Gnome Ornaments

by Judy Larson

Category: Holiday Designs
Technique(s): Cutting, Dapping, Filing / Finishing, Hole Punching, Texturing, Design
Skill Level: Beginner

At any time of the year, I don't have to search for gnomes. I see gnomes and gnome ornaments EVERYWHERE. So it comes as no surprise that I will be making Gnome Ornaments for my Grandchildren.

While I prefer to solder metal parts together, the pieces to make the gnomes in this tutorial can be successfully glued together. Slight changes in the templates will make each ornament unique and totally your own.

The templates do not have to be used with metal. Fur, felt, fabric and Heat and Bond will work just as well.

Materials

28 Gauge 0.012 Dead Soft Copper Sheet Metal - 6x6 Inch

MET-705.28

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $7.50
Gold Club Price: $5.63

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24 Gauge 0.020 Dead Soft Copper Sheet Metal - 6x12 Inch

MET-705.24M

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $11.34
Gold Club Price: $8.51

Out of Stock

26 Gauge 0.016 Dead Soft Copper Sheet Metal - 6x6 Inch

MET-705.26

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $7.83
Gold Club Price: $5.87

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26 Gauge 0.016 Dead Soft Red Brass Sheet Metal - 6x6 Inch

MET-704.26

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $6.78
Gold Club Price: $5.09

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28 Gauge 0.012 Dead Soft Red Brass Sheet Metal - 6x6 Inch

MET-704.28

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $9.23
Gold Club Price: $6.92

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24 Gauge 0.020 Dead Soft Nickel Silver Sheet Metal - 6x6 Inch

MET-703.24

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $17.48
Gold Club Price: $13.11

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26 Gauge 0.016 Dead Soft Nickel Silver Sheet Metal - 6x6 Inch

MET-703.26

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $15.30
Gold Club Price: $11.48

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Tools

Metal Cutting Shears

SHR-536.00

SHR-536.00
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $14.97
Gold Club Price: $11.23

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GROBET FILE - BARRETTE CUT 4, 6"

FIL-31.031

FIL-31.031
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $35.10
Gold Club Price: $26.33

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Economy Needle File Set, 6 Piece Set

FIL-993.00

FIL-993.00
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $7.95
Gold Club Price: $5.96

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WET/DRY PAPER 9 X 11 ASST- 20PC- 2EA GRIT 180-3000

ABR-500.90

ABR-500.90
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $24.95
Gold Club Price: $18.71

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7 Piece Mini TruStrike Hammer Set with Stand

HAM-520.70

HAM-520.70
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $140.54
Gold Club Price: $105.40

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Texturing Hammer with 9 Faces

HAM-470.00

HAM-470.00
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $47.00
Gold Club Price: $35.25

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Euro Tool Metal Hole Punch Pliers, 1.8 Millimeters

PLR-133.50

PLR-133.50
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $11.98
Gold Club Price: $8.98

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Steel Bench Block 4x4 Inch - Pack of 1

G17-10

G17-10
Lesson Quantity: 2.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 2.00 each
Price: $21.95
Gold Club Price: $16.46

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Designer Metal Stamps--Eight Point Star

PUN-102.23

PUN-102.23
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $10.57
Gold Club Price: $7.93

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Designer Metal Stamps--Snowflake

PUN-102.39

PUN-102.39
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $9.95
Gold Club Price: $7.46

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Designer Metal Stamps--Spiral

PUN-106.26

PUN-106.26
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $6.76
Gold Club Price: $5.07

Out of Stock

Designer Metal Stamps--Square Labyrinth

PUN-106.27

PUN-106.27
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $9.95
Gold Club Price: $7.46

Out of Stock

12 Piece Dapping Punch Set with Wooden Base

G17-6

G17-6
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $16.97
Gold Club Price: $12.73

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2 1/2 Inch Dapping Die Block

DAP-125.00

DAP-125.00
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $32.30
Gold Club Price: $24.23

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Small Disc Cutter, 7 Pieces

DAP-400.10

DAP-400.10
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $46.95
Gold Club Price: $35.21

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Instructions

Step 1

Read through the tutorial before starting the project. Follow all safety precautions pertaining to the tools and supplies being used and the space you are working in.

