Autumn Leaves Gnome

I admit that I don't ALWAYS like gnomes - but I sure like this one! And it's easy and inexpensive to make! Directions are below - hope you enjoy - and please let me know (or better yet see!) how yours comes out!!

Supplies:

Dollar Tree Witch Hat

6 (or more) Sprays of Autumn Leaves

Scissors

6 Zip Ties or Floral Wire

Hot Glue Gun/glue sticks

Approx 2” Styrofoam Ball (for gnome nose)

1 knee high stocking

Fall Berry Picks

Burlap

Autumn flower or flower pick

Process:

1) Start by peeling off the covering of the witch’s hat. You may be able to leave on the black covering as it’s unlikely to show through the burlap – but I always remove it. I also remove the loop of ribbon meant to hang the hat. I add a piece of wire placed wherever it seems to work best once I have the project completed.

2) Lay out the sprays of fall leaves to decide how you want them to be seen. Group them into sections of 2 and zip tie or florist wire them to the backside of the hat. I always add a dab of hot glue as well. Make sure the leaves fall properly below the hat. I always like my ‘beard’ to be wide AND long in the center. But decide what you think looks best!

3) Lay out a piece of burlap and place the front of that face down on the burlap. I always fold up a ‘brim’ on the hat before securing. The brim is where you will put the berry picks and autumn flower. Overlap the burlap in the back and hot glue. Be sure you are following the form of the witch’s hat. You can make the burlap extend a bit beyond the top of the witch’s hat – for a nice extra touch of whimsy. Be sure to attach it securely.

4) Cover your Styrofoam ball with the knee high and secure the ends. Then tuck the ball just slightly under the brim of the hat. Glue when you are satisfied with the placement.

5) Add a sprig of berries, wheat, feathers, flowers or whatever pleases you to the brim of the hat. also add a small flower to the tip of the hat.

6) Decide where you think it’s best to put your loop of wire for hanging the hat. You may need to try a few different places before you get it just right!

7) Hang and enjoy!!