Learn how to make the cutest clay pot gnomes with nothing more than terra cotta and some craft paint! This is a fun and easy spring project that everyone will love.

Skills Required: None. Even if you’ve never crafted before, you can make this project. You’ll be painting clay pots, then gluing them together. Older children can do this project as well.

There’s something truly magical about crafting that not only brings out your creative side but also adds a sprinkle of charm to your home or garden. Today, we’re going to harness that magic by making the cutest clay pot gnomes!

Yes, those charming little creatures that seem to whisper tales of enchantment from their fairy gardens. Using simple terra cotta pots and some craft paint, we’ll transform ordinary materials into extraordinary garden friends.

Now, if you’ve wandered through garden centers admiring the array of garden decorations, you might have noticed how popular gnomes are. They’re not just garden ornaments; they’re silent guardians of the greenery, bringing smiles to anyone who spots them hiding among the flowers and foliage.

And today you’ll learn how to create these adorable terra cotta pot gnomes yourself! It’s a project that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to display.

The beauty of this project lies in its simplicity and the personal touch you can add to each gnome. Whether you prefer bold and bright colors or soft and pastel shades, your gnomes can reflect your style and personality.

What’s also fantastic about using terra cotta is its natural, earthy look that blends perfectly outdoors. But don’t worry about the weather wearing them down; we have a secret weapon – Mod Podge!

Whether you place them on your patio, nestle them in your garden, or line them up on your windowsill, these gnomes will add a touch of whimsy wherever they go.

So, grab your clay pots and let your imagination run wild! Keep scrolling, and let’s get crafting – your very own handcrafted clay pot gnomes are just a few minutes away.

Gather These Supplies

Clay pots – 1 3/4″ and 2 3/4″ for the hat, 3 1/2″ for the base
Multisurface craft paint – white, burgundy, black, blue, moss
Wood bead – 3/4″
E-6000 or other industrial adhesive
Mod Podge (optional)
Sandpaper (optional)
Paintbrushes

Tips and Thoughts for This Project: If you’re going to use these indoors, Mod Podge Hard Coat is fine. I recommend Mod Podge Outdoor for outside use. If you’re in heavy sun, consider an additional UV spray or brush on sealer. Acrylic products are only so durable against consistent, beating sun.

Those are our clay pot mushrooms in the photo above! Get the printable how to card for this project below:

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5 from 4 votes

Clay Pot Gnomes

Create adorable terra cotta pot gnomes using clay pots and craft paint – a fun and easy spring project!

Prep Time15

Active Time2

Dry Time1

Total Time3 15

Yield: gnomes

Cost: $10

Equipment

Paintbrush(es)

Materials

3 Clay pots 1 3/4" and 2 3/4" for the hat, 3 1/2" for the base
Multisurface craft paint white, burgundy, black, blue, moss
Wood beads 3/4"
E-6000 or other industrial adhesive
Mod Podge optional
Sandpaper optional

Instructions

Clean pots if necessary. Paint a layer of white paint on the 3 1/2" pots. Let dry and repeat for full coverage.
Paint the 1 3/4" and 2 3/4" pots with the burgundy paint. Set aside and let dry.
Use a pencil to draw in where you would like the face and beard area to be.
Paint the area outside the face/beard with blue or green, then repeat with the other pot. Cover the pencil lines. Let dry.
Use the end of the paintbrush along with black paint to dot the eyes onto the base pot. Let dry.
Glue the wood bead to the front of the pot underneath the eyes. If the bead isn't flat on one side, use the sandpaper to make a flat area. Glue down the nose and let dry.
Use the E-6000 to attach the hat pots to the base. Let dry completely. Add Mod Podge if desired and let dry before displaying.

Did you enjoy these gnomes made out of clay pots? Let me know in the comments! I’d also love for you to check out these other craft ideas: