2 EASY Cutie Gnomes - Tomte Gnomes

I am just in love with these gnomes, also known as Tomte gnomes that derive from a Scandinavian holiday craft. I made a couple of different versions, one with the base made from an repurposed tote bag and the other with a base of a bottle!

This post also contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.  Various companies provided me with some product to create this project.  The opinions I share are solely my own.

Tote & Gift Bag Gnomes

Check out the video tutorial to learn how to make these gnomes!

The first set of gnomes are made with a repurposed tote bag or small drawstring gift bag a little felt, Poly-Fil® Premium Fiber Fill, Poly-Fil® Poly Pellets®, faux fur, wood bead, and some glue!

Turn your bag inside out and start by cutting off the straps of the tote bag and trimming off the one side to make it into a tall rectangle instead of a square. Glue to side seam back together.

Tie the bottom ends with rubber bands to make the base more round white still inside out and let the whole thing dry.

I started with a 12 x 12 inch square of felt and added glue along the top and edge to make a cone (see video to learn how to do it). Use the clips to help hold it in place while the glue dries.

Time to cut the beard, there are a few tips to this - check out the video to learn how.

Time to fill the base. Flip the base bag back to the correct side and start by adding Poly-Fil® Poly Pellets® into a small baggie (or you can add it straight to the base, either works) and place in the bottom of the base to make it stable and from tipping over.

Next add in the Poly-Fil® Premium Fiber Fill to the rest of the base and tie off the top with a rubber band. Also add the Poly-Fil® Premium Fiber Fill to the hat after you remove the clips but leave room to fit onto the base.

Glue on the beard, the hat, and finally the little wooden nose.

Last make a little felt rosette and some leaves and glue to the hat, just a little something extra! If you want more details on how to make each step make sure to watch the video!!

I also made a couple of smaller gnomes with drawstring bags, process is almost the same but jump to just stuffing the bags and make the hat from a 9 x 9 piece of felt. Check out the video for full details. I placed my gnomes in front of my fireplace with some other autumn decor - I hope the puppy does not think they are chew toys!!!

You can make these in any color for any season, but I really love these fall colors!

Bottle Topper Gnomes

The next set of gnomes uses a bottle as the base, so this makes these gnomes super fast and easy! Plus you can use them as a gift topper for a bottle of wine!

Check out the super short video below to see how to make these fun winter gnomes!

To start with I save my glass jars.  These are a trio of jars that had barbecue sauce in them, so I just washed them really well and pulled the labels off. I then etched one the jars to give it a frosted look with the Etchall Dip and etch liquid.  I love the look of a frosty jar, and it makes it even more wintry too!!

Then it is just about placing the felt gnomes on the top.  I started with a 9 x 9 inch square of felt and added glue along the top and edge to make a cone (see video to learn how to do it).  The added a little triangle cut piece of faux white fur for the beard and a wooden bead for the nose.

What gnome color will you make for your bottles?

Supplies Used

Interested in the supplies I used in this project?  Most are listed below and some are affiliate links, which generates a me little commission (at not extra cost to you at all) when you click on the link and make a purchase.