Sculpting polymer clay gnomes is easy and enjoyable. Perfect for placement next to indoor plants, DIY clay gnomes will be a cheerful addition to your indoor garden or covered outdoor space. Making these curious good luck charms is a relaxing and joyful experience. I’m looking forward to making more to give as birthday presents to my green-thumb friends.
Polymer clay gnomes
This project is ideal for sculptors of any skill level and the finished product is charming. It’s a sweet arts and crafts idea for an adult, youth, or family activity. The steps are straightforward, the supply list is short, and the sculpting process will only take an hour or so.
After sculpting, your creation will need to be baked (cured) in the oven. Your polymer clay sculpture (see also 'How To Make Air Dry Clay') will have a natural finish after the baking process. For the Gnomies among us who prefer to “go big or go gnome”, the final step will add a shiny finish to your creation. But first, let me tell you more about our fabled friends.
Little gnome facts
Gnomes are an ancient mythological species rooted in Northern European folklore.These tiny human-like creatures are most often depicted as elderly males. They are thought to possess extraordinary strength, an affinity for mischief, and a tendency towards secrecy. They are associated with forests, gardens, and minerals. A champion for the natural world, gnomes are thought to move effortlessly through the underground realm.
With the strong associations to nature, it’s not surprising that gnome statues are abundant at nurseries and are thought to be auspicious for earth related occupations such as gardening. They have certainly made their way into this lifestyle blogger’s heart and business! Not to mention they are a pop culture favourite for films, lawn pranks and fun photographs.
In fact, there are plenty of gnome themed movies that you could choose to watch while your art hardens in the oven. I chose Sherlock Gnomes. So pick your movie, collect your supplies, and get sculpting!
Materials to make a DIY clay gnome:
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Polymer clay (this set has a variety of colors and the cutting tools)
- Clay cutting and piercing tools
- Modge podge
- Paint brush
Polymer Clay Tips
Polymer clay can be found at most art and craft stores, or online, and is available in many colors. The bright colors will most likely be sold in 2 oz blocks. Neutral colors like white, sand, black and terra cotta are available in 1 lb packages at a lesser per oz price. Gnomes are typically depicted with solid colored hats, so you will need a minimum of 4 colors. All of the bodies, beards, and noses can be the same colors. You may want a variety of hat colors.
- For the body: Charcoal Gray
- For the beard: White
- For the nose: Skin tone of choice
- For the hat: Bright color (or to be different you could try a multicolor hat for fun or economy)
Pro Scratch and Attach Tip
When attaching two different pieces, take your sharp tool and scratch lines on both attaching sides, this can help create a stronger fusion between the attaching pieces and will not be visible.
Conversion Ratio: 2cm = .79 inches
DIY Clay Gnome
Learn how to make a mini gnome out of polymer clay.
Materials
- Polymer clay
- Parchment paper
- Modge Podge
Tools
- Clay cutting and sculpting tools
Instructions
Directions:
1. For each gnome roll a grey 3cm ball for the body, 2.5 cm colorful ball for the hat, 2 cm white ball for the beard and .5 cm skin color ball for the nose.
2. Form the grey ball into a cylinder shape that slightly tapers at the top.
3. Form the colored ball into a hat that is tapered at the top and open at the bottom to fit
around the grey body.
4. Form the white clay into a triangle shape with rounded edges. Press this to the bottom
front of the body.
5. Layer the hat over the beard and body.
6. Press the tan nose into the center of the body, over the beard and below the hat.
7. Score lines into the beard using a clay tool.
8. Bake as directed on the package.
9. When the clay cools, if you’d like a shiny finish, seal with Modge Podge
Notes
To make a larger gnome, simply double the amount of clay you are using for each piece.
Want a larger gnome?
Double the cm ball values, and make sure you have enough clay!
To create a 6 inch tall gnome, use: 6 cm grey ball for the body (8 oz clay), 5 cm colorful ball for the hat (6 oz clay), 4 cm white ball for the beard (2 oz clay), and 1 cm skin tone ball for the nose (0.50 oz clay)
We all could use a little gnome luck. May your stalks be sturdy, your arbors shady, and your blossoms bountiful!
More DIY gnomes you may like to make:
Hi I’m Adrienne Carrie Hubbard. I believe a rich life comes not from the things you have, but the things you do; the experiences you create and the people you meet along the way. Thanks for hanging out!