Category: Kid's Arts and Crafts

These little gnomes are so cute! You’ll want to make them by the dozen. They are lovely little gifts, perfect cuties to add to your holiday display, make sweet ornaments or gift toppers and, of course, are amazing wee pocket friends. While an adult should take care of the whittling, once the sticks are carved, kids can join in on the painting making this a great family project.

Difficulty level: easy but requires use of a knife
Time required: 20 minutes plus dry time

Things you’ll need:
Sticks cut into 4 inch lengths
Utility or pocket knife
Red, white and black acrylic paint
Paintbrush and a pin

Things to do:
1. Whittle the end of the stick to a pointy shape. It doesn’t have to be a perfect point, just a general tapered end. Also whittle away a little extra back just under the point for a face.


2. Paint the pointed end red for a hat and dab on white to make a beard. If you use your finger tip and draw the paint up as you dab you’ll get a little texture to your beard.


3. Allow the paint to dry before using the tip of the pin and black paint to add tiny eyes. Allow the eyes to dry before using.

This snowman makes the perfect ornament, adding a homemade touch to your tree. Its hand-crafted qualities are quaint, creating a homey and sentimental atmosphere. Make several of these button snowmen and attach them to presents for an added gift. The recipients are sure to appreciate your creative touch.

Difficulty level: Beginner
Time to complete: 15 minutes
Age range: 10 and up. *Younger children may need assistance with the hot glue gun.

Things you’ll need:
Hot Glue Gun
Wool Fabric
Black Felt
Red and White Ribbon
Two White Buttons
Scissors
Crafter’s Glue

Things to do:
1. Begin by gluing both of your white buttons together, using hot glue, to form the shape of a snowman. Use two white buttons of different sizes, making one the head and one the body of your snowman. Allow time for the glue to dry.

2. Cut two 1 inch x 3/4 inch squares of black felt. Trim the pieces to felt to resemble a top hat shape. *Refer to photograph

3. Cut a 5 inch piece of ribbon. Apply a thin layer of crafter’s glue to the inside of the hat. Attach the ribbon to form a loop that will serve as a hanger for your snowman.

4. Place the snowman’s head into the hat and secure it with more crafter’s glue.

5. Cut a piece of red ribbon to decorate the snowman’s top hat. Attach it to the front of the hat with crafter’s glue.

6. Cut a 6 inch x 1/2 inch piece of wool to make a scarf. Tie the scarf around the neck of the snowman, and secure with hot glue.