How to Make a Clay Santa Gnome
When I published my first clay gnome tutorial, I didn’t expect it to become one of my top posts. People love their gnomes! What’s not to love about a mini figurine with an oversized nose and pointy hat? I figured it was time to create a Santa gnome to add to my collection.
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Types of Clay for Gnomes
Before we begin, let’s chat about clay. This tutorial uses air-dry clay because it’s very pliable for hands of all sizes and easy to paint. Any brand will work, but I’ll link my favorite in the supply list below. Once you’re done sculpting, the figurines will need some time to dry naturally (2-3 days).
You can also substitute polymer clay instead. Polymer clay has a firmer texture and won’t dry out as you sculpt. Instead of painting your figurines, you’ll need to sculpt each color separately, which can prove more difficult. After sculpting, you’ll bake the clay in an oven to cure it.
If you have clay left over (which you likely will), try one of these air dry clay crafts for your next project.
How to Make Clay Santa Gnomes
Air dry clay is very forgiving, but you’ll want to remember these tips before you begin.
- Keep your clay moist. Have a dish of water nearby to moisten your fingertips and keep your clay easy to knead.
- Use slip to join pieces. “Slip” is like the glue that keeps your pieces together. Just take a small amount of clay mixed with water until it forms a paste-like texture. Then use this paste to help join two pieces of clay.
- Don’t make your figurines too thin. Any areas of clay that are very thin may crack more easily during the natural drying process.
Supplies
- Air dry clay
- Sculpting tools (see tip below)
- Acrylic paint
- Paintbrushes
- Water
Tip
Before you invest in a sculpting tool set, try using household objects like a glass bottle for a rolling pin and toothpicks to create texture.
Watch This Tutorial
I’ve included a brief video tutorial on making these gnomes. Feel free to pause the video and sculpt along as needed.
Step 1: Knead the clay
Break off a small piece of clay from your slab, and knead it by hand. Be sure to place unused clay in a food storage bag or air-tight container to prevent it from drying out. You’ll want to save it for future air-dry clay projects!
If the clay begins cracking or feels dry, add a small amount of water with your fingertips and continue kneading until the clay feels smooth again.
Step 2: Sculpt the figurines
For the clay gnome, form a cone shape by rolling the clay in your hands. Press the bottom of the cone flat to ensure it will sit upright. Then tilt the top of the cone to form the gnome’s hat. This will be your gnome base shape.
Tip: I like using this silicone mat to protect my work surface.
Gnome hat
Roll another small piece of clay into a long snake and wrap it around the gnome to form the brim of the hat. Use slip (a bit of clay mixed with water) to attach the piece to the cone shape, and smooth out the area where it joins the cone.
Form a small ball to make a “pom pom” on the tip of Santa’s hat, and smooth it onto the tip to secure it.
Gnome nose
After attaching the brim, roll a small piece of clay into a ball to form the gnome’s nose. Then use slip to attach it to the body under the hat’s brim.
Santa beard and hat texture
As a final step, use a pointed tool or toothpick to create Santa’s beard around the nose. You can also create texture on the hat’s brim and pom-pom using a dotting tool or toothpick.
Santa gnome accessories
In my YouTube video, I also share steps to make stacked gifts and a toy bag for Santa. Be sure to check that out for more beginner-friendly air dry clay ideas.
Step 3: Let the clay dry naturally
Allow the clay to dry 2-3 days depending on the size of your figurine. You may want to rotate your pieces to dry evenly after a day or two.
The clay should change from a deep grey color to bright white once the clay is fully dried.
Step 4: Paint the figurines
After your figurines have dried, you can paint them with any color. I like using multi-surface acrylic paints which have more durability.
This is your chance to get creative with solid colors, polka-dots, or whatever makes you happy! If you want more color examples for gnomes, check out my first gnome tutorial with a sweet Valentine’s Day theme.
Caring for your Santa Gnome
I usually display my gnomes indoors as part of a Christmas scene or on a desk. If you use your gnomes outdoors, place them in a covered area away from rain and wind. Avoid letting your pieces sit in standing water or direct sunlight.
For extra durability, you can seal your clay sculptures with a polyurethane gloss varnish, acrylic spray sealer, or Mod Podge Gloss after the pieces have dried at least 72 hours. This will make the finished pieces more weather-resistant but not waterproof. Note that some varnishes and sealers for air-dry clay will not work with polymer clay.
These clay figurines can last many years if stored properly, and I have plenty of other clay project ideas below to inspire you. Be sure to pin this post for future reference!
Pin it for later!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is air dry clay waterproof?
Air-dry clay is not waterproof, so you should avoid placing finished pieces in areas that might receive excess water.
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Do I need to seal my gnome?
You don’t need to seal air-dry clay pieces, but you can add a varnish or acrylic sealer to make the pieces more weather-resistant.
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How should I store air-dry clay?
Store unused air-dry clay in an airtight container (like a Ziplock) in a cool, dry place to prevent it from drying out.
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How long will air-dry clay last?
Air-dry clay can last several years if stored properly.
