If you’re lucky enough to have a garden with evergreens, you probably know the fall routine: it’s pruning season. Every autumn, I end up with piles of branches from all kinds of trees—juniper, spruce, pine, you name it. And honestly, I’ve found that these clippings are pure gold for holiday decorations. I mean, why let those beautiful greens go to waste? They’re perfect for adding that cozy, natural touch to Christmas decor.
Over the years, I’ve made just about everything you can imagine from these branches: wreaths to hang on doors, garlands to drape over the mantle, and even centerpieces for the holiday table. There’s just something special about decorations made from real greenery; they bring that fresh, piney aroma that makes the whole house smell like Christmas. But this year, I wanted to switch things up a bit and make something a little more whimsical—a Christmas gnome!
I’m a sucker for those little gnomes. They’re cute, they’re festive, and they add this playful, storybook charm to any space. Plus, they’re SUPER EASY to make with just a handful of materials. This project is perfect for anyone looking to turn their garden clippings into a unique, eye-catching piece that’s as fun as it is festive. So grab those branches, and let’s get crafting!
Materials You’ll Need
- Fresh branches of juniper or any other evergreen
- A sheet of red felt (A4 size works fine)
- A strip of white felt for that “Santa hat” look
- White yarn to make a pom-pom (I’ll explain)
- White string to hang your gnome
- A walnut or big wooden bead (I’ll explain why in a bit!)
- Hot glue gun (if you don’t have one, trust me, it’s worth getting)
- White acrylic paint and an old stiff brush
Making A Simple Gnome
First things first – gather your branches. I used juniper, but honestly, any evergreen will do.
Make a bundle of branches and tie them at the top with some white string. You’ll want to make sure the stems are nice and secure.
Don’t forget to add a hanging loop with that string, or you’ll be scrambling to find a way to hang it later (yes, I learned this the hard way). Pro tip: Use white string if you have it—it kinda blends in and gives the whole thing a frosty look. Plus, it just feels more “Christmassy.”.
Now, let’s give this little gnome his signature look! Take your red felt and glue a strip of white felt along the wide edge to make a “trim.” This totally gives it that Santa hat vibe.
Wrap the felt around the top of your branch bundle and secure it with the hot glue.
Don’t forget to pull that hanging loop through the top of the hat—it’s easy to miss, trust me!.
So, for the nose, I just went outside and grabbed a walnut from under my tree (gotta love having a garden, right?). If you don’t have one lying around, a wooden bead works just as well. I glued it under the edge of the hat, right in the center. And there it was – the perfect little gnome nose! This step feels small, but honestly, it brings the whole face together.
Time for the pom-pom! I made one with white yarn by wrapping it around my fingers a bunch of times, tying it in the middle, and cutting the loops. Just a few quick snips and you’ve got yourself a fluffy little pom-pom. Glue it right on the tip of the hat. It’s amazing how this little touch makes it feel like an actual gnome instead of just a pile of greenery.
Even though it's still Fall, the gnome looks great as transitional decor.
Upgrading The Gnome With Paint And Lights
To make the gnome look like he’s just come in from a winter forest, I dipped a stiff brush in white acrylic paint and flicked it onto the branches. It gives this look of fresh snow, like he’s been trudging through the woods on a snowy day. It’s totally optional, but I think it adds so much character!.
Now, this is just me being extra, but I also added a tiny battery-operated light string through the branches. It lights up the gnome from within and adds this magical glow, especially at night. If you have guests coming over, trust me, they’re gonna love it.
You can hang this guy just about anywhere. I put mine on the front porch so guests are greeted by his little face and the scent of fresh evergreen. But he’d also look great hanging inside on a wall or even by the fireplace. And that pine smell? It’s like instant Christmas vibes filling up the room.
This DIY Christmas gnome was such a fun, SUPER simple project, and it looks way more impressive than the effort it took. Plus, using natural materials from the garden is not only budget-friendly, but it also makes the decor feel so unique and personal. So, if you’re looking to add a little woodland magic to your holiday decor, give this project a try! It’s easy, it smells amazing, and it’s sure to bring some smiles.