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DIY No-Sew Gnome Craft for Spring
Everyone should learn how to make a gnome! It seems as if gnome crafts have taken over the internet. But what’s not to like? These gnomes are adorable and make a fun whimsical addition to any decor.
Christmas gnomes and gnome Christmas ornaments are also big, but these designs are not limited to holiday gnomes. They’re popping up in all kinds of seasons.
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So when Oriental Trading asked me to make a spring craft with their supplies I jumped at the chance to try my hand at making some cute gnomes.
There are lots of different ways to make a gnome. I especially saw a ton of instructions on how to make sock gnomes. But I wanted an easy no-sew gnome so I chose a sturdy cardboard cone that would serve as both the hat and the gnome body.
Ready to make an adorable DIY gnome without a sewing machine? Read on for the supplies list and instructions.
DIY no-sew gnome materials:
- Cardboard cone for the gnome’s body and hat
- Felt in 2 colors
- A pair of old pantyhose (this will be part of the gnome nose)
- A cotton ball
- 1 small elastic band, hair tie, zip tie, or piece of twine
- Craft Fur fabric for the gnome beard
- Hot glue gun
- Scissors
- Cardstock to make a rough template.
- Cute felt flower embellishments (optional)
How to make a gnome
You’ll need to wrap one piece of felt on the bottom of the cone for the body with a line of hot glue. Then, you’ll prepare and glue the beard and nose, cut a piece of felt for the hat, wrap it over the beard and nose, and glue it in place.
Here’s the video tutorial that shows all the steps I took to make the gnome. I didn’t take pictures throughout so don’t miss the video.
You’ll see that I made the gnome hat pattern way too big. I could have made a smaller pattern with a compass but I just didn’t have one on hand. I found it easier to just adjust it as I needed and cut the excess.
At first I was on track to make really tall gnomes due to my big DIY gnome hat, but after some trimming I found the perfect size for my little guys.
You’ll also see that I attached the nose two different ways, one under the bottom edge of the hat and one over. There are so many little ways to change the design to make these cute gnomes. You could build a whole village of Scandinavian gnomes, mini gnomes, or adorable gnome ornaments just by making small changes to each one.
I’m sort of in love with the cone shape. I’m so please with how my homemade gnomes turned out, and I think you’ll love making your own gnomes too.
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A couple of cool gnome craft tricks:
I inserted the nose pantyhose “tail” in a small opening I made in the fur. That way, the nose was not just glued on top of the fur making a mess. It holds in place on its own.
While cutting the faux fur, make sure to only cut the backing and not the fur. Don’t use scissors, this step is best done with an Xacto knife or razor blade.
BONUS: Easter Bunny Gnome
After making my little gnomes, I figured I could use the cone as just a hat and use a peanut butter jar as a body for a taller Easter bunny gnome. That’s where you could also use a sock filled with rice as a body too.
I wrapped the jar in grey felt and the cone in pink felt (Check the video on how to make a felt pattern for the cone hat) and cut the bunny ears out of a treat bag. I added some wire inside the ears so they’d stand up.
Just like the little gnomes, I just used hot glue to make the whole thing. No needle or thread is needed.
I hope I’ve inspired you to make little gnomes of your own. Each took about 20 minutes from start to finish. You’ll love having them cheer up your space.
I’d love to see what other little gnome designs you come up with. Maybe a girl gnome or one with a hat covered in polka dots. Please share photos of your adorable gnomes in the comments!
Don’t forget to pin it:
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Many, many thanks! Finally a no-sew, gnome diy that delivers what was promised! I searched Pinterest to the point of frustration. Every no sew gnome diy brought me to a kit I needed to purchase or wasn’t completely a “no-sew” or the gnomes were atrocious. Yours are adorable with simple easy to follow directions and so affordable! Your a charm!
Thank you so much for your kind words!
Where did you find cardboard cones?
I got those from Oriental Trading. Here’s the link: http://bit.ly/3qprMGQ
I’ve seen them at Dollar Tree or Michaels sometimes too.
Super cute gnomes!!! You make it look so easy.
I love that your gnome is a cone! So fun. I’ve got so many sock body ones that I need to make a few of these for variety.
Gnomes are sooo cute! Love this sweet project!
I love a project that is no sew! With all the time at home these next few weeks we might have to give this one a try!
I love gnomes!! Such a cute craft and I especially love the bunny ears!
I love this idea. My niece and nephew would love to make these Gnomes!
These gnomes are darling!!! I love that they are no sew!!