A Gnome That Will Look Exactly the Way Kids Imagine It
The gnome arrives unpainted and in separate pieces made of poplar plywood – a tall wavy hat, a big beard, hands, little boots and a leaf base. When it comes to coloring, the sky's the limit.
Why It's Unpainted
No Color Is Wrong Here
A finished figure from a store looks the same every time. This one will look exactly the way the child imagines it – and kids come up with things an adult would never think of. A purple beard? Sure. A polka-dot hat? Why not.
And when the gnome finally stands on the shelf, it's not just a decoration but something the child made themselves. You can still tell years later when you come across it in the box of ornaments.
Step-by-Step Instructions
How to Do It
It's easier than it looks. Just please read the first step before you reach for the glue.
1
Paint before you start gluing. Lay the pieces out on newspaper and color them one by one. Once they're glued on top of each other, you simply can't get a brush between the layers.
2
Give the paint time. Watercolors need just fifteen minutes; acrylics, better half an hour. Fingers leave prints in wet paint, and that's a shame when a child has put real effort into it.
3
Glue it however suits you. The order doesn't matter much; we'd leave the leaf for last. A drop of Herkules on each joint is enough. If it spreads, no problem – wipe it with a cloth, and a thin layer turns clear anyway.
4
Feel free to add details at the end. Stripes on the hat, veins on the leaf. A thin black line does more for the gnome than you'd expect.
Crafting Accessories
What to Have Ready
Paints and glue are not included in the pack – please have both on hand.
We have several gnomes, and they differ mainly in size and where you can put them.
This One, 15 cm
The biggest of the gang. The surfaces are just the right size, and the lines are even engraved, so you only need to color the areas within the outlines.
Smaller, 12 cm
The smaller 12 cm gnome on a leaf fits even on a narrow shelf and has a little bird sitting on its hat.
With Magnet
If you have nowhere to stand it, the gnome with a magnet sticks to the fridge and is never in the way.
Technical Details
Specifications
Finished figure height15 cm
MaterialPoplar plywood, 3 mm thick
Pack contents3 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, so once you've assembled them, you can't get a brush between the layers. Color everything separately, let it dry and only then assemble.
Can a three-year-old do it?
Painting, yes – they can handle that on their own. Fifteen centimeters is a big enough surface that they don't have to aim carefully. Help them with the gluing; the pieces are smaller and need to be held for a moment. Older kids from age six can manage both on their own.
What if the glue spreads?
Don't worry, it happens to almost everyone. Wipe off the excess right away with a slightly damp cloth and you're done. Even if a thin layer remains, Herkules turns clear when dry and you'll hardly notice it.
How is it different from the twelve-centimeter gnome?
Mainly the size and the design. This one is three centimeters taller, so it's easier for younger kids to paint. The twelve-centimeter gnome also has a little bird on its hat and fits where there isn't much space. The material and assembly method are the same.
Is it suitable for preschool or a club?
Yes, just plan on one piece per child. Painting and assembling can be split into two sessions, which works well at preschool. 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.
