In today’s post: Your kids are going to love making these mini Christmas tree gnomes! This is a fun Christmas craft for kids that only takes about 15 minutes to make.
This is a fun Christmas craft idea for kids that my twelve year old daughter came up with. Even young kids will be able to help make one of these cute mini Christmas tree gnomes! Kids can decide what color the gnome should be and have fun painting it. Then they get to use their fingers to “stamp” on the gnome’s beard! An adult can help glue on the nose and the tree “hat” and the gnome is ready to display.
Supplies
Here’s what you need to make a mini Christmas tree gnome:
- Small flower pot: I used 2.5 inch pots purchased at Hobby Lobby, but you can usually find them at Walmart too.
- Small Christmas tree: I used 8 inch tall bottle brush Christmas trees purchased at Dollar Tree, but you can find these trees at Walmart or any craft store. You can use a bigger pot and tree if you’d like! Just make sure the tree fits inside the pot and covers the top of the pot.
- Red and white craft paint: I used inexpensive acrylic craft paint you can find at any craft store. We painted our gnomes red for Christmas, but you can use any color you’d like. Remember that acrylic paint does not wash out of clothes very well – so have your child wear a smock or paint clothes.
- Wood Ball Knobs: 1 used 1.25 inch wood ball knobs purchased at Hobby Lobby. Wood ball knobs are found near the wood beads, but be sure you are getting wood “knobs” which are flat on the back, as opposed to wood beads, which will be completely round and have a hole through them. The flat back on the knobs makes it easier to glue them to the pot.
You will also need a small foam paintbrush and a hot glue gun.
Paint the Pot
Let your child paint the outside of the pot in whatever color she chooses. You don’t need to paint the bottom or the inside, and one coat will probably be sufficient. Allow the pot to dry completely. You can use a hair dryer on low to dry it quickly.
Paint the Beard
This is the fun part! Put some white paint on a plate or paint tray, and then your child can dip her finger in the paint and dab fingerprints onto the front of the pot in a beard shape. If she doesn’t want to use her finger, she can use the bottom edge of the foam paintbrush. Allow the white paint to dry or use a hair dryer to dry it quickly.
Glue on the Nose
Once the paint is completely dry, you can glue the nose onto the lip of the pot, centered over the beard. An adult should help with this part. Place hot glue on the flat part of the wood knob, then hold it onto the pot until it’s adhered.
Glue on the Tree “Hat”
With an adult’s help, place hot glue around the edge of the tree base, then place it inside the pot and push down until adhered. Then your mini Christmas tree gnome is done!
Mini Christmas Tree Gnomes
Supplies
- 2.5 inch Flower Pot
- 8 inch Christmas Tree aka bottle brush tree
- 1.25 inch Wood Ball Knob
- Red and White Paint + Paintbrush
Want more project ideas? Sign up to get my favorite easy crafts and recipes straight to your inbox!
Equipment
- Hot Glue Gun
Instructions
- Paint the pot red (or whatever color you prefer). Allow it to dry completely. A hair dryer can be used to speed dry time.
- Put some white paint on a paint tray or paper plate. Use your finger to make white fingerprints in a beard shape. Allow to dry.
- Hot glue the nose to the lip of the pot.
- Hot glue the tree inside the pot.
- Display as part of your Christmas decor.
Ramsey Morgan says
Thank you!
Doris Canton says
This was so easy and turned out darling. Thanks for all the great ideas. Come January I want to make a hand knit chunky Afghan from its always autum.
Dottie Avenell says
Yet again Autumn I am blown away with your latest and new Christmas crafts. They bring a smile everytime I open your email , I have already gathered the materials for the wood block reindeer and will now have to fly to the craft shop for the Christmas tree gnomes. Grand,-daughter will be thrilled with these new crafts. Happy Christmas with love from the UK.
Amy Hunter says
Sooooo cute!!!