Elegant Gnome Tree Topper
You can make one or both of these elegant gnome tree topper crafts for trees or shelf sitters using the tinsel trees from the Dollar Tree. Grab your glue gun and let’s make some cute Christmas gnomes!
RELATED READING: NO SEW SCANDINAVIAN GNOMES
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Dollar Tree Gnome Shelf Sitter or Topper
Here at Ruffles and Rain Boots, I’m known for gnomes – making gnome crafts for all uses is sort of a hobby of mine. This year, I found some really great options for tree topper forms at the Dollar Tree.
You can get any of the tinsel tree forms which have the plastic tree shape with the horizontal structure bars in them. I’ve seen them in tinsel and in a plastic ribbon – either is fine. You can also find these at craft stores and Dollar General. Let’s get started.
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Tips for Making Elegant Gnome Tree Toppers
Friends, these toppers or shelf sitters look SO high-end. And honestly, I would say it isn’t the technique; the right materials can make all the difference in the world.
- Use Mongolian fur if you can find it. It’s a 3 inch pile faux fur which really elevates any gnome or gnome craft. I buy mine in bulk from Amazon, but you can find smaller cuts on Amazon, Etsy, and even get it cut from the bolt at craft stores.
- Fleece is one of the most forgiving fabrics there is. Use it on these because these don’t have to be exact cuts – no pattern is needed when you can tug on the fabric. :)
- Be sure to use the poster board to cover your form. Even if you don’t clip the nodes off (it did not make even the slightest difference), you will be able to see the form through the fleece without the covering.
- Go slow when cutting the fur and positioning the hat. Those, along with the nose you choose, will give the personality to this piece.
How Do I Make a Gnome Tree Topper?
I’m so glad you asked! Below is my written tutorial but be sure to watch the full gnome tree topper and shelf sitter video tutorial here. I give you options and techniques I can’t possibly share here. Psst: while you’re there, subscribe to the channel.
Elegant Gnome Tree Topper
Use a pre-made tinsel tree from the Dollar Tree to make elegant gnome tree toppers or shelf sitters for holiday decor. Grab some fleece, fur, and a hot glue gun!
Materials
- Dollar Tree Tinsel Tree
- Poster Board x 1 (Dollar Tree)
- Fleece (at least 1/2 yard of each color)
- Mongolian Fur (I used frosted gray)
- Gnome Nose (two options, read below)
- Poly Fill
- Holiday Accents for Decoration
Tools
- Hot Glue Gun and Glue Sticks
- Scissors
- Exacto Knife and Cutting Mat
Instructions
- Remove the tinsel from the pre-made trees. Wrap the form in poster board, securing it with a generous amount of hot glue. Make sure to bring the top to a point and cut the bottom flush with the bottom of the tree form.
- Roll the tree form in the fleece, gluing to start. Trim the bottom to an inch all the way around and finish the back seam.
- Make a gnome hat by rolling the covered form in your desired fleece, taking care to add at least 1.5 inches for an overlap. Conversely, you can fold the fabric in half and cut the hat into a triangle with a 2 inch rise. For visual instruction on both hat styles, please see the full-length YouTube video.
- Slip on the hat and cut a piece of fur the width you like (rectangle or U-shaped). If you would like a tutorial on how to cut faux fur, there is one on my YouTube channel. Attach the beard directly to the fleece-covered form.
- For the gnome nose, you can split the fur to the fabric backing and glue on a wood round, pingpong ball, or pompom. You can also cut a piece of fleece into an oval and use a running stitch around the outside edge (1/2 inch away from the edge). Once you have gone all the way around, pull the strings tight, stuff with Poly Fill, and tie knots. For this style, you would glue it directly to the inside brim of the hat.
- Add a bit of holiday greenery, holly and berries, or a sleigh bell and display your gnome tree topper at the top of your Christmas tree or on a shelf.
Notes
Note: the full length tutorial on the YouTube channel provides detailed instruction for two styles of gnome tree toppers.
More Gnome Crafts You Might Like
- Gnome Tree Topper – Did you find a covered tree topper and want to turn it into a gnome? This one’s for you.
- Cone Gnome Family – This is one of my most popular video tutorials because it is easy and looks so very, very nice. Also, they nest for storage!
- Wood Block Gnomes – Featured by Better Homes and Gardens’ Holiday Magazine, these cuties are done in no time and are the perfect rustic or farmhouse gnome.
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