Gnome for the Holidays: A Relaxed Air-Dry Clay Craft for Christmas
- brutalnerd
- Dec 2
- 4 min read
There’s something wonderfully calming about shaping air-dry clay with your hands —especially when you’re creating something cute, festive and full of personality. Christmas gnomes have now become one of my favourite little holiday crafts because they’re simple, affordable and so easy to customise. Whether you’re crafting solo, with your support worker, or enjoying a quiet creative afternoon, these tiny gnome friends bring a cosy bit of magic to the season. Here’s how to make your own charming Christmas gnomes with just a few tools and a ball of air-dry clay!
A Quick Look at the Supplies
Most of my supplies were affordable finds from Kmart, and you might already have some of these at home.
For this project I used:
Tip: If you’re moulding clay and painting with kids or support workers, it’s a great sensory and creative activity - easy to adapt for any skill level!
Breaking the Craft Into Accessible Steps
I started by making a cone shape at approximately 12 cm high. You can make it as small or large as you like, depending how much clay you have. I did make two, but one died in the drying process — haha!
Make a mini eggplant shape and attach it to the top of the cone. Smooth it down onto the point of the cone so it joins well.
Find where you'd like the nose to go and mark it — but don't add the nose yet! Roll your clay into little thin "worms" and attach them from the nose mark downward along the front. Smooth them into the clay at the top so they join, and smooth them underneath the gnome so they attach well there too.
Now you can add a small nose. Remember to make little cuts (scoring marks) on the back of the nose, and where you're attaching it so it dries well without falling off.
Adding Textures and Details
Use your clay tool to make little etches and give texture to the beard. Add some texture to the end of the hat too.
Next, make a long flat piece — like a belt — and wrap it over the nose, joining it at the back. Angle it slightly downward to form the hat brim. Add more little pokes or etches for texture.
You can personalise the brim with stars, hearts or any patterns you like. Remember again to make little cuts on both the “belt” and the gnome so it attaches securely as it dries.
I then painted the beard and the tip of the hat first, followed by the nose, and lastly the hat. Once dry, spray a thin coat of clear varnish over the whole gnome.
Only spray lightly so it dries quickly and the red paint doesn’t run into the white! You can do a couple of light coats. We varnish at this stage so the red doesn’t mix into the white paint marker later.
Once everything is dry, use your white marker to decorate however you wish! I added one more clear coat at the end to seal everything. This keeps your gnome dust-proof, splash-proof and helps the colours stay vibrant.
Here’s my finished gnome — and I love him! I definitely want to make a green one next year to pair with him.
Fabulous Festive Gift Ideas for Your Personalised Gnome
Paint the hat in someone’s favourite colour or add their initials on the base. It makes the gnome feel extra special and thoughtful.
Package a gnome with a treat or small gift like hot chocolate, a mini candle, a small plant or Christmas lollies.
Use them for Secret Santa.
Pair your gnome with a self-care bundle (tea, a journal or bath salts) for a comforting, calming gift.
Create keepsake gnomes — If you craft with your kids, clients, or support workers, write the year on the base. They become little time capsules for special shared moments.
Display Ideas for Your Christmas Gnomes
Arrange a few gnomes together on a shelf, TV unit or side table. Add faux snow, fairy lights or tiny trees to create a magical little Christmas scene.
Place one or two gnomes in between your garlands, stockings or candles — they look adorable peeking out from greenery.
Nestle them into your indoor plants for a festive touch.
Keep one on your desk for a pop of Christmas cheer while you work or study.
Place a gnome inside a wreath on the table with pine cones for a simple, cute centrepiece.
A Cosy Craft Worth Trying This Season
Making these gnomes is not just a craft — it’s a calm, creative moment you can enjoy your own way, at your own pace. Whether you’re crafting solo or sharing the experience with a support worker, each step is flexible, sensory-friendly and easy to personalise. If you decide to make your own little gnome family, let me know! Your ideas might inspire someone else looking for an accessible Christmas activity.
Accessibility Information
🎟️ Cost
From just $3.50 if all you need is more clay.
If you have Flybuys points, redeem them to use at Kmart!
🗓️ When
Whenever you like.
📍 Where
Crafting at home is easiest and comfortable.
🍔 Food Options
Make your own delicious snacks at home!
I hope this information encourages you to experience this wonderful crafting day for yourself this holiday season. If you think anything needs to be added regarding your disability, please feel free to CONTACT ME
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