Life in the Craft Lane: Leprechaun Gnome

Monday, February 21, 2022

Leprechaun Gnome

Guess what! It's almost March! Whether it comes in like a lion or a lamb, it'll be here before we know it! We'll be springing forward, cleaning out flower beds, planting spring flowers, pruning rose bushes and, if you're like me, you'll be ready to get your green on and celebrate St. Patrick's day!

Before we start thinking corned beef and green beer, let's put together a few Leprechaun gnomes and decorate! After all it isn't St. Patrick's day unless we have a few shamrocks, gold coins and Leprechauns (even if they do look like gnomes).... 😜

You'll need:

Gwen Studios* 3/8" single face satin ribbon - Green
Gwen Studios* 3/8" Polka Dot grosgrain ribbon - Green
Kunin® Presto Felt - Green
Double stick 1/4" tape
Smoothfoam® 1" ball
Small wood bead
Orange/Red yarn
LoTemp glue
Scissors

Instructions:

1. Cut a 6" circle from the felt, then cut into quarters. You'll need one quarter for each hat.

2. Remove the backing from one piece of felt then cover the adhesive with alternating strips of solid and polka dot ribbon. Place the first strip along one straight edge allowing about half the width of the ribbon to overlap the edge. Flip over and trim the ends even with the felt.

3. To make the beard wrap the yarn around a ruler. Wrapped yarn should be long enough to go along the curved edge of the felt piece. Place a piece of double stick tape along the wrapped yarn. Remove the backing. TIP: Extend one end of the tape past the end of the yarn to make it easier to remove the backing paper. Cut the yarn along one edge of the adhesive strip then attach to the bottom edge of the felt.

4. With the beard on the inside, fold the felt into a cone shape overlapping the ribbon edge as shown. Glue in place with lo-temp glue.

5. Flip the hat upside down, allowing the yarn to fall away from the inside, then push the foam ball into the hat.

6. Cut a 1" x 4" piece of felt then remove about 1" of the backing from one end. Fold 10"-12" of grosgrain ribbon in half then press onto the end of the felt. Roll up the strip of felt with the ribbon at the center and the adhesive to the inside. This will be the body and "legs". Glue the top of the roll to the base of the ball inside the hat. Tie a knot at the end of each ribbon leg then glue the small wood bead to the front for a nose to finish.

Much like an an elf, these little Irish gnomes can be found anywhere around the house; hiding in the center of a decorative shamrock, chilling on the mantel, or hanging from a wreath. You can even attach one to your sweatshirt or jacket when you head out on the seventeenth so you don't get "pinched".....