DIY gnome for the garden made of plaster. Garden gnome

To make the garden design original and unusual, garden figures are placed in it. One of the most popular models of these figures are garden gnomes. Purchasing them is quite an expensive undertaking, so it is much cheaper to make them yourself. Let's look at how to make a gnome for the garden below.

The installation of nymphs, gnomes, woodmen in the garden is becoming increasingly popular, not only from an aesthetic point of view, but also from a mythological one. It is believed that the gnome is able to protect the garden and the entire farmstead from evil spirits; in addition, it has a positive effect on plants, improving their condition.

In addition, the garden gnome will become a real decoration of any garden. In the summer, it scares away birds that like to feast on the harvest. fruit trees, and in winter it stands out against the general background with brightness and contrast.

It is believed that installing a small gnome in the garden can bring happiness and a rich harvest, in addition, its owners will become healthier and luckier.

When installing a garden gnome in the garden, you should remember that it must have its own place where it will look harmonious. Therefore, both before purchasing and before making a garden gnome, it is necessary to study the recommendations that will help determine its location among the garden composition:

1. Draw a plan.

Before developing a sketch of a garden gnome, try drawing it first. After that, imagine it in the place where you want to place it. Think about how it will look there at different times of the year, in different climates, and whether a strong gust of wind will blow it away. When purchasing or building several garden gnomes, try to ensure that they blend harmoniously in different parts of the garden.

2. Choose a background landscape.

Another important element of installing a garden gnome is its combination with the plants located in the garden. Since, if a garden gnome is installed in the fall or in early spring, then there are no leaves on the trees yet, and flowers are not growing yet, so in the summer it may not be visible at all, among large quantity greenery The place where the garden gnome is installed should be open on all sides. Great place to install the gnome will be decorative fence, flowerbed, path, front garden or area near the bench.

3. General style.

The overall style of the garden should match the style in which the gnomes are made. For classic style the standard version is suitable, perhaps monochromatic, or made in several color shades. For romantic garden A composition of several gnomes, made in soft pink and lilac tones, is suitable. Wooden gnomes for the garden are installed in a country-style garden. For the Art Nouveau style, a garden gnome made of metal, marble, concrete or clay is suitable.

Each figure in a garden composition should have its place. Several figures placed incorrectly in the garden can ruin even the most exquisite color composition. It is advisable to choose garden figures made from the same type of materials, for example, if the fountain is made of marble, then the garden gnome should be the same.

At correct selection garden figures and their harmonious combination, the garden will become the most favorite relaxation place for both all family members and guests.

Outdoor garden gnome

Buying or making garden figures is becoming increasingly popular in the process of decorating both a private home and summer cottage. Shapes make the area more attractive. Gnomes, for example, are able to protect peace in the house, and birds or animals complement the overall composition and make the interior fabulous.

Garden gnomes photo:

We propose to consider the main features of using garden gnomes outdoors:

The most in a simple way garden decoration is the purchase of ready-made products. They are based on artificial stone, gypsum or acrylic resin. But, the option of making figures with your own hands is more interesting, since they will be unique in their own way.
The purpose of gnomes can be primary or secondary. In the first case, the gnomes occupy all the visual attention, in the second they are an addition to the already existing picture.
German gnomes are very suitable for decorating a garden made in rustic style. Their main function was to scare away birds from the trees and fruits of the garden.
Making a choice garden figure or a composition of several elements, first of all focus on the area on which they will be installed and on your own financial situation.
Garden gnomes will fit perfectly into a children's play area in the garden. They are also often installed near ponds, fountains, flower beds, flower beds, stumps, etc.
Gnomes in a dacha will make its exterior unique and give a sea of emotions to its visitors.

Varieties of garden gnomes

Gnomes made from natural wood.

Figures made of wood fit very harmoniously into general design garden They bring warmth, comfort and joy. To make such figures, it is recommended to use unprocessed material in the form of logs, branches or driftwood. When building such a gnome, a hat made of leaves or moss will perfectly complement the picture.

