austria. These sprigs are exquisitely made using antique dies and flower crafting techniques.An excellent addition to Christmas crafting projects and repairs.
Item No. NAL-A89
Lacquered orange pumpkin slices for fall crafting. Each has "carved" eyes and painted nose and mouth. Each measures 1" tall including tiny stem x 3/4" wide on a 4-1/2" paper-wrapped wired stem. You will receive twelve (12) pumpkins. These are a little crude but very charming. Made in Austria.
Item No. NAL-A84
Lacquered orange pumpkins for fall crafting. Each measures 3/4" tall x 1" wide on a 4-1/2" wired stem. You will receive six (6) pumpkins. Made in Austria.
Item No. DFW63AG
Two sheets of 66 classic Dresden stars for a total of 132 stars. Each measures 1/4". Antique gold foil on front, white paper on reverse. Made in Germany.
Item No. DFW63BK
Two sheets of 66 classic Dresden stars for a total of 132 stars. Each measures 1/4". Glossy black paper on front, matte black paper on reverse. Made in Germany.
Item No. DCP-3340
1 folded sheet of two-tone double sided Gloria Doublette crepe paper in fern and grass green. Sheet measures 25 cm x 125 cm (which is 10" by 49") and has 135% stretchability. Made in Germany.
Item No. DFW63G
Two sheets of 66 classic Dresden stars for a total of 132 stars. Each measures 1/4". Gold foil on front, off white paper on reverse. Made in Germany.
Item No. DFW63PK
Two sheets of 66 classic Dresden stars for a total of 132 stars. Each measures 1/4". Pink foil on front and reverse. Made in Germany.
Item No. DFW63R
Two sheets of 66 classic Dresden stars for a total of 132 stars. Each measures 1/4". Red foil on front, off white paper on reverse. Made in Germany.
Item No. DFW63S
Two sheets of 66 classic Dresden stars for a total of 132 stars. Each measures 1/4". Silver foil on front, off white paper on reverse. Made in Germany.
Item No. DFW203AG
15 strips each measuring 22" long of petite rope twist Dresden trim, for a total of 330". Antique gold foil on front, white paper on reverse. Design is 1/16" wide. Made in Germany. A trim this petite is ideal for restorations, cloisterwork and any project where the tiniest of trims is required.
Item No. DFW203LG
15 strips each measuring 22" long of petite rope twist Dresden trim, for a total of 330". Light green foil on front, white paper on reverse. Design is 1/16" wide. Made in Germany. A trim this petite is ideal for restorations, cloisterwork and any project where the tiniest of trims is required.
Item No. DFW203S
15 strips each measuring 22" long of petite rope twist Dresden trim, for a total of 330". Silver foil on front, tan paper on reverse. Design is 1/16" wide. Made in Germany. A trim this petite is ideal for restorations, cloisterwork and any project where the tiniest of trims is required.
Item No. HAT-06
Group of 10 medium matte black hard plastic hats. Each measures 1/2" tall and 7/8" across the brim (the size of a quarter coin), with a 1/2" opening.
Item No. SC111-Y
Group of 5 small round spun cotton Santa or gnome heads with fuzzy beards and petite red noses. Each is pale yellow and measures 3/4" tall and 3/4" wide, not counting the beard. Each has a hole in the bottom to accommodate a wire. Made in the Czech Republic.
Item No. SC111
Group of 5 small round spun cotton Santa or gnome heads with fuzzy beards and petite red noses. Each is white and measures 3/4" tall and 3/4" wide, not counting the beard. Each has a hole in the bottom to accommodate a wire. Made in the Czech Republic.
Item No. DCP-3300
1 folded sheet of double sided Gloria Doublette crepe paper in all white -- both sides are the same shade of white. Sheet measures 25 cm x 125 cm (which is 10" by 49") and has 135% stretchability. Made in Germany.
Item No. SFT018
Traditionally used to embellish folk costumes, this beautiful woven jacquard trim features a traditional geometric floral pattern in burgundy, red. and white Trim measures just over 1/4" wide (7 mm). Made in Sweden. Sold by the yard, please enter the number of yards desired below.
Item No. DFW852AG
Sheet of 240 classic Dresden stars, each measuring 5/16" across (just over 1/4"). Antique gold foil on front, white paper on reverse. Made in Germany.
Item No. DFW852G
Sheet of 240 classic Dresden stars, each measuring 5/16" across (just over 1/4"). Gold foil on front, white paper on reverse. Made in Germany.
