The gnome arrives unpainted, made of poplar plywood. The body is one solid piece with engraved lines – the hat, hands, beard and feet are already drawn. The beard with nose, little hands, little feet, a small nose and a leaf base that the gnome slots into come separately.
Why Even a Young Child Can Do It
The Lines Are Already Drawn – Just Color
Blank wood can intimidate kids. Here, everything is pre-drawn with an engraved line, so it's like a coloring page, only 3D. The child can see where the beard ends and the coat begins, and doesn't have to make anything up or aim carefully.
The hat even has three leaves engraved on it. If you color them differently from the rest of the hat, it instantly looks professional. And if your child colors over the line, you'll hardly notice on wood.
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 assembling. Lay the pieces out on newspaper and color them one by one. Once the beard is glued onto the body, you can't get a brush under it.
2
Stay inside the lines – but only if you want to. The easiest way is to color each area a different color. Do the leaves on the hat last so they don't bleed into the base color. Then give watercolors fifteen minutes to dry; acrylics, better half an hour.
3
Glue on the beard and small pieces. A drop of Herkules on each joint is enough. If it spreads, no problem – wipe it with a slightly damp cloth, and a thin layer turns clear anyway.
4
Slide the gnome into the leaf. The stand has two grooves and the gnome has two pegs, so they fit together. Still, we recommend putting a drop of Herkules on the pegs for a firm joint.
Crafting Accessories
What to Have Ready
Paints and glue are not included in the pack – please have both on hand.
When choosing between the fifteen-centimeter gnomes, it's mainly about how complex they are.
This One, Pre-Drawn
The body is one piece with engraved lines, and the hat has three leaves. Coloring between the lines, no need to make anything up.
Simpler, 15 cm
The gnome with a wavy hat has only three pieces and is less expensive. For when you want to be done in an afternoon.
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 contents8 unassembled pieces, including the leaf base
SurfaceUnpainted, with engraved lines
Hat designThree engraved leaves – just color them
MountingSlots into the grooves in the leaf stand
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
Do I have to come up with the pattern on the hat myself?
No need – three leaves are already engraved on the hat. Just color them differently from the rest of the hat and you instantly have a fall pattern. The hands, beard and feet are pre-drawn too.
You have two 15 cm gnomes on a leaf. How are they different?
The size is the same; the template is different. This one has a one-piece body with engraved lines, including the leaves on the hat, so it's mainly about coloring. The simpler one with a wavy hat consists of only three pieces and is less expensive.
Should I paint first or assemble first?
Definitely paint first. The beard is glued onto the body, so once it's on, you can't get a brush under it. Color everything separately, let it dry and only then assemble.
What if my child colors over the line?
No problem – you'll hardly notice it on wood. The engraved line is dark, and a small overlap disappears. And if the glue spreads, wipe off the excess right away with a slightly damp cloth – a thin layer of Herkules turns clear when dry.
Is it suitable for preschool or a club?
Yes, just plan on one piece per child. The pre-engraved lines are handy in a group – kids don't have to come up with anything, and they all finish at about the same time. 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.
