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Gnomes…love ’em or hate ’em?
I’ll be honest: I’m not the biggest fan of gnomes. But every now and then, I’ll come across a design that I actually like, and it inspires me to create my own gnome-themed crafts!
And because gnome designs are always best sellers, I thought I’d share a door hanger tutorial featuring them. Only this time, we’re giving it a winter twist!
So grab your paintbrushes, and let’s get started with this winter gnome door hanger tutorial.
Supply List for Your Snow Gnome Door Hanger
Before you get started, gather your supplies. Many of these are available in my shop, on my Amazon storefront, or at your local craft store:
- Round wood blank (find them in my shop or at Hobby Lobby if you’re in a time crunch)
- Snow Gnome door hanger template
- Acrylic paints (check out my favorite colors!)
- Artistro paint pens
- Graphite paper for tracing your template
- Car wash sponge
- Flat-tip paintbrush
- Round-tip paintbrush
- Sponge pouncer
- Baby wipes (optional, but great for quick cleanups)
- Hair dryer (optional for faster drying)
- Craft paper or a plastic tablecloth to protect your workspace
Feeling adventurous? Try cutting your own wood blank! My free mini-course will walk you through the basics, even if you’re a beginner. And because this design is a simple, round door hanger, it’s the perfect opportunity for you to get some practice in!
Step #1: Prepare Your Wood Blank
Start with a round wood blank. If you don’t have one, check out the one in my shop or grab one from your local craft store. Once your craft space is prepped, it’s time to get started!
Use a car wash sponge to apply your paint evenly across the blank. This will help everything go on smoothly without spending too much time painting. Just make sure there are no bubbles in the paint when you leave it to dry so you get a nice, even finish.
These sponges are reusable, so wash them out after use!
Need a custom shade, you can mix paints to achieve the color you’re looking for. That’s what I did here with the background color and the polka dots we’ll paint later!
Let it Dry!
Give your first coat time to dry completely before applying a second coat. You can also use a hair dryer to speed up the process!
Depending on the color of your background, you may need to add another layer of your base coat. Just be sure to let everything dry in between layers. Once you have a nice, even finish on your base coat, it’s time to start adding the details!
Step #2: Add Polka Dots
Polka dots add a whimsical touch, and they’re super easy to create! All you’ll need is a sponge pouncer and your desired paint color (slightly darker than the base coat). Just dab the sponge pouncer into your paint and then dab it onto the door hanger.
To keep everything symmetrical, create polka dots in a triangle formation. This will serve as a guide for spacing.
Don’t worry if some of your dots extend over the edge. This actually helps create the cohesive look you’re aiming for!
And just like with the base coat, make sure everything is fully dry before moving on.
Step #3: Trace the Template
Once your background design is complete, it’s time to transfer your door hanger template.
- Scale your template: If you’re using an 18” or 20” round, scale your PDF template to 75% when printing.
- Trace the template: Tape the template to the top of your wood blank with painter’s tape to keep it in place. Place your graphite paper underneath the printed template and use a pen or pencil to trace the black lines onto the surface.
- Check your lines: Double-check that all the lines have transferred and that there’s no graphite fallout on your door hanger. You can avoid excess graphite by shaking out the paper before placing it on your project.
Step #4: Start Painting!
Painting is all about layering! Start with lighter colors first, as they’re the easiest to paint over.
On this Winter Gnome Door Hanger, I painted the white of his beard and nose first. Then, I added the red for his hat and the green for the leaves.
How to Paint the Plaid Pattern on the Hat Band
This part is so much fun! It really adds a lot of great, festive detail, and you need to do is:
- Use a small flat-tip brush to create the baselines for the plaid.
- Switch to a smaller round-tip brush for the finer lines in the pattern.
- Paint the plaid first, as it’s much easier to layer other colors over the black if needed.
Accidentally painted outside of the lines? Don’t worry — this is why we wait until the end to paint the darker colors! With the black in his hat, you’ll be able to cover it up.
Brush Tips for Painting
Not all paintbrushes work for every detail. Here are my tips for choosing the right brush:
- Use a half-inch flat-tip brush for larger sections.
- For smaller details, switch to a round-tip brush with bristles that hold enough paint.
- Don’t overload your brush; apply thin, even layers to avoid cracking.
Still unsure which brush to use? Watch the full video tutorial, or check out my paintbrush shopping guide here!
Step #5: Add the Details
Now, it’s time to bring your Snow Gnome to life! The little details are always my favorite part, and they can really transform the way your door hanger looks.
In this tutorial, I used white strokes to outline the hat, leaves, nose, and shoes. This makes them pop against the background.
Then, I added black accents along the beard, arms, and outer edges of the design. I used a fun zig-zag pattern, but feel free to get creative!
Step #6: Seal and Protect
Once all the details are finished, let everything dry completely. You can use this time to touch up any areas as needed.
Then, spray your door hanger with sealant spray to protect it from the elements. This will help your design stay vibrant for years to come!
And that’s it! Your Snow Gnome door hanger is ready to hang on your front porch to welcome the winter season!
Want More? Join the Painter’s Clubhouse!
Did you enjoy this tutorial? There’s plenty more where that came from inside the Painter’s Clubhouse!
Every month, we create new door hanger projects together. I’ll guide you through each step, and you’ll have the chance to connect with other painters in a fun, supportive community.
As a member, you’ll also get:
- My Signature Door Hanger Beginner’s Course
- Bonus tutorials from guest artists
- Expert guidance and monthly projects
- Access to 100+ traceable templates
- Fun Zoom paint parties
- A 20% members-only discount in the shop
This membership is great if you want creative inspiration, new project ideas, and want to paint with your friends. Our live tutorials are something I look forward to every single week, and I know our members do too!
Does this sound like what you’ve been searching for? Let’s make 2024 the year you paint with confidence and joy!
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