Gnomes are whimsical mythical creatures that bring joy and smiles to kids and adults alike. Yarn gnome beards are a popular craft that adds personality, charm, and an element of fun to any gnome project. With a few basic supplies and some time, anyone can make a delightful, homemade yarn gnome beard.
The material list and crafting time required for a yarn gnome beard is quite minimal. Yarn, craft glue and a few simple tools will create the desired result. To begin crafting a yarn gnome beard there are a few necessary tips to keep in mind. For example, measure around the gnome’s face to ensure the correct size of the beard.
Start by cutting several pieces of yarn in different lengths ranging from short (four inches) to medium (six inches) and long (eight inches). Choosing two to three yarn colors for the beard adds to the personality of the project. Gather all of the pieces of yarn together and lay them flat against the gnome’s face. Holding the yarn gently in position, apply a few drops of the craft glue, being sure to gently press it into the yarn to ensure secure adhesion. Allow the glue to set for about two minutes.
For a three-dimensional effect, apply a generous amount of craft glue to the yarn prior to placing it onto the gnome’s face. This will cause the pieces of yarn to form patterns and give the beard more depth. Once the beard is securely glued to the gnome’s face, lightly trim any extra yarn and the project is complete. It is important to allow the entire glue-on beard to dry for several minutes before gently removing it.
A yarn gnome beard is an entertaining craft project because of its simplicity and delightful outcome. To help ensure success with the project it may be helpful to have an example of a finished one close at hand. That way the crafter can get an idea of the overall look they may be striving for. By gathering the necessary supplies and a little imagination, anyone can make a homemade yarn gnome beard that is sure to bring cheer to any occasion.
Size & Type of Yarn
The size and type of yarn used for the yarn gnome beard is up to the crafter. For example, for a fluffy beard, bulky yarns in medium to large sizes are recommended. If the top of the gnome’s head is round, shorter pieces of yarn should be used. Stiff, thick yarns will create a beard with more texture and character.
Although fuzzy or plush yarns can be used to give the beard greater texture and personality, they should be used sparingly. An unattractive thick mass of plush yarn can occur if too much is used. The key is to use enough yarn to create the desired effect without overpowering the gnome’s features.
In addition, one should consider what type of environment the gnome will be living in. If the beard will be exposed to water or weather outdoors, glue must be used that is designed to hold up against the elements. Also, if the gnome is going to be handled a lot, the beard should be made with heavy-duty craft glue.
Finally, when selecting yarn for the beard, considering that blend of colors for the best effect. For example, two white yarns and one yellow yarn is a classic combination for a gnome. Additionally, a complimentary color, such as purple, works well when combined with a lighter color.
Time & Practice
One of the best pieces of advice for crafting a yarn gnome beard is to take the time to practice and perfect the technique. This includes measuring how much yarn is needed to cover the face, determining the right thickness of the beard, and experimenting with different colors. This will help ensure that the finished result is the best possible version with the desired outcome.
Practice is also important in accomplishing the craft in the shortest amount of time with the least amount of mistakes. After the beard has been trimmed, it is possible to make adjustments as needed, so it is important to make sure it’s perfect before the glue dries.
When covering the beard area it is best to take the time to place and reposition the yarn for a uniformed look. Having a plan for the design and taking the time to lay the pieces of yarn in position first, greatly lessens the amount of adjusting that needs to be done later.
For the most even coverage, the yarn should be placed in parallel stripes and the longer pieces should be put away from the face. A single layer of yarn is usually best, as it creates a beautiful, finished look.
Faking A Yarn Gnome Beard
When time is short and crafting a yarn gnome beard is not an option, a fake beard can be created with fabric, cotton balls, limp yarn, and other materials. Strips of fur can also be cut and glued onto the gnome’s face in the same manner as yarn, to create a more authentic look.
Cotton and polyester fibers are also a great option to give the beard a soft, fluffy and cute look. Aside from cotton, woolen yarns, synthetics, and self-adhesive polyester faux fur can be used to create a delightful fake beard. It is easy to attach the fur with a few quick strokes of craft glue and the result will be a wonderfully realistic-looking beard.
Acrylic yarns, available in many colors, can be used to cover the entire face of the gnome. This gives an even coverage, while still providing dimension and texture. Braided cords, felt pieces, and wood fibers are also some great materials to consider.
Creating A Braded Yarn Gnome Beard
As an alternative option, a braided yarn gnome beard can be crafted in little time. To start, cut several pieces of yarn in varying lengths. For example, one piece seven inches long, a piece five inches long, and a three-inch piece, etc. Gather the pieces of yarn and starting two inches from the center, begin braiding.
As the braid becomes longer, add more pieces of yarn to the center, keeping the lengths the same. Next, choose a yarn color for an accent braid and twist it around the center braid. Secure the end of the braid with dots of craft glue. The braids should be kept tightly in place until the glue dries.
In the center of the braid, twist the accent yarn around the end of the beard and tuck the ends into the sides. An extra dot of craft glue should be added to ensure that the braid doesn’t slip or come undone. Once the yarn gnome beard is complete, use craft glue to adhere it to the face of the gnome.
Attaching The Yarn Gnome Beard
Glue is the fastest and most secure way to attach a yarn gnome beard to the face. However, it is important to place the beard correctly in the same way each time and to allow the glue sufficient drying time. For added security, double-sided tape or craft glue dots can be used as an alternative.
For a longer-lasting beard, a hot glue gun can be used. Just be sure to exercise caution when using a hot glue gun as the extremely high temperatures can easily burn skin and clothing. If using a hot glue gun, work quickly and keep the nozzle close to the gnome’s face. To secure the beard better and for a longer-lasting wear, adding additional stitches with embroidery thread can be helpful.
Wrapping It Up
The time, type of yarn, and supplies used to make a yarn gnome beard are all up to the crafter. But, with a few basic instructions and supplies, homemade yarn gnome beards can bring whimsy, fun and joy to any project. Finally, it is important to use enough glue to ensure the beard doesn’t come off
