Discover how to create Thanksgiving gnomes to complement your seasonal decorations! This simple fall craft is wonderful for both children and grown-ups.
Skill Level: Beginner. No previous crafting experience is necessary—you can quickly create a gnome from a paper cone. The project involves cutting with templates, applying paint, and securing pieces with adhesive.
Thanksgiving often gets overlooked. Tucked between Halloween and Christmas, this holiday rarely receives the appreciation it merits.
And this year? I’ve seen people putting up their Christmas decorations sooner than ever! No criticism here, but I’m simply not prepared to retire my autumn decor. After all . . . I really enjoy those brown and orange shades.
What I mean is that I’d like to extend the harvest atmosphere a little while longer.
I created a few autumn gnomes and adore them, but I also wanted designs made especially for Thanksgiving, which is what I’m sharing with you today.
These little characters replace the usual white beard with a brown one, while the herringbone hat fabrics make me think of November. I can’t explain how fabric brings November to mind, but do you really disagree?
I leave these on my mantel or accent table until the Christmas gnomes return for the season. If you haven’t made them before . . you’ll be amazed by how simple they are! Honestly.
Cones to Choose
You can find the paper mache cones I used for the base here. They measure 10.63 x 4″. My template fits this cone size, although adjusting it for different dimensions should be easy.
Although I like the appearance of paper mache best, foam cones work too. Honestly, they cost a little less and are easier to find. For some reason, though, I’m a paper mache person—and they can be stacked.
Supplies to Collect
Create as many gnomes as you wish! Choose cheerful fabrics, and feel free to include playful decorations. You could place a leaf or turkey leg embellishment anywhere on the hat. Here’s how my versions came out.
Find the printable instruction card below:
Thanksgiving Gnomes
Make gnomes for your Thanksgiving decorations using a handful of basic craft-store materials.
Makes: 2 gnomes
Expense: $15
Hint: The large leftover piece trimmed from the bottom at the widest point of the curve? Use it to mark a line roughly 1 3/4″ above the bottom of your template! The extra paper creates an ideal curved guide for tracing.
I hope you had fun with these gnomies! If you’re fond of them, share your thoughts in the comments. You may also enjoy our St. Patrick’s Day and Valentine’s Day gnomes.
You’re also welcome to browse the posts below. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!