Video link Kit Festive Christmas Tomte/Gnome Tree Decorations

Description

A mix of Scandi simplicity, natural materials and handcrafted individuality which has a subtle sophistication all of its own makes these little fellas more than appealing. They’ll bring some hygge when you make them as well as whilst they're displayed in your home. (They make great gifts too) The perfect family/friends group activity! In the video Heather will take you step by step through a combination of simple needle and wet felting techniques. There are lots of close ups and explanations as to why she uses the techniques she does. How tall your finished Tomte is depends very much on the length of hat you create but a reasonable estimate is between 15 and 20cm tall. The kit uses Perendale wool batt, merino wool pre-felt and Gotland locks together with some other woolly bits. The Tomte story: This engaging little character comes from Scandinavian folklore, which has it that the gnomes (known as Tomte or Nisse) live under the floor boards in houses and farm buildings and are protective and helpful to both humans and animals. Despite this caring side to their nature, the Tomte are also prone to play tricks and pranks and generally get up to all kind of mischief. Leaving little gifts for the gnomes was traditional, particularly on Christmas eve, and many Scandinavians still put out a bowl of hot porridge on the doorstep for the gnomes to enjoy, to curb their mischievous spirit in the year to come!

What's included in the price?

The kit provides sufficient materials for two tree decorations. Choose between red, dark red or grey hats and pale grey or mid grey beards. Please let me know which when ordering. It includes equipment for one maker.

What you will need

A few bits and pieces from your kitchen: * teacup full of warm water with a dash of washing up liquid. * metal skewer *kitchen sponge scourer approx 6.5x9cm - not necessary if you have a needle felting pad *piece of bubble wrap, say A4 size (Let me know if you want me to supply this but some is bound to pop through your front door) *a piece of sponge - I use half a kitchen scourer

Maker

Purr & Wag It, Tabletop Workshops: wet felting

with Craft Courses since 2017

Message the tutor

Heather Fiona Martin is a graduate of Goldsmiths College, University of London. She is an experienced felt maker who for over a decade has worked in educational and community settings. In addition to her community work she runs Purr & Wag It, fine art felted portraits. Heather holds an enhanced DBS certificate for children and vulnerable adults.