Easy Christmas Cone Gnome Tutorials
Learn how to make easy Christmas cone gnomes using these free tutorials. Any paper maché, Styrofoam®, or paper cone is a great base for a gnome body or a gnome hat.
In this article, you will learn how to make a Christmas gnome tree topper, a treat jar, a standing gnome with arms and legs, and a few more holiday gnomes. Create the season’s hottest trends yourself and save money on decor and gifts!
What You'll Find On This Page
Cone Gnome Tutorials for Easy Christmas Gnomes
Here at Ruffles and Rain Boots, I love making my own holiday and seasonal decor. If you’re new here, Christmas is my favorite and I start decorating on November 1st – it’s a bit early, yes, but I have a lot of decorations!
This year, we moved from Seattle, WA to Austin, Texas, so it’s a transition year for me. Does that mean I won’t be decorating? Oh, to the absolute contrary, I’m likely going to go even bigger. And one of the ways I’m going to do that is display some previously made creations, including some (or all) of these Christmas cone gnomes.
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Cone gnome body styles are the easiest types of gnomes to make – yes, even more so than sock gnomes! You need less materials, you can use the cone for the body, hat, or both, and honestly, there are TONS of differently-sized cones to help you decorate any space.
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The Best Supplies for Making Cone Gnomes
What Cone Do I Need for a Gnome?
First, you’ll need a cone. My favorites for crafting are paper maché cones but I have a lot of Styrofoam®. It’s easy to craft with and I can pick it up just about anywhere, including the dollar stores, though I buy mostly on Amazon. A few I use often are:
- these foam cones (they have many sizes, but I use 19 cm (7″) and 24 cm (10″) the most
- these large paper maché cones, but I also like the 4″ cones to be used for smaller ones
- collections like these are my favorite because I can make a gift set or make individuals
I’m often asked what size is “best” for cone gnomes and honestly, I don’t have one. I’ve used 30 inch cones for fireplace sitter gnomes and 3 inch cones for gnome play sets I made for my daughter. I think if you measure a space or a shipping box (if you sell or want to mail gifts), you will decide on the best size cone for you.
What Fabric Should I Use for a Gnome?
When it comes to fabric, the sky is the limit! You’ll see in my creations below, I love to vary up what I use. Mostly, I like to use a thicker fabric like fleece or premium felt because it covers the cones well and makes everything smooth without the need for batting.
Flannel is another great option for fabrics to cover cones because it’s a medium weight. Another bonus is that it comes in TONS and TONS of colors, patterns, and even thicknesses allowing you to customize any project easily.
If you have a cotton you want to use, I do recommend one additional step because the fabric is thin. Head over to the craft store and grab some very thin batting (in the sewing / fabric section) or use a scrap piece of felt first. Either wrap the cone first or attach it to the cotton fabric directly – either way works.
What Can I Use for a Gnome Beard?
Oh my, I absolutely love this question because the options are nearly endless! I’ve used the following and will link my direct buys because I know they are quality.
- Mongolian faux fur – This is my favorite long-pile fur for gnome beards, braids, and mustaches. Buy it on Amazon from my favorite brand or on Etsy (smaller cuts) from my favorite seller (she’s the most generous).
- Short pile fur – These come in a variety of colors and are most friendly to your wallet. It’s best to limit these and buy in smaller cuts on Etsy so you’re not spending more money than for which you’ll make gnomes.
- Moss – Green or dried Spanish moss, lush green forest moss, and even colored reindeer moss all make a beautiful gnome beard. Pick it up at craft stores (with a coupon) or even dollar stores.
- Faux fur substitutes – This is my least favorite option for gnome beards because they aren’t as plush but they can be found most anywhere. Gnome beards can be made from car polish pads, mop inserts, and even cotton mop rope as seen below.
Cone Gnome Family Tutorial
This is a very popular tutorial to make an entire family of gnomes using the paper maché cones set in various sizes. It’s easy and they are even stackable for storage!
If you are a visual learner, watch the Christmas gnome family tutorial here on YouTube. It’s a quick video and you’ll learn quite a few tricks on covering cones easily.
Easy Santa Gnome Made with a Cone
If you want to focus on creating an outfit or adding accessories, making a simple body will allow you more time to do so. This standing Santa gnome tutorial with a posh jacket, pants, and boots is made with a 7 inch Styrofoam® cone!
Watch the quick Santa gnome for Christmas video tutorial here on YouTube. You’ll learn how to create the slouchy hat that made this guy so popular. Psst: the Santa gnome boot tutorial is separate in case you’re looking for gnome shoes.
Gnome Tree Toppers with Dollar Tree Cones
One of my favorite crafts from last year, these easy gnome tree toppers and gnome shelf-sitters are SO elegant. They look like you spent a ton of money at a high-end store but I’ll keep your secret.
If you are a visual learner like I am or want to make a playlist for holiday crafts, watch the gnome Christmas tree toppers video tutorial here on YouTube. I show a couple of ways to make them for a bit of variety and supply options.
Winter Standing Gnome with Arms and Legs
One the absolute easiest creations, this winter standing gnome with arms and legs comes together quickly and can hold anything you’d like. I chose to create cinnamon stick firewood but a holiday ornament or little cardinal would be amazing.
The wintery gnome with boots video tutorial on YouTube is a good one to watch to see how to position the cone on the pre-made boots. It’s an easy way to create the look of a standing gnome without the hassle of actually making legs.
Gnome Treat Jar – An 5-Minute Cone Gnome Tutorial
One final way I want to inspire you to make cone gnomes is to use the cheat item as a hat. This 5-minute gnome treat topper is a wonderful gift idea and, because it’s so quick, you can create a lot of them in a short time.
I like to see things come together and if you like that, as well, check out the quick gnome treat jar video tutorial using a cone here on YouTube. You’ll never believe how easy these are to put together until you see it!
What Do You Think?
Which one of these will you make? Or, if you’re like me, will you make ALL of them? Let me know in the comments below and be sure to follow Ruffles and Rain Boots on Facebook or join us in the Facebook group here.
