Chilling with my Gnomies

BY ALENA DEVLIN

Getting crafty during the winter season with children who want to help, but are not quite helpful yet, can be stressful! Move over glitter and craft paint, it’s time to make winter gnomes.

Using what you have at home and in nature to create winter gnomes that will last the season outdoors is a great way to reduce costs and extend the fun.

We timed our gnome building for after a wind storm, and our little helpers had a blast clearing and gathering fallen greens while on a nice long walk. They are learning about helping keep our trails clean and accessible for other users. Plus it tires them out, so a parenting win.

Once you have your supplies collected it’s time to build your gnome.

SUPPLY LIST:

Tomato Cage • 20-30 Cedar or Fir branches• Twine • Clippers or strong scissors • Oversize Santa hat or toque • White foam craft ball • Rocks or pegs

Take your tomato cage and turn it upside down, tying the top prongs together with twine. Have your helpers gather small clumps of branches and tie them to your tomato cage, starting at the bottom and working your way around and up to the top.

You will need to test out the height based on your hat size you want the bottom of your hat to cover the branches. Once you have your greens attached to the frame add your hat and glue or tie the foam craft ball just under the hat trim.

Your gnome is ready to find a home for the season. Use rocks or pegs to keep your gnome in place.

Don’t have an old tomato cage? Use branches or driftwood. Get creative with what you have in your home and have fun with your little helpers.

ECO-TROLL: Tire out your kids with this outdoors project, like PRL office manager Alena Devlin did. Above, son Alex and friend Declan Paul pitch in. Photos by Alena Devlin