Christmas is a very big deal in my family, and decorating for the holiday is a tradition I look forward to eleven long months out of every year. This adorable DIY gnome ornament was inspired by my great auntie Jean — my crafting hero — who always made the most charming ornaments out of simple materials like walnuts and other natural elements. I think Jean would definitely approve of this little guy.

You will need:
A walnut
Scissors
Black fine-tip Sharpie
Crafting felt, any color
Crafting fur, white
A tiny wood bead or button
Hot-glue gun
Needle
Embroidery thread

Step 1: Cut a roughly 2” x 5” rectangle from the crafting fur to make the gnome’s beard; the precise size you need may vary with the size of your walnut.

Step 2: Fold the fur in half lengthwise and cut a small semicircle from the top of the folded edge near the fold; this creates the shape for the top of the beard.


Step 3: Apply glue to the back side of the fur near the cut edge. Turn the fur over and center it on the walnut, pressing to attach. With a Sharpie, draw eyes on the walnut above the beard. I drew two simple dots, but you can also draw two half-moons for a sleepy look.
Step 4: To make the gnome’s hat, cut a small felt triangle that’s approximately 4.5 inches wide at the base and 3 inches tall on the sides. Next, apply a line of hot glue to one of the 3-inch edges of the hat and attach it to the opposite 3-inch edge, creating a cone shape. Trim any excess from the base of the hat if needed.
Step 5: Apply hot glue to the bottom inside edge of the hat, then affix the hat to the walnut just above the eyes. (Make sure to position the hat’s seam on the back side.)
Step 6: Dot hot glue onto the wood bead and position it above the fur beard to create the gnome’s nose.
Step 7: Once all the glue has dried, cut a 6-inch piece of embroidery thread and use a needle to loop it through the top of the gnome’s hat. Tie the ends of the thread in a knot and you’ve finished your ornament.

Your gnome is now ready to spread holiday cheer, so hang him on the tree and display with pride.
32 comments
Sue from SuesAkornShop said 2 years ago
How adorable! I sure want to get some walnuts and give this a try. LOL
Renee from RandMhandmade said 2 years ago
I have to make this...love it!!
Rachel Bingaman from BingArt said 2 years ago
So simple and cute! This I must try :)
Katrina Dzerkale from Dominna said 2 years ago
This is beyond clever !!!!
Niki from JandEdoodles said 2 years ago
SO cute and easy! I love it!
DeUno from DeUno said 2 years ago
Brilliant idea! It is so easy to make! :)
Cathy from msbijouxbeads said 2 years ago
My gnome loving daughter would love this, so clever with the walnut!
Mary Jo and Rachael from SouvenirAndSalvage said 2 years ago
Love this ornament idea! I collect vintage toadstool holiday items and think this would pair perfectly with that collection. This is very vintage in aesthetic and would be easy to jazz up with further ideas.
Efrat Weisz from efratul said 2 years ago
What a cute gnome! I should give it a try :-)
renee and gerardo from GTDesigns said 2 years ago
Too clever! Cute too! Love the walnut texture for the face---perfect! Great idea to share!!
J M L from 23littlewishes said 2 years ago
Love, love, love!!! I can't wait to try this! Thank You for the inspiration!!!
TropicalGarden from TropicalGarden said 2 years ago
so adorable! Thanks for sharing:)
Kashuen Collectibles from Kashuen said 2 years ago
I've got to try it with my kids. It looks pretty simple and cute. Thanks for sharing.
Farideh Nouri from FlairPaintings said 2 years ago
very nice and smart!
Allison from WeeLittleCrafts said 2 years ago
I absolutely love this! So adorable! :D
Claudia Fill from claudiascreation1 said 2 years ago
Love simply precious
Gerri Lewis from GielDesigns said 2 years ago
This is just precious! I want to make a bunch for my tree. :)
Puzzled Pixie from PuzzledPixie said 2 years ago
So many cute ideas! So nice people take the time to share with others:) That's a definite one for me to try with the kids! Merry Christmas! Everyone!
moonula from MoonulaVintage said 2 years ago
Soooo cute! We used to paint walnuts gold and hang them on the tree, but this is even better! Such a good idea.
Kris Campbell from KrisCampbellPottery said 2 years ago
This would be a fun project for the grandchildren!
catie from fivetenfifteen said 2 years ago
so cute!
Gail Anderson from gailanders3 said 2 years ago
Haha! Love it! This will be my project of the week!
Unforgotten Dreams from Unforgottendreams said 2 years ago
Lovely and clever ! :)
Georgia from JewelMeShop said 2 years ago
It's so cute! I want to try it.
Michela from LilyandFern said 2 years ago
Easy and adorable! Thank you ?
Jessica Croft from JessicaJoyStudio said 2 years ago
Oh my gosh , this is adorable!
Janet Johnson from SunshineByJanet said 2 years ago
Very cute and easy to make. Will make some for the tree.
Sheila Blacstone from BlacstoneDesigns said 2 years ago
How adorable is this lil'gnome guy!!! Will have to make these next season! Thank you so much, and happy holidays! Cheers
Green Horse Productions by Pat Diebler-Cates from GreenHorseProd said 2 years ago
Love it! One question, though-- Will the walnut ever rot or shrivel? I'd like to hang it annually! ;-) Thanks!
Nicole Bee from NameBrandBee said 2 years ago
Ohhh gnome. Ha. I love him. Im doing this next year and I hope it looks half as cute
Stacey Winter from SnowywindsStudios said 1 year ago
What a cute idea! Gift idea for Christmas 2017...
Anastasia from AmstudiodesignKids said 121 days ago
i love gnom! nice idea!!!!!!!