The twelve-centimeter gnome made of poplar plywood comes unassembled and unpainted – the gnome, beard, boots, little bird and leaf base all come as separate pieces. The pieces are glued on top of each other in layers, so the finished figure isn't flat but has depth (a 3D effect) and stands on its own.
Two Activities in One Pack
Painting First, Building Second
Coloring a wooden gnome takes half an hour and you're done. This gnome has two stages – first each piece is painted separately, then the figure is assembled from them. Kids stay with it much longer, and each part is a different, fun kind of work.
And in the end, what you have isn't a picture that gets stuck somewhere, but a figure that stands on the shelf and lasts.
Step-by-Step Instructions
How to Color and Assemble the Gnome
The order matters quite a bit here. Please read the first step before you begin.
1
Color the individual pieces before gluing them. Lay them out on newspaper and paint them one by one – before gluing. Once assembled, you can't get a brush between the layers, and it's the only step you can't undo.
2
Let it dry thoroughly. Watercolors about fifteen minutes, acrylics half an hour. Damp paint smears when you glue, and fingers leave prints in it.
3
Glue with care. The order doesn't matter much, but we recommend gluing the bird first, then the beard, the boots and finally the leaf. A drop of Herkules on each joint is plenty; any excess would ooze between the layers. If glue oozes out, don't worry – just wipe it with a cloth. A thin layer of Herkules is fine; it turns clear and won't be very visible.
4
Add the finishing touches. Once everything holds, feel free to draw in the eyes, the outline of the bird or a pattern on the hat. A thin black line turns a nicely colored gnome into a finished figure.
Crafting Accessories
What You'll Need
Paints and glue are not included – please have both on hand.
This one stands on a leaf. But we also offer the same gnomes with a magnet and as a pick – you choose by where they're meant to go.
On a Leaf – This Item
The leaf base keeps the gnome upright. Stand it on a shelf, windowsill or table – you don't need anything else.
With a Fridge Magnet
The gnome with a magnet version holds securely on the fridge or a metal board – so it doesn't take up any shelf space.
As a Flower Pot Pick
The pick version goes in among houseplants or into a fall arrangement.
Technical Details
Specifications
Finished figure height12 cm
MaterialPoplar plywood, 3 mm thick
Pack contents6 unassembled pieces, including the leaf base
SurfaceUnpainted, natural
MountingLeaf stand – the figure stands on its own
What to color withWatercolors, tempera, acrylics, markers, colored pencils
Buy separatelyPaints and glue
Recommended age3+, under adult supervision
Outdoor useYes, after sealing with clear varnish, but we'd rather not recommend it
ManufacturerCENTROFLOR, a Czech manufacturer since 1996
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I paint first or glue first?
Definitely paint first. The pieces are glued on top of each other in layers, so once assembled, you can't get a brush between them. Color all the pieces separately, let them dry and only then assemble.
Does the gnome come glued together?
No, we ship it unassembled and unpainted – that's the whole magic. If you just want to paint and not assemble, choose a flat wooden cutout; if you want a finished figure with no work, write to us and we'll be happy to advise you.
What should I use to glue the pieces?
Ordinary Herkules or Duvilax is enough – both glues hold reliably, and kids can handle them too. A hot glue gun is faster, but with thin layers it easily oozes out and shows.
Does the gnome stand on its own, or does it need to lean on something?
It stands on its own. The leaf base is wide enough to keep the figure upright on a shelf or windowsill. You don't need a stand or any extra gluing.
Is it suitable for an art club?
Yes, but plan on one piece per child – for a group of 25 kids, that's 25 packs. The two stages keep kids busy for longer. We issue invoices with payment terms to preschools, schools, municipalities and organizations – just enter the organization's name and its registration or tax ID number when you order.
