Whenever you’re in the mood for a cheerful and creative project, Ruth’s adorable Summertime Garden Gnomes DIY is sure to brighten your day.
These playful little gnomes are full of character, from their flower-detailed hats to the charming garden props you can add. They look so sweet grouped together and will bring joy to any shelf, porch, or windowsill.
Whatever the season, a colorful gnome is always a good idea. After all, good things come to gnomes who create.
Why You Will Love Making Summer Gnomes
Summer gnomes are the perfect DIY craft project for getting creative while adding charm and cuteness to your gifts or seasonal decor.
They’re playful, cheerful, and SO customizable. Use bright colors, floral patterns, or fun accessories like sunglasses, watermelon slices, or mini flags!
You don’t need any skills or expensive supplies to get started. These little personalities come together quickly and make the sweetest gifts or cheerful centerpieces. Plus, they’re a great way to use up fabric scraps and leftover craft materials!
Once you make one, you’ll want to create a whole summertime gnome village.
Discover more inspiration in these gnome posts and subscribe to get project ideas, inspiration, and a free basic gnome pattern. Don’t miss the adorable Spring Gnomes and creative Gnome Project Ebooks.
Gnome artist Ruth Johnson made all of the adorable gnomes on this website.
Photo and flower credit to Ruth. How about those zinnias?
A life without love is like a year without summer.
— Swedish Proverb
Getting Started: Creating the Gnome Base
If you’re new to making gnomes, don’t worry, it’s simple, fun, and totally doable!
To learn the basics, check out these two helpful posts: regular gnomes and mini gnomes. They’ll walk you through the supplies, steps, and inspiration you need to craft your very first gnome.
Once you’ve mastered the foundation, this summertime gnome project is your chance to get creative. Think bright colors, seasonal fabrics, and cheerful little accessories that turn your basic gnome into a sunshine-loving handmade project.
Grab the Free Gnome Pattern
You can create your own gnome pattern from scratch, or make it easy by using our free printable version.
Just subscribe to get gnome project ideas, inspiration, and access to the free base gnome pattern PDF.
Once you’re subscribed, you’ll receive an email (within about 15 minutes) with a link and password to access the Free Library. Inside the library, look for the photo of the gnomes, click it to open the PDF, then click the download icon to save the pattern to your computer.
After printing the PDF, head to the DIY Gnomes post and scroll halfway down to follow the full step-by-step instructions for making your gnome.
Ready to keep creating? Explore all the Gnome Posts for more ideas, fabric inspiration, fun trims, and embellishment tips.
Embellishing Ideas
Now comes the fun part, adding color, personality, and sunny details! Below are creative ways to dress up your gnomes with garden-inspired trims that make each one unique and full of character.
Sweaters and Fabrics
Bright Colors
Summer Patterns
Props
Watering Can
Shovels
Trowel
Weeding fork
Daisy grubber
Faux Flowers & Plants
Clay Pots
Garden boots
Wheelbarrow
Garden gloves
Seed Packets
Plant markers
Birds
Bird House
Butterflies
Gardening Tool Bag
Trims
Flower & Garden Charms
Summer Colored Ribbons
Faux Flowers
Wreaths
Gnome Patterns for Purchase
If you are interested in purchasing a detailed gnome ebook with step-by-step full-color photo instructions with included patterns, see the Pattern Shop.
These patterns take you carefully through each stage of the project. They include a supply and buying resource list.
Please comment below on how your new gnome turned out! I’d love to hear from you. Be sure to subscribe or follow me on social media for more inspiration.
If you have any questions about this gnome craft or need help with your DIY gnome project, feel free to send me a note. I’d love to help you bring your gnome ideas to life.
Thanks so much for stopping by. Now go choose your next gnome adventure!
xo,
Cindy
Where do you get the props from?
Hi Sue! Ruth finds tiny ideas at craft, thrift, & discount stores. She also makes some of the props. For example, the little shovel is a wood dowel w a bent piece of tin glued on it. Click the “DIY Gnomes” link under the “Projects” tab for more prop ideas. 🙂
I’ve had really good luck buying affordable miniature items to embellish my gnomes on Temu. Many have free shipping but it takes about 3 weeks for them to arrive. My gnomes are only about 8” high though.
Thanks for sharing, Janice! That’s a great idea. I haven’t ventured into Temu yet, but I’ve heard it’s a great site for deals.:)