DIY Fall Gnomes for a Whimsical Woodland Mantel

This DIY fall gnomes project is simple to create and makes a cheerful focal point for any fall mantel decor.

The colors of fall always warm my heart. Today I'm sharing a fun and easy craft for my fall mantel. Woodland Gnomes all dressed up for the autumn season.

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Supplies

• 3 pillar candles 3 x 6 inches any color
• 6 sheets felt in fall colors
• scrap felt in fall colors
• 3 wooden beads
• 12 inch strip of cream roving wool

A lot of these supplies I already had in my craft stash. Feel free to substitute whatever you like. For example, you could use some type of can from the pantry instead of candles like a tall soup can.

Also, you could use some burlap or fabric in coordinating patterns instead of felt for part or all of the gnomes to give them a unique design.

You could also use faux fur that is easily found at a craft store or yarn for the beards and they don't have to be white or cream.

This project starts with the body. Just fit the felt onto the candle and add a bead of hot glue to the edge to secure it.

Each gnome has a different color body and hat. Once, again you could change up the color or make them all the same.

Next, make hats in different colors by folding over the felt lengthwise into a cone shape. Use more hot glue to secure it in place. Give it a minute to dry and cut off the excess material.

Place some hot glue on the top of the candle felt and gently press the hats into place.

Next, I cut about a 3-4 inch section of roving wool and glued it just under the hat.

Use some scissors to shape the wool into a V or point to make a beard.

Then glue a wooden bead in the center below the brim of the hat. I used a wooden bead and let one of the holes show but you could place it differently or use something else like a pom-pom.

Lastly, I cut out a basic leaf shape in a few autumn colors and glued them to the hats. This is totally optional but I like the colorful look they provided.

Don't these little guys look great? You could display this fall gnome theme on a shelf or use it as a centerpiece for your fall table.

I placed them front and center of our family room mantel just below my homemade twig wreath. This woodland mantel is giving me all the warm and cozy feels of autumn.