Scale the templates to the desired size and print a copy. The pieces can be mixed, but the curve of the beard may need to be changed. Choose a hat band. Add a bit more to the sides of the hat and beard template than needed to accommodate the hat band (third photo). Since a larger hat pom may be later desired, it is wise to add a bit in that area as well. Cut the pieces apart.

Step 2

Decide what metal will be used for each part. Remember, the thicker the metal, the harder it is to cut with shears, and two layers will be sandwiched together to stabilize the gnome. So, think about how the gnome will be finished.

Option 1 (not made) Cute Gnome Tag Ornament: This is by far the easiest method. Instead of following the outline of the gnome for the bottom stabilizing layer, cut a rectangular piece of 24 gauge sheet slightly longer and wider than the gnome template. A tag shape would look nice. Texture this backplate before adhering all the gnome parts.

Option 2 Make the Gnomes as Shown: Cut a 24 gauge backing slightly larger than the finished Gnome drawing template. If you are sure you will be able to cut around the ornament with shears, a larger piece can be cut. This may give you more design options later.

Both Options: Use 26 gauge sheet for the gnome beard, hat, hat band, hat pom, and nose. The feet can only be added to Option 2. Cut the feet from 22 gauge sheet metal. The hat strip trim and the patches are cut from 28 gauge because they are easier to manipulate when crossing each other. 26 gauge will work, though.

Glue the templates to the chosen sheet metal.

Step 3

Before cutting out the larger pieces, use a disc cutter to cut a variety of sizes of discs in the space around them. When this is done, cut out the hats and beards.

Cut embellishment strips and hat bands. If using an old pair of pinking shears (never to be used on fabric again) to cut the zig zag top hatband, make sure the metal is no thicker than 28 gauge. Also, cut through several layers of waxed paper a few times before cutting the metal. This makes cutting easier and protects the shears a bit.

Step 4

Dome some of the cut discs if a three-dimensional ornament desired. Having these extra parts makes it easier to see what works best for your vision of the finished ornament. Sand the back of each domed disc flat using 320 or 400 grit sandpaper placed on a bench block.

Pro Tip: Keep a box of different size and gauge discs on hand. When the urge to design with circles hits, they are ready to go!

Step 5

Lay the parts out to make sure nothing is missing. Separating the parts will help with assembly later.

Step 6

Texture the beard. A Mini TruStrike Sharp Texture Hammer was combined with one of the hammers from the Wubbers Texture Hammers set for the Tall Gnome beard. For the Short Gnome beard, a texture hammer was combined with a metal stamp.

Step 7

Texture the hats. Using more than one texture will add dimension to the piece.

Step 8

Texturing will change the shape of the pieces. The only place where this would be noticeable is on the gnome with no hat band. Notice that the two pieces do not fit together. File the beard back until the two pieces fit together. Use a rubber mallet to flatten all the pieces. Note: All the parts for the Tag Gnome must be perfectly fit before gluing.

Step 9

For the glue or epoxy to work well, all the pieces need to be sanded. Wiping the surface with alcohol after sanding is also a must. Then try not to touch the metal surfaces, only the edges.

Step 10

Place the backplate on a bench block. Know where the hat will be placed on the backplate. It may help to mark the area with an ultra fine point retractable Sharpie. Spread the glue on the back of the hat. Place the hat, glue side down, on the backplate. Repeat the process with the beard, positioning it glue side down in line with the hat. See Step 12 if a tag ornament is being made. Much less glue should be used.