Figurine of a gnome made of natural stone.

To build such a figure yourself will require a lot of effort, since here you will have to work with a chisel and a hacksaw. But the result will surprise everyone. After all, gnomes made in this style are distinguished by their originality and refinement. appearance. They look good in a garden with a classic modern style. To complement the overall picture, use pebbles brought from the lake, which can be painted for variety.

Garden figure gnome made of polystone.

This material for making gnomes is new, so it is rarely used when performing such work. Although products made with its help are realistic and attractive in appearance. This material is based on aluminum hydroxide, acrylic resins and additional pigments that make it look like stone. Gnomes made from polystone are durable, abrasion-resistant, and resistant to deformation and temperature changes. The only drawback is the high cost, which is fully justified by the quality of the product.

Garden gnomes made of plaster.

Plaster figures have always been particularly popular due to the low cost of the material and the ease of working with it. The disadvantages of gypsum include its fragility, so such a gnome should not be on the playground. To make a gnome from plaster, you will need a lot of experience in the field of modeling, since it will be very difficult to give it a shape without experience. Therefore, it is better to make simpler figures from plaster in the form of additional decorations, such as caterpillars, mushrooms, flowers, etc.

Concrete garden gnomes.

Garden gnomes made from cement mortar are distinguished primarily by their durability. But this will require a special form into which the finished mixture is poured, waiting for it to dry. Another option is coverage. cement mortar a ready-made frame. To make it, ordinary wire will be enough. In this case, in order to achieve plasticity of the solution and high level To ensure adhesion to the surface of the wire, it is recommended to add a plasticizer or PVA glue to the finished mixture.

Garden gnomes based on hay or straw.

Even with the help of ordinary hay you can make figures for the garden. To do this, the material is twisted very tightly in the form of individual parts of the character that needs to be made.

Gnomes made from improvised means.

The material for making a garden gnome will be ordinary unnecessary garbage, such as old flower pots, basins, barrel, plastic bottles, tires, etc. If you draw a gnome's body on a large barrel and add it on top car tire, in the form of his head, you will get a funny garden figurine.

Using polyurethane foam.

It is quite possible to make a garden gnome from polyurethane foam, especially since it is resistant to temperature changes, frost, precipitation and ultraviolet radiation. To create a garden gnome using this method, first prepare a form in the form of its skeleton; for this it is recommended to use materials such as wire, unnecessary garbage in the form of plastic bottles, plates, buckets, sticks, etc. The foam is applied in several stages, and each layer must dry well. A utility knife will help get rid of excess foam. The finished product is painted and varnished.

Master class - garden gnome made of plaster

The easiest way to make a garden gnome yourself is plaster. This material is resistant to precipitation, cold, and ultraviolet radiation. Such a figure will not withstand only mechanical influences, so install it in a place from which it will never fall.

To carry out work on making a garden gnome you will need:

sculpture plaster;
PVA construction adhesive;
acrylic paints and brushes for working with them;
varnish;
compass;
pencil;
stationery knife;
decorative elements in the form of beads, flowers, leaves;
molds for working with plaster;
water-resistant glue;
sunflower oil;
water.

Instructions for making a garden gnome with your own hands:

The first step is to take care of purchasing plaster. According to the instructions, dilute the plaster with water. Attention, it is very important to observe the specified proportions, since an incorrectly diluted solution can affect the strength of the structure.

