DIY Mini Gnome Planters with Dollar Tree Supplies
Make these adorable mini gnome planters with real or faux plants using supplies from the Dollar Tree. These gnomes are perfect for the patio, a sunny window, or to add a bit of whimsy to your desk.
For this easy Dollar Tree craft, you will need vases or jars, succulents, ribbon, wood beads for noses, and something for a beard. Keep reading for ideas on supplies and how to put together this fun spring and summer gnome DIY.
RELATED READING: Dollar Tree Gnomes on Ruffles and Rain Boots
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Dollar Tree Gnome Planter Craft
Here at Ruffles and Rain Boots, I love whipping up ideas for easy crafts. This past holiday season, I had a LOT of gifts to make and my daughter and I set up an assembly for some mini gnome planters. I picked up nearly everything from the Dollar Tree which made it easy and inexpensive!
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Before you run out to the store, however, check your craft stash for ribbon, yarn, raffia – anything you can use for a beard. I used a fur ribbon and Spanish moss, but you might have something on hand that will work. For noses, I chose to use wood beads, but a few more ideas are pony beads, rounds you make from polymer or air dry clay, and even pompoms. Read through my supplies below and then check yours.
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If you need to gather up supplies or run and pick up some plants, save this to a DIY crafts pin board or share it on Facebook. It will make it easy to find later.
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Tips for Making Gnome Planters (Inside or Outside)
- I made most of ours for inside on my kitchen window or outside under the covered portion of our back deck. To make these outdoor gnomes, use an outdoor fabric for the ribbon (just fold down the top and bottom and glue). Spanish or green moss would make for great beards.
- If you have fur on hand or want to pick it up from the craft store, use it. I had someone send me a roll of faux fur ribbon so I wanted to try and work with that.
- A few more ideas for beard materials: colorful moss, raffia, yarn (brushed or left as-is), or cotton mop heads.
- If you want to use faux succulents or other plants in your jars and vases, go for it. If it doesn’t come with soil and you want that look, get some Model Magic or air dry clay and form it to fit the vase or jar. Let it dry and then paint it before securing it to the rock base.
- Speaking of the rock base… You do not have to use the Dollar Tree rocks like I did. Other options include glass bead vase filler, aquarium gravel, wadded coir, or moss – use anything that matches your home decor (or outdoor decor).
RELATED READING: How to Refurbish an Outdoor Garden Gnome Statue
How to Make Gnome Planters with Succulents
Below is the written and printable tutorial for the gnome planters I made. Each process has a step-by-step image, however, I also have a short, detailed DIY gnome planters video tutorial here on YouTube. While you’re there, be sure to subscribe – we have a lot of fun.
Mini Gnome Planters DIY
Choose one or both of these adorable mini gnome planter styles for a quick afternoon craft. Use what you have on hand for these spring gnomes and decorate a window ledge, patio table, or your desk.
Materials
- Glass Jars (Hanging Mason and Small Vase)
- Decorative Rocks
- Soil (if using live plants)
- Succulents or Plants of YouR Choice
- Ribbon (2 inch Burlap and 3 inch Buffalo Check)
- 4 inch Faux Fur Ribbon (or faux fur)
- Spanish Moss
- Sheet Moss (Green)
- Small Wood Beads or Balls
Tools
- Hot Glue Gun and Glue Sticks
- Finger Guards or Silicone Spatula
- Scissors
- Cutting Mat
Instructions
Prepare and Plant
- Clean jars and add 1.5 inches of decorative rock to the bottom of each.
- Plant the succulents using soil and proper planting techniques for your choice of greenery.
Burlap and Fur Gnome Planter
- Cut a strip or two of sheet moss to cover the top inch and affix with glue.
- Add the burlap ribbon to the mason jar and affix with glue gun and glue sticks in the front so the beard will hide the join.
- Cut a piece of the ribbon fur into a v-shape as wide as the ribbon and as tall as you would like the gnome beard to be (I covered the entire front). Affix with glue.
Buffalo Check and Spanish Moss Gnome Planter
- Add the Buffalo Check ribbon to the vase and glue in front to hide the join under the gnome beard.
- Take a large chunk of moss and glue it directly to the vase with a generous amount of hot glue at the top, middle, bottom and sides. Be sure to protect your fingers. Add more until the beard is the desired size.
- Use the scissors to trim up the edges of the beard.
For Both Planters
- Affix a small wood ball to each beard for the gnome nose and display!
Notes
Use any live or faux plant for this project, as long as it is sized for the container you choose.
The Dollar Tree has some amazing glass options, so check there after you see what you might have on hand already.
Other ideas for gnome beards are: colorful moss, raffia, yarn (brushed or left as-is), and cotton mop heads.
Recommended Products
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More Spring Gnome DIY and Crafts You Might Like
- DIY Plaster Gnomes – The molds make these the easiest gnome craft to do and you can have fun painting them for indoor or outdoor use!
- Succulent Gnome – This is a wow-worthy craft and adorable gnome to display all year round (and it’s perfect for tiered trays).
- Spring Gnome Painting DIY – If you have some paint on hand, Kristie with Love My Little Cottage show you how.
- Flower Pot (or Pot Head) Gnomes – These have become a Facebook sensation! I love that everyone is making easy gnomes these because I get to see all of them. :)
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