Step 11

Place a piece of waxed paper over the assembly. Carefully add a bench block on top of the assembly. Then add more weight. Here, another bench block plus a sad iron bottom was added. If using E-6000, after an hour check to make sure the parts are still in place and did not move. Since E-6000 will take up to 72 hours to cure, the parts can be shifted back into place if they did move. If using two-part epoxy, check after no more than 5 minutes.

Step 12

Notice how much glue seeped out between the layers. This would only be a problem on the tag ornament. If a tag ornament was made and glue seeped out, use a very sharp knife to slice the glue next to the Gnome. Pull the glue away. Remove the waxed paper. Sand the piece. Do not worry if the glue remains. It will be cut away later. Remove the sanding dust and clean the surface with alcohol.

Step 13

Here is where it is important to not add too much glue. Add a strip of glue down the middle of the back of the hat band. Place the hat band in position over the had/beard seam, glue side down. Clamp in place on either end.

Step 14

For flat noses or the hat patches, place a small amount of glue on the beard or hat where the piece will be placed. Press the piece into place over the glue.

Step 15

Fill all domed embellishments with E-6000, turn over, and press into place. The glue will settle and bond the two pieces together. The hat bands stabilize the seam area between the hat and the beard. To help stabilize the seam on the gnome with no hat band, the nose should overlap the seam.

Step 16

Make design decisions along the way, as was done here. Instead of a pom on the hat tip, it was decided to add a hanging heart.

Step 17

The directions on E-6000 say that curing can be hastened if the piece is heated with a hair dryer. Putting the ornaments on a food dehydrator does the trick.

Step 18

Redraw any lines needed for design and cutting changes.

Step 19

Trim excess metal away around the gnome. It is difficult to get into the curves and corners. Those areas can be filed and sanded. Use a hole punch to make the curved hat tip.

Step 20

Gnomes, placed on a bench block, can be decorated with a variety of metal stamps.

Step 21

I saved my original drawing with the bisecting line down the center. I used the lines to determine where to make a hole for hanging the ornament. The same thing can be accomplished by folding the paper design in half lengthwise.

Step 22

Punch 1/8" holes. Add an eyelet to the hole and place on a piece of thick leather on a bench block. Flare the rivet on the back side using dapping punches. Finish with a Mini TruStrike Embossing Hammer.

Step 23

Feet/shoes can be added, or not. Cut feet from 22 gauge sheet. Cut a narrow strip of 26 or 28 gauge sheet if a sole strip is desired on the shoes. Glue the pieces in place and secure using clamps.

Step 24

Hang the heart ornament embellishment and all the gnomes are done!

Reviews

Judy Larson

My philosophy has always been "I will never live long enough to learn everything I want to learn, go everywhere I want to go and see everything I want to see!" So, what I make and how I create it is always changing and evolving. I was born shortly after WWII to parents who grew up during the Depression. They always had a "we can do it, we can make it" attitude which rubbed off on my two younger brothers and me. My brothers are amazing and can make and do ANYTHING! When I was a little girl, my mother gave me an old carved cigar box, which I cherish, filled with pop beads, wooden beads and yarn for stringing. That was the beginning of my jewelry making journey.

On a visit to the Grand Canyon when I was a young woman, I was fortunate enough to help a Native American silversmith sand cast my first silver bracelet and bezel set a large turquoise nugget on top. I was in love, hook, line and sinker! While working full time and having a family here in northern Minnesota, my artistic endeavors slowed down but never stopped. I am an artist, scrapbooker, seamstress, woodworker and jewelry artisan. Now that I am retired, I am able to indulge in all my hobbies. However, there just never seems to be enough time in the day to do it all, but I try!

I have been teaching community education beginner and intermediate jewelry making classes since my retirement. Many of my students have been bitten so hard by the jewelry making bug that they say I have turned them into monsters-they just can't get enough. Making jewelry, seeing something take shape from small bits and pieces, is so rewarding that I hope it brings out the "monster" in you, too!