To dilute the plaster, use a rubber or plastic container. Mix the water and plaster thoroughly, and then add PVA glue to the solution to increase its elasticity and ductility. The amount of glue for the solution is one percent of its total mass. For example, in a gypsum solution weighing 4 kg, you need to add 40 grams of glue.
If the gnome is up to 50 cm in size, then the preliminary construction of a structure in the form of a skeleton is not required; the plaster is poured directly into the figured mold. The most convenient are silicone molds, they are sold in any construction stores or on the market.
Possible option self-made molds for a gnome, this will be appropriate when you need to make several identical gnomes. Otherwise, it is better to use a purchased form, since its construction will take more than one day.
To make a large sculpture, a structure is required metal frame. It is made from reinforcing rods, which increase the stability of the figure. To fix the product on the ground, you need to build a protruding element from the bottom of the gnome.
Start pouring the plaster solution. First, fill the mold halfway, wait for the solution to set, tap the mold to prevent air bubbles from forming, and then pour in the rest. Tap the mold again, level the surface with a spatula and wait until the gnome is completely dry.
After this, remove the figure from the mold. To do this, you need to place a piece of board or lid of a suitable size on the mold. Press it onto the mold and turn the shape over.
Next comes the process of painting the gnome; for this it is recommended to use acrylic-based paints, since they are highly resistant and can function normally outdoors. In addition, plaster figures are painted with gouache paints, but since they are in the garden, the gouache will quickly wash off in the rain. This paint is appropriate if the figure is under cover.

Before starting painting, coat the gnome with a primer, after which, to increase the adhesion between the figure and the paint, it is recommended to cover it with PVA glue.
For decoration, use a mosaic; to make it you will need glass, stone, shells or other objects.

Master class on making a garden gnome with your own hands

To make a small garden gnome you will need:

several plastic bottles;
cellophane;
tape;
knife and scissors;
newspapers;
egg trays;
wire.

Take two bottles with a capacity of two and one and a half liters. Connect them together to form a frame. Newspapers will help build the torso, arms and legs. Make a gnome hat, glue on the eyes and nose.

Make papier-mâché; for this you need to dissolve paper newspapers in PVA glue and plaster. Next, treat the surface of the gnome with this mixture. Dry it ready product in the air for five days. Paint with paint and open with varnish.

Such a gnome will decorate any corner of not only the garden, but also the home. In addition, entire paintings or fairy-tale scenes are made in this way.

Very soon we will again feel the atmosphere of the New Year holiday. And, of course, not only gifts and festive table, but also decorations, decor. And we will create just this decor together with you with our own hands.

In this master class we will sew beautiful magical Scandinavian gnomes. Ready? Then let's get to work.

Materials and tools

In order to sew three Scandinavian gnomes we will need:

Thick cotton fabric of blue color,
Fleece red,
Light felt (for the face),
Light beige felt (for the nose),
White faux fur,
Holofiber,
Red yarn,
Leg-split,
thin wire,
Threads,
Scissors,
Transparent adhesive for fabric.

Cutting

On a separate piece of paper we will draw all the details of the gnomes. We indicate their number.

We cut out the paper parts of our gnomes.

Stages of work

We start working with the torso. We will sew three gnomes at once. We lay the blue fabric on the table in two layers, right sides inward. Let's prepare paper parts for the body, bottom and legs of the gnomes.

Lay out the patterns on the fabric. We pin them with pins. Using chalk, transfer the outlines of the parts onto the fabric.

We put marks on the leg parts with chalk (holes through which we will turn the parts inside out). front side).

Along the marked lines we grind down the details of the torso and legs. We do not stitch the bottom of the body, but leave holes on the parts of the legs (according to the marks). We don't touch the bottom details yet.

We cut out the parts of the body and legs with small allowances.

Now, along the outlined lines, we cut out the details of the lower body. Also with small allowances. Please note that we only cut out three parts.

Let's move on to the handles of the gnomes. Let's prepare blue fabric and red fleece. Take the paper part of the gnome's hand.

On the fleece in one layer we mark stripes 4 cm wide.

The details of the gnomes' hands are sewn from two fabrics of different colors. So we cut out red strips of fabric and pin them to the blue fabric sections.

We machine stitch a strip of red fleece with the main blue fabric.

Turn the red stripes up. We fold the prepared pieces of fabric, right sides inward, aligning the stitching seams together. We pin them along the seams so that they do not move.

We pin the paper pattern of the hand with pins. The line of the mitten marked on the pattern should coincide with the seam line on the fabric. Using chalk, transfer the contours of the hands onto the prepared pieces of fabric.