Item No. DFW852R
Sheet of 240 classic Dresden stars, each measuring 5/16" across (just over 1/4"). Red foil on front, off white paper on reverse. Made in Germany.
Item No. DFW852S
Sheet of 240 classic Dresden stars, each measuring 5/16" across (just over 1/4"). Silver foil on front, tan paper on reverse. Made in Germany.
Item No. NAL-A01-IV
Tan felt teddy bears with small ivory bows and adorable stamped faces. Bears are about 1-1/2" tall; picks measure 4" long overall. You will receive a bundle of six (6) bears. Made in Austria.
Item No. NAL-A01-R
Tan felt teddy bears with small red bows and adorable stamped faces. Bears are about 1-1/2" tall; picks measure 4" long overall. You will receive a bundle of six (6) bears. Made in Austria.
Item No. NAL-A98
Set of 12 lacquered ladybug picks. Each ladybug measures about 1/2" long by 3/8" wide with a 3-1/2" stem. Ladybugs are each a little different and a tiny bit crude which is pair of their handmade charm. Imported from Austria.
Item No. RET-010
Set of 8 embossed paper shamrock leaves in green with a small spun cotton mushroom with red cap and light pink spots. Each measures 1-1/2" long by 3/4" wide. Spots on mushrooms are random and not the same on each piece. Handmade in Germany.
Item No. MU07-DKR
This is a set of 12 spun cotton mushrooms in Dark Red -- this is the smallest size spun cotton mushroom we stock: 7mm. Each measures 7mm across the cap x 10mm tall (1/4" across the cap x 3/8" tall), stems are approx 4" long. A lovely addition to Christmas tree branches, craft projects, and more.Each mushroom was made by hand and features a lacquered cap with hand painted white spots and a brown paper wrapped wire stem. ...(click for more)
Item No. MU07-AQ
This is a set of 12 spun cotton mushrooms in Aqua -- this is the smallest size spun cotton mushroom we stock: 7mm. Each measures 7mm across the cap x 10mm tall (1/4" across the cap x 3/8" tall), stems are approx 4" long. A lovely addition to Christmas tree branches, craft projects, and more.Each mushroom was made by hand and features a lacquered cap with hand painted white spots and a brown paper wrapped wire stem. &nbs...(click for more)
Item No. MU07-BRN
This is a set of 12 spun cotton mushrooms in Brown -- this is the smallest size spun cotton mushroom we stock: 7mm. Each measures 7mm across the cap x 10mm tall (1/4" across the cap x 3/8" tall), stems are approx 4" long. A lovely addition to Christmas tree branches, craft projects, and more.Each mushroom was made by hand and features a lacquered cap with hand painted white spots and a brown paper wrapped wire stem. &nb...(click for more)
Item No. MU07-IV
This is a set of 12 spun cotton mushrooms in Ivory -- this is the smallest size spun cotton mushroom we stock: 7mm. Each measures 7mm across the cap x 10mm tall (1/4" across the cap x 3/8" tall), stems are approx 4" long. A lovely addition to Christmas tree branches, craft projects, and more.Each mushroom was made by hand and features a lacquered cap with hand painted white spots and a brown paper wrapped wire stem. &nb...(click for more)
Item No. MU07-LGR
This is a set of 12 spun cotton mushrooms in Lime Green -- this is the smallest size spun cotton mushroom we stock: 7mm. Each measures 7mm across the cap x 10mm tall (1/4" across the cap x 3/8" tall), stems are approx 4" long. A lovely addition to Christmas tree branches, craft projects, and more.Each mushroom was made by hand and features a lacquered cap with hand painted white spots and a brown paper wrapped wire stem...(click for more)
Item No. MU07-MPK
This is a set of 12 spun cotton mushrooms in Pink -- this is the smallest size spun cotton mushroom we stock: 7mm. Each measures 7mm across the cap x 10mm tall (1/4" across the cap x 3/8" tall), stems are approx 4" long. A lovely addition to Christmas tree branches, craft projects, and more.Each mushroom was made by hand and features a lacquered cap with hand painted white spots and a brown paper wrapped wire stem. &nbs...(click for more)
Item No. MU07-PU
This is a set of 12 spun cotton mushrooms in Purple -- this is the smallest size spun cotton mushroom we stock: 7mm. Each measures 7mm across the cap x 10mm tall (1/4" across the cap x 3/8" tall), stems are approx 4" long. A lovely addition to Christmas tree branches, craft projects, and more.Each mushroom was made by hand and features a lacquered cap with hand painted white spots and a brown paper wrapped wire stem. &n...(click for more)