THE INSPIRATION
These gnomes came to life when I started making faerie houses. Lotus wanted some little creatures to play with in the house, and these were a quick and easy project that gave her an entire family of gnomes to invent games with. The felt is naturally dyed and stuffed with wool and its fun to sew on beads and other goodies to make each one special. Lotus likes to name her gnomes and gives them little personalities. Have fun with these and let your little girl practice her sewing skills. Lotus is 5 years old, and even though she may poke herself now and then, she has become a great hand-sewer.

STUFF YOU NEED

1. Your pattern
2. A piece of colored felt
3. Any decorative items you want to sew onto your gnome
4. Needle & matching thread
5. Colored wool

HOW TO MAKE

1. Trace your pattern onto desired felt, and cut out.
2. Fold in half and sew up top stitch the seams, leaving a hole for the face.
3. Stuff the gnome with matching colored wool.
4. Cut a small circle to fit the bottom of the gnome and sew on.
5. Sew any decorations you want onto your gnome, maybe giving her a scarf or some fancy beads to make her special.
6. You may consider making your gnomes seasonal by changing out the colors of felt pieces and wool.