We mark the holes with chalk for turning the parts right side out.

We machine stitch the parts of the arms.

We cut out the parts with small allowances.

Using the tips of the scissors, make notches on the rounded areas of the allowances. This will give us the opportunity to easily turn the parts right side out and get smooth seams without corners.

Through the holes left, turn the parts of the legs and arms right side out.

On the details of the lower body we mark the centers with chalk.

Mark the holes along the bottom of the body parts with chalk.

Use pins to pin the bottom piece to the body, aligning the centers of the bottom with the stitching seams of the pieces. We chop only two bodies in this way. We leave the third one for now, because our third gnome is in a different pose.

We fold the third body as shown in the figure, matching the stitching seams. We put marks on the sides.

Now we align the centers of the bottom part with the marks on the sides. We pin the bottom to the body with pins.

Using pins, we sew together the bottom parts with the body parts using hand stitches.

We machine stitch the parts of the bottom with the body, leaving holes for turning. Using the tips of the scissors, we make notches along the allowances. Be careful not to damage the integrity of the stitching.

Through the holes left, turn each body right side out. We straighten the seams.

We fill the handles with holofiber through the holes. Distribute the filler evenly along the length of the parts. We also fill the torso.

Using hand, invisible stitches, we sew up the holes on the torso and arms of the gnomes.

We cut out the faces of gnomes from light felt. The pattern of the legs and face is the same. We pin the pattern. We outline the contours and cut out the parts without seam allowances.

We pin the faces to each gnome with pins. Please note that we pin the faces of the two (top) gnomes to the front on the stitching seams. One gnome (bottom) on the front without a seam.

We sew on the faces using hand loop stitches and light threads.

We cut out noses from light beige felt. We pin the pattern.

We outline the details on the felt with chalk. Cut them out without seam allowances.

We collect slices of circles on a needle in a circle.

We tighten the thread and get a pocket, which we fill with a small amount of holofiber. Pull the thread all the way and use a few hand stitches to secure the tightened sections of the resulting ball.

We pin the arms to the bodies of the gnomes with pins. For two gnomes we pin the arms to the sides of the body, and for one - along the seams (the arms stretch to one side).

Using hand hidden stitches we sew the arms to the body of each gnome.

We cut out caps from red fleece, folded in two layers. Use a pin to pin the paper pattern to the fleece. We draw the outline of the pattern with chalk.

We lay machine stitches along the marked lines. We cut out the caps with small allowances.

Using a thin wooden stick Turn the caps right side out.

We cut out beards for gnomes from faux fur. We pin the beard pattern to the fur with pins.

Draw the outline of the beard with a pencil.

We cut out the beards from the fur with thin, pointed small scissors. You need to cut carefully, grabbing only the knitted fabric. And under no circumstances should you cut the fur. The fur pile should remain long at the edges and not trimmed.

We pin the beards to the faces of the gnomes with pins. Apply a thin layer of transparent glue to those places on the face where the beard will be glued. Glue the beard. Its lower part remains free.

Now we sew on our balls - noses. Several hand stitches. You can glue the nose.

Using red yarn we embroider cute smiles on our gnomes (you can have three different ones).

Cut the wire with a length equal to two lengths of the cap.

We pierce the gnome's head in the area of the crown with wire. Place the two ends of the wire together. Lightly twist them together.

We put the caps on top of the wire and now, using the wire, we give any configuration to the upper part of the caps. To prevent the caps from falling off the heads, we glue their lower parts (from the wrong side) directly to the head in several places.

Along the bottom of the body we embroider the trim with a cross using red yarn.

We sew or glue the legs to the bottom of the body.

To make bags, you need to take red fleece and fold it in two layers. Mark a rectangle 8cm x 13cm. Side fold.

We cut out three such rectangles without allowances.

We fold them lengthwise and pin them along the side and bottom edges.

We machine stitch the seams of the bags along the marked lines.

Turn the bags right side out. Lightly fill each bag with holofiber at the bottom.

We cut the wire for each bag, a length equal to two lengths of the bag.

We insert double folded pieces of wire into each bag. We tie them with twine.

We put a bag in the hands of each gnome. We sew it to the handles with several hand stitches. Using wire inside the bag, each bag can be bent to stabilize the gnome on legs. You can put a small weight in the bag so that the gnome does not fall.

So our Scandinavian gnomes are ready.

Garden gnomes: master class on making To make the garden design original and unusual, garden figures are placed in it. One of the most popular models of these figures are garden gnomes. Purchasing them is quite an expensive undertaking, so it is much cheaper to make them yourself. Let's look at how to make a gnome for the garden below. Features of the use and selection of garden gnomes The installation of nymphs, gnomes, and forest gnomes in the garden is becoming increasingly popular, not only from an aesthetic point of view, but also from a mythological one. It is believed that the gnome is able to protect the garden and the entire farmstead from evil spirits; in addition, it has a positive effect on plants, improving their condition. In addition, the garden gnome will become a real decoration of any garden. In the summer, it scares away birds that like to feast on the harvest of fruit trees, and in winter it stands out from the general background with its brightness and contrast. It is believed that installing a small gnome in the garden can bring happiness and a rich harvest, in addition, its owners will become healthier and luckier. When installing a garden gnome in the garden, you should remember that it must have its own place where it will look harmonious. Therefore, both before purchasing and before making a garden gnome, you need to study the recommendations that will help determine its location among the garden composition: 1. Draw a plan. Before developing a sketch of a garden gnome, try drawing it first. After that, imagine it in the place where you want to place it. Think about how it will look there at different times of the year, in different climates, and whether a strong gust of wind will blow it away. When purchasing or building several garden gnomes, try to ensure that they blend harmoniously in different parts of the garden. 2. Choose a background landscape. Another important element of installing a garden gnome is its combination with the plants located in the garden. Since, if a garden gnome is installed in the fall or early spring, then there are no leaves on the trees yet, and flowers are not yet growing, so in the summer it may not be visible at all, among a lot of greenery. The place where the garden gnome is installed should be open on all sides. An excellent place to install a gnome would be a decorative fence, flower bed, path, front garden or area near a bench. 3. General style. The overall style of the garden should match the style in which the gnomes are made. For a classic style, a standard version is suitable, perhaps monochromatic, or made in several color shades. For a romantic garden, a composition of several gnomes, made in soft pink and lilac tones, is suitable. Wooden gnomes for the garden are installed in a country-style garden. For the Art Nouveau style, a garden gnome made of metal, marble, concrete or clay is suitable. 4. Adequacy of placement. Each figure in a garden composition should have its place. Several figures placed incorrectly in the garden can ruin even the most exquisite color composition. It is advisable to choose garden figures made from the same type of materials, for example, if the fountain is made of marble, then the garden gnome should be the same. With the correct selection of garden figures and their harmonious combination, the garden will become the most favorite relaxation place for both all family members and guests. Exterior garden gnome Buying or making garden figures is becoming increasingly popular in the process of decorating both a private home and a summer cottage. Shapes make the area more attractive. Gnomes, for example, are able to protect peace in the house, and birds or animals complement the overall composition and make the interior fabulous. We propose to consider the main features of using garden gnomes in the exterior: The easiest way to decorate a garden is to buy ready-made products. They are based on artificial stone, gypsum or acrylic resin. But, the option of making figures with your own hands is more interesting, since they will be unique in their own way. The purpose of gnomes can be primary or secondary. In the first case, the gnomes occupy all the visual attention, in the second they are an addition to the already existing picture. German gnomes are perfect for decorating a garden in a rustic style. Their main function was to scare away birds from the trees and fruits of the garden. When choosing a garden figure or composition of several elements, first of all focus on the area on which they will be installed and on your own financial situation. Garden gnomes will fit perfectly into a children's play area in the garden. They are also often installed near ponds, fountains, flower beds, flower beds, stumps, etc. Gnomes in the country house will make its exterior unique and give a sea of emotions to its visitors. Varieties of garden gnomes Gnomes made from natural wood. Figures made of wood fit very harmoniously into the overall design of the garden. They bring warmth, comfort and joy. To make such figures, it is recommended to use unprocessed material in the form of logs, branches or driftwood. When building such a gnome, a hat made of leaves or moss will perfectly complement the picture. Figurine of a gnome made of natural stone. To build such a figure yourself will require a lot of effort, since here you will have to work with a chisel and a hacksaw. But the result will surprise everyone. After all, gnomes made in this style are distinguished by their originality and refined appearance. They look good in a garden with a classic modern style. To complement the overall picture, use pebbles brought from the lake, which can be painted for variety. Garden figure gnome made of polystone. This material for making gnomes is new, so it is rarely used when performing such work. Although products made with its help are realistic and attractive in appearance. This material is based on aluminum hydroxide, acrylic resins and additional pigments that make it stone. Gnomes made from polystone are durable, abrasion-resistant, and resistant to deformation and temperature changes. The only drawback is the high cost, which is fully justified by the quality of the product. Garden gnomes made of plaster. Plaster figures have always been particularly popular due to the low cost of the material and the ease of working with it. The disadvantages of gypsum include its fragility, so such a gnome should not be on the playground. To make a gnome from plaster, you will need a lot of experience in the field of modeling, since it will be very difficult to give it a shape without experience. Therefore, it is better to make simpler figures from plaster in the form of additional decorations, such as caterpillars, mushrooms, flowers, etc. Concrete garden gnomes. Garden gnomes made from cement mortar are distinguished primarily by their durability. But this will require a special form into which the finished mixture is poured, waiting for it to dry. Another option is to coat the finished frame with cement mortar. To make it, ordinary wire will be enough. In this case, in order to achieve plasticity of the solution and a high level of adhesion to the surface of the wire, it is recommended to add a plasticizer or PVA glue to the finished mixture. Garden gnomes based on hay or straw. Even with the help of ordinary hay you can make figures for the garden. To do this, the material is twisted very tightly in the form of individual parts of the character that needs to be made. Gnomes made from improvised means. The material for making a garden gnome will be ordinary unnecessary garbage, such as old flower pots, basins, a barrel, plastic bottles, tires, etc. If you draw the body of a gnome on a large barrel and add a car tire on top in the form of his head, you will get a funny garden figurine. Using polyurethane foam. It is quite possible to make a garden gnome from polyurethane foam, especially since it is resistant to temperature changes, frost, precipitation and ultraviolet radiation. To create a garden gnome using this method, first prepare a form in the form of its skeleton; for this it is recommended to use materials such as wire, unnecessary garbage in the form of plastic bottles, plates, buckets, sticks, etc. The foam is applied in several stages, and each layer must dry well. A utility knife will help get rid of excess foam. The finished product is painted and varnished. Master class - garden gnome made of plaster The easiest way to make a garden gnome yourself is plaster. This material is resistant to precipitation, cold, and ultraviolet radiation. Such a figure will not withstand only mechanical influences, so install it in a place from which it will never fall. To carry out work on making a garden gnome you will need: sculpture plaster; PVA construction adhesive; acrylic paints and brushes for working with them; varnish; compass; pencil; stationery knife; decorative elements in the form of beads, flowers, leaves; molds for working with plaster; water-resistant glue; sunflower oil; water. Instructions for making a garden gnome with your own hands: First of all, you need to take care of purchasing plaster. According to the instructions, dilute the plaster with water. Attention, it is very important to observe the specified proportions, since an incorrectly diluted solution can affect the strength of the structure. To dilute the plaster, use a rubber or plastic container. Mix the water and plaster thoroughly, and then add PVA glue to the solution to increase its elasticity and ductility. The amount of glue for the solution is one percent of its total mass. For example, in a gypsum solution weighing 4 kg, you need to add 40 grams of glue. If the gnome is up to 50 cm in size, then the preliminary construction of a structure in the form of a skeleton is not required; the plaster is poured directly into the figured mold. The most convenient are silicone molds; they are sold in any construction stores or on the market. It is possible to make a mold for a gnome yourself; this will be appropriate when you need to make several identical gnomes. Otherwise, it is better to use a purchased form, since its construction will take more than one day. To make a large sculpture, the construction of a metal frame is required. It is made from reinforcing rods, which increase the stability of the figure. To fix the product on the ground, you need to build a protruding element from the bottom of the gnome. Start pouring the plaster solution. First, fill the mold halfway, wait for the solution to set, tap the mold to prevent air bubbles from forming, and then pour in the rest. Tap the mold again, level the surface with a spatula and wait until the gnome is completely dry. After this, remove the figure from the mold. To do this, you need to place a piece of board or lid of a suitable size on the mold. Press it onto the mold and turn the shape over. Next comes the process of painting the gnome; for this it is recommended to use acrylic-based paints, since they are highly resistant and can function normally outdoors. In addition, plaster figures are painted with gouache paints, but since they are in the garden, the gouache will quickly wash off in the rain. This paint is appropriate if the figure is under cover. Before starting painting, coat the gnome with a primer, after which, to increase the adhesion between the figure and the paint, it is recommended to cover it with PVA glue. For decoration, use a mosaic; to make it you will need glass, stone, shells or other objects. Master class on making a garden gnome with your own hands To make a small garden gnome you will need: several plastic bottles; cellophane; tape; knife and scissors; newspapers; egg trays; wire. Take two bottles with a capacity of two and one and a half liters. Connect them together to form a frame. Newspapers will help build the torso, arms and legs. Make a gnome hat, glue on the eyes and nose. Make papier-mâché; for this you need to dissolve paper newspapers in PVA glue and plaster. Next, treat the surface of the gnome with this mixture. Air dry the finished product for five days. Paint with paint and open with varnish. Such a gnome will decorate any corner of not only the garden, but also the home. In addition, entire paintings or fairy-tale scenes are made in this way.

Garden gnomes are considered the guardians of the garden. They are mentioned in many legends. Gnomes bring good luck to the house and help to obtain and maintain a rich harvest.

It is best to place a garden gnome where he can keep an eye on for the most part site - place on alpine slide, or plant under a currant bush. The garden gnome can also be placed along the path, where it will greet guests. Another one good idea hide the garden gnome in a hollow, from where he can observe everything that happens in the area.

Origin

Garden gnomes are small figurines in the form of gnomes in red caps in various poses, popular in Europe (especially in Germany) as decorations for gardens. In German fairy tales, gnomes living next to a person helped him with garden work at night. They were often seen as a talisman that brought good luck to gardeners and protected the garden from evil spirits. This is how the tradition arose of placing figurines of gnomes at work in garden plots.

Dwarves are legendary creatures and have been a part of Western culture for several centuries. In Austria, Germany, and Scandinavian countries, figurines of gnomes are very popular; they can be seen in almost any garden. The mentioned countries even argue about which of them is the homeland of these fabulous creatures.

According to European legends and tales, the gnome had the appearance of an old man with a long white beard who lives underground. Dwarves also appear as characters in fairy tales, including the magical stories of the Brothers Grimm. To the Germans, gnomes were represented as dwarfs and were often depicted as underground dwellers wearing pointy red hats. It was the German gnomes that became the prototypes of the famous Disney gnomes from the cartoon “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.”

The traditional image of gnomes for the garden is also associated with this prototype - in a red pointed hat, with a beard, with a pipe and garden tool. Modern gnomes have attractive features and are depicted doing various activities such as gardening, fishing and playing musical instruments. According to popular beliefs, when the owners go to bed, the gnomes come to life and get to work caring for the garden or lawn on which they live. They have magical powers that can make flowers bloom, foliage change color, and streams saturate the ground under the plants with moisture. By the way, gnomes are often depicted not only at work, but also lying down to take a nap - obviously tired after the night's troubles.

Fashion for garden gnomes

The tradition of placing small figurines of gnomes in the garden dates back to the 19th century. It was believed that a gnome in the garden would definitely bring good luck to the house. The city of Grevenroda in the German state of Thuringia was especially successful in their production. Since then, garden gnomes have become an integral part of history. garden design, in which they have known periods of popularity, caused controversy, fell into decline and were revived again.

From Germany, the fashion for garden gnomes quickly spread to Great Britain and France, known for their love of gardening. The first garden gnomes were brought to England by Sir Charles Isham in the mid-19th century. By the way, he believed in their protective powers.

Traditional garden gnomes are made by casting liquid terracotta clay into molds and then firing them. The burnt gnome is painted with paints. Nowadays, garden gnomes are also cast from polymer resins and made from artificial stone and similar materials.

"Gnomo-lovers" vs. "Gnomophobes"

In recent decades, garden gnomes have been a topic of heated debate among professional and amateur gardeners regarding their decorative merits. Some consider them a manifestation of kitsch and bad taste, a symbol of blatant vulgarity and ignorant superstition.

Despite criticism from "gnomophobes", garden gnomes remain popular, and their patronage continues to bring good luck to gardeners around the world. Kind and cheerful gnomes - musicians and gardeners, dreamers and hard workers - wearing the same pointy hats continue to delight both children and adults. Even the organizers of the English garden exhibition in Chelsea, which celebrates its centenary in 2013 (05/21/2013 - 05/25/2013 Chelsea Flower Show), retreated under the pressure of “gnome-lovers” and not only lifted the long-standing ban on the appearance of gnomes in their gardens, but also included in the program for the first time a parade of 150 garden figurines, which will be inspected by the Queen of England herself!

Working with waste material

This master class is intended for teachers, parents, and children in grades 3-4.

Making three-dimensional sculptures for garden design

Target: creation and painting of three-dimensional sculpture for the garden.

Tasks:

Development of creative abilities of pupils;

Develop imagination, hand coordination, fine motor skills;

Color perception. develop aesthetic taste;

Creation of emotional images in the field of recreation and art;

Mastering the technique of working with polyurethane foam, waste material;

Develop perseverance and patience; cultivate hard work and love of beauty.

Expected results: creation of original three-dimensional sculptures by students.

Necessary materials: empty plastic bottles (5 liters, 2 liters, 1.5 liters), adhesive tape, 5 mm wire 6-70 cm long, old gloves, polyurethane foam, acrylic paint, scissors, knife,

Garden gnomes decorated the gardens of aristocrats in Europe during the Baroque era. Forgotten for a while, garden gnomes returned in the 19th century, but now in the gardens of everyone, and they still do not lose popularity. Kind and cheerful gnomes, musicians and gardeners, dreamers and hard workers, wearing the same pointed hats, will delight both children and adults. In German fairy tales, gnomes living next to a person helped him with his garden work at night. This is how the tradition arose of placing figurines of gnomes in garden plots.

Garden gnomes are the most popular decoration of paths and lawns around the world. Modern gnome figurines are a very expensive garden decoration and therefore you need to try to make them yourself.

Let's start creating a colored three-dimensional sculpture by developing a sketch. You can choose the appropriate photographs in magazines, you can be guided only by your own imagination, the main thing is to create a dynamic, emotional image that will be interesting to work on. We took the fairy tale “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”.

Gnomes- fabulous dwarfs from German and Scandinavian folklore. According to legends, they are bearded, live underground and are famous for their wealth and skill. They have supernatural powers and can cast magic.

After looking at the drawings of gnomes for the fairy tale, on the Internet, garden plots with gnome “owners” began to work.

We filled old gloves left over from working in the garden with polyurethane foam. We set them aside to allow the foam to expand and dry.

The photo shows how foam rose and filled the gloves.

The next step of our work is making boots. They took plastic bottles and cut them near the neck. Lifting up the “sock”, they connected it with adhesive tape.