Fun and Easy Watercolor Gnome Bookmark Craft
These watercolor gnome bookmarks are so easy and fun to make in an afternoon. In this watercoloring painting tutorial, I’m sharing how to draw gnomes from basic shapes and turn them into a fun DIY and gift idea.
I am going to use markers and two types of watercolor paints in tutorial, so you can use whatever you have on hand. Gather up what you have, along with watercolor paper and yarn for this easy gnome craft idea.
RELATED READING: Christmas Gnome Rock Paintings are an Easy, Fun Craft
What You'll Find On This Page
Gnome Watercolor Bookmark DIY for a Lazy Day
Here at Ruffles and Rain Boots, I’ve been cleaning out my craft room while preparing to move halfway across the country. It’s a lot of work but it’s also led to a lot of creativity. If you’re new here, I get very creative when I’m procrastinating…
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Not wanting to pack yet another box, I decided to go through some art supplies and found some old markers with frayed tips. Eons ago, a mom-friend created watercolor paints from old markers and I had to try it.
If you don’t have markers and DO have watercolors, read on through because I’ll show you two methods to use them. In this tutorial, I’m using markers, watercolor tubes, and ridiculously-pigmented liquid watercolors. Let’s get started.
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If you need to pick up some watercolor paper, save this to an easy DIY craft pin board or share it to Facebook. Either will make it easier to find when you’re ready to begin.
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Tips for Making This Fun Gnome Craft Idea
- The best part about watercolor is that it’s a loose, flowing medium. You never know exactly what you’re going to get and you don’t have to worry about learning how to draw. It’s the best painting medium!
- The tutorial and video show two ways to create these gnome watercolor sets. Try them both.
- One technique to make watercolor gnome bookmarks is to use a permanent pen (I used these Sharpies) and watercolor immediately on top.
- Another method is to paint first, let it dry, and then outline. I like this one because I shape the water, add the color, and love the surprise.
- Watercolor paper can be intense to pick out at a craft store. Choose 140# cold-pressed paper in white, as it’s the most versatile and inexpensive. You can choose any size for any project (my paper is 9×12 from Strathmore here but the Canson brand is a good choice, as well).
- Tassels made with Dollar Tree yarn add a fun detail and an extra pop of color. Hole punch the watercolor paper, tie it on, and you’re done.
How to Make Gnome Watercolor Bookmarks and Prints
Below is the written and printable tutorial. If you want to watch how amazing and fun this process can be, watch the watercolor gnome bookmarks video tutorial here on YouTube.
Just a quick note: I made six bookmarks but you don’t have to stop there. You can cut the watercolor paper down to any size. Here are a few more ideas:
- make a few art prints for 4×6 or 8×10 frames you have lying around the house
- put a larger painted watercolor gnome piece in between some pressed wood blocks for a modern wall hanging
- make some post cards at 4×6 inches (follow this tutorial for the rest)
- create a few hand made cards to give for birthdays, holidays, or just because.
Gnome Watercolor Bookmarks
These watercolor gnome bookmarks are an easy-going craft for a lazy afternoon. I'm sharing two ways to make them and hope you have as much fun making these watercolor bookmarks as we did.
Materials
- Watercolor Paper
- Watercolors or Water-Based Markers
- Yarn for Tassels
Tools
- Ruler and Pencil
- Paint Palette
- Cup of Clean Water (Another for Rinsing)
- Paintbrushes
- Fine Tip Liner Pen (Sharpie or Micron)
- Hole Punch
- Paper Cutter or Scissors
- Optional, White Acrylic Paint
- Optional, Pinking Shears
Instructions
- Divide the watercolor paper into 6 even rectangles using the ruler. Make light tick marks to delineate each section so you can avoid erasing.
- Add watercolor or markers to the palette and dilute with water.
- Draw simple shapes on the paper using the pencil with a light touch.
- In the three sections at the top of the paper, add watercolor to each section. Stay within the outline or get messy outside of it.
- In the bottom three sections, try adding only water as the shapes and dropping in watercolor to blend. Let the watercolors dry completely.
- Use the Sharpie or Micron to outline the bottom sections.
- Cut out each of the six bookmarks using the cutter or scissors. You can opt to use the pinking shears for a decorative trim.
- Optional: Lightly paint on white acrylic paint to help the gnome beards or braids stand out. Let dry.
- Hole punch each bookmark with one or two holes.
- Create and tie yarn tassels through the punched holes. Your bookmarks are done.
Notes
Decide which of the watercolor methods you like better and make different shapes and scenes.
These make great additions when gifting books, digital reading gift cards, and other small gifts.
Recommended Products
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More Crafts You Might Like to Try
- Painting Date Night Jar – These mini canvases and a fun jar full of everything you need makes for a really cute (and inexpensive) date night idea.
- Scratch Off Rock Painting – Gather the kids of all ages and set these up. They were so much fun!
- Three Ways to Paint a Fox – If you’re not an artist (I’m not either), follow along as I show you three ways to paint adorable foxes.
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