Learn how to make the cutest Valentine’s Day gnomes to accent your seasonal decor! This is such an easy project – great for kids or adults.
Skills Required: Beginner. Even if you’ve never crafted before, you can easily make a gnome using a paper cone. You’ll be doing some cutting (using templates), painting, and attaching things using adhesive.
Have you noticed there is less Valentine’s Day decor in the stores this year than in years past? I went to the local grocery/mass merchant at 6am this morning (yep, I’m one of those people!).
Huey Lewis was playing on the loudspeaker (Heart and Soul) and I was singing while walking through the section. I saw a LOT of candy. But I didn’t see a lot of decorations!
What does everyone have against Valentine’s Day?
Actually, I totally get it. It’s not that anyone has a vendetta against Valentine’s Day, it’s that it’s a holiday that gets lost in between the magic of Christmas and spring stuff like Easter.
But guess what? Since we’re all handmade around here, we can celebrate any holiday exactly the way we like! For me it’s crafting, and this year I made some Valentine’s Day gnomes. With pink beards.
I’m really excited how they turned out, and looking forward to showing you my project. Don’t forget to check out my other gnomes too: St. Patrick’s Day, fall, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Before you begin, here are a few helpful tips:
Attaching Fabric: Spray adhesive is easy to use. If you prefer liquid glue, like Mod Podge, pick a thicker fabric (I used flannel) to prevent glue spots from showing through.
Why Gnomes? Gnomes symbolize love, protection, and playfulness—perfect for Valentine’s Day décor!
Base Options: I used paper mache cones (10.63 x 4″), but foam cones are a budget-friendly alternative. I love paper mache for its texture and stackability.
Beard Materials: Faux fur is my favorite for a fluffy look, but you can use felt, yarn, or even mop head strands for something fun and different.
Gather These Supplies
- Paper mache cones – 2
- Cone template
- Beard template
- Wood beads – 2 (5/8″)
- Acrylic paint – skin tone of your choice
- Flannel fabric – enough to cover the cone
- Faux fur pieces (pink)
- Glitter foam – I made one of the hearts out of this. Just use what you have!
- Paper to print template
- Paintbrushes
- Spray adhesive
- Sharpie or pen
- Painter’s tape
- Sandpaper
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun
Note: use spray adhesive in a well ventilated area and check safety information if you are sensitive (you might want to use a mask).
Make as many gnome as you like! Pick fun fabrics, and even add fun embellishments if you like. Here’s how mine turned out.
I love my pinkie gnomes! Get the how to card below.
Valentine’s Day Gnomes
Equipment
- Sharpie or pen
- Sandpaper
Materials
- 2 Paper mache cones
- Cone template
- Beard template
- 2 Wood beads
- Acrylic paint skin tone of your choice
- Flannel fabric enough to cover the cone
- Pink faux fur pieces
- Paper to print template
- Spray adhesive
- Painter’s tape
Instructions
- Print out the template (poster setting, full size, it should take four pieces of paper) and assemble using tape. Cut out.
- Cut 1 3/4" off of the bottom of the template (see notes). Test fit, make any adjustments, and then set aside for the moment.
- Paint the bottom of the cone with a few coats of acrylic paint, using the skin tone of your choice. Let dry.
- Cut the fabric of the hat out using the template (a rotary cutter makes it very easy). Cut small heart embellishments at this time.
- Tape off the bottom of the cone, and apply spray adhesive to the top portion. Wrap the fabric around, smooth, and let dry. Apply the fabric hearts to the hats. Let dry.
- Cut the faux fur for beards using the template. Trace on the back and then keep the faux fur forward while cutting.
- Attach a beard piece to the base of the cone using a hot glue gun.
- Sand a flat spot on a wood bead using sandpaper. Hot glue the nose in the center where the beard meets the fabric to finish.
Video
Notes
If you enjoyed these gnomes, let me know in the comments! I’d also love for you to take a peek at these other ideas: