How to make a gnome family

I thought it might be fun to share how I go about making a gnome family
But first, let me share that a year ago I would not have considered myself to be crafty creative at all
…seriously, not at all…
But somehow working with wood and letting little gnomies and their homes emerge…
…has got me all crafty-like *silly grin*
 So… where do I start? With a sanded piece of wood usually {or sometimes paper}
And I freehand on the gnome shape and go from there…
Just letting inspiration strike {or not, as the case may be}
When I am happy with my design I plug the wood burner in and draw with it, like it is just a really hot, slightly dangerous pen
{well, as long as you are careful it really isn’t dangerous *wink*}
Once the design is wood burned I get the scroll saw running.
It is such a fun tool to use, although it did take me awhile to stop being afraid of it! But now we are good friends, and I know the speed and tension it is happy to run with…
{not too slow, middle of the range speed and a tension that provides a good twang}
Next up is sanding. If the item is larger than a bread plate I tend to start with the belt sander and if it is smaller I will start with the dremmel
~ safety gear on ~
Sanding by hand is next up. A good task for while you are watching the kids, or enjoying a good conversation.
 
After the wood is nice and smooth it is time for painting!
I love this stage… choosing the colours and mixing the milk paint up
After a bit of trial and error, I have settled on using cheap eye makeup brushes. The foam works really nicely with milk paint and because they are small they are easier to manage
{and I really like the way the paint stains the wood, allowing the grain to show through}
Once the paint is dry {and this doesn’t take long} I heat up my wood polish, I use this tutorial to make it…
And massage it in with my hands
And then, they are done *smile*

Happy crafting,
Kelly

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6 Comments

  • Reply Amie M January 31, 2013 at 5:24 pm

    We just love our little gnome set! Thank you, Kelly 🙂 I really enjoyed reading your process. Just wondering, how long is the process from start to finish for you?

  • Reply havingfunatchelleshouse February 2, 2013 at 10:38 am

    Awww! Those are just adorable!! I have some wooden farm animals around her that need to get ready for play…all that sanding has stifled my creativity 🙁 I was looking forward to the wood burning and painting but sanding is taking forever, I’m losing my motivation….Seeing these little cuties finished (!) may have ignited my fire again :-)Thanks for sharing at Sharing Saturday!

  • Reply Annette February 1, 2013 at 9:39 pm

    These are so sweet! I hope you’ll come share on Waldorf Wednesday. 😀
    http://ourseasonsofjoy.com/waldorf-wednesday-link-up/waldorf-wednesday-20/

  • Reply anna February 2, 2013 at 5:05 am

    I love these! They look so very pleased to be themselves 🙂

  • Reply maaike gritter February 3, 2013 at 3:35 am

    love this post

  • Reply Amanda Pedro February 23, 2013 at 7:26 am

    ooo, I love these. A few years ago, I mentioned I’d like to make some wood friends. My husband went out and bought a saw for me! I haven’t used it yet, but I just bought a wood burning tool, so I think this may be the summer! I want to make fairy doors! Love your little house too.
    CHeers

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