This easy 2D origami gnome is a fun and quirky paper craft you can make with just three sheets of paper—no glue needed!
Great for holiday cards, table decorations, or DIY garlands.
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Looking for a cheerful and beginner-friendly paper craft that works for nearly any occasion?
This 2D origami gnome is a fun way to bring a little handmade charm to your seasonal decorations.
Whether you’re making Christmas crafts, creating Easter garlands, or just looking for a cute DIY for a birthday card or kid-friendly project, this little gnome fits right in.
Made with three sheets of paper—one each for the hat, beard, and body—this paper gnome comes together without any glue, making it a tidy and portable craft.
You can sit down with a cup of tea and make a few in one go, or turn it into a craft station for a party or classroom activity.
Once folded, the gnome lies flat, making it perfect for attaching to gift tags, handmade cards, or hanging as part of a decorative garland.
With a bit of color choice and paper pattern fun, you can create an entire village of gnomes—each with its own personality.
Whether you’re prepping for the holidays, looking for a thoughtful handmade touch, or just in the mood for some creative time, this little guy is a perfect pick.
Why You'll Love This Pattern
- No glue needed – just paper, making cleanup a breeze.
- Perfect for all ages – a great option for kids or beginners.
- Flat design – ideal for cards, tags, and lightweight decorations.
- Use for multiple occasions – Christmas, Easter, birthdays, or just for fun.
- Endless design options – play around with different hat patterns, beard shapes, and colors.
Skill Level
★☆☆☆☆ (Very Easy)
Materials Needed
- 1 sheet of origami paper for the hat (square)
- 1 sheet of origami paper for the beard (square)
- 1 sheet of origami paper for the body (square)
- Optional: markers or pens for facial features or added details
| Hat Paper Size | Beard Paper Size | Body Paper Size | Final Gnome Size | |
| Small Origami Gnome | 3 inches x 3 inches (7.5 cm x 7.5 cm) | 1.5 inches x 1.5 inches (4 cm x 4 cm) | 3 inches x 3 inches (7.5 cm x 7.5 cm) | 5 inches x 3 inches (12.5 cm x 7.5 cm) |
| Large Origami Gnome | 6 inches x 6 inches (15 cm x 15 cm) | 3 inches x 3 inches (7.5 cm x 7.5 cm | 6 inches x 6 inches (15 cm x 15 cm) | 10 inches x 6 inches (25 cm x 15 cm) |
Instructions
For the Hat
Step 1: Start with the coor you want your hat to be facing down. Arrange your paper to sit like a diamond.
Step 2: Fold the top left edge towards the right on a diagonal, a third of the way across. It can help to measure and mark the paper if needed.
Step 3: Fold the top right edge towards the left on a diagonal, matching the edge of the flap you folded in the previous step.
If you divided your paper correctly into thirds, it should match. If it doesn’t adjust your folds as needed.
Completed hat.
For the Beard
Step 1: Start with the color you want your beard to be facing down. Arrange your paper to sit like a diamond.
Step 2: Fold the left point to meet the right point.
Step 3: Unfold previous step.
Step 4: Fold both the top left and top right edges in to meet the middle crease. Completed beard.
Note: the long narrow edge (found at the top) will become the bottom of your beard.
For the Body
Step 1: Start with the color you want your body to be facing down. Arrange your paper to sit like a diamond.
Step 2: Like we did for the hat, we will need to divide our paper into thirds. Fold the top left edge towards the right on a diagonal, a third of the way across.
Step 3: Fold the top right edge towards the left on a diagonal, matching the edge with the flap you folded in the previous step.
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Step 4: Fold the top flap back towards the right along the line shown.
Step 5: Fold the left flap back towards the left along the line shown. Keep it as symmetrical as possible to the right side.
Step 6: Fold the bottom point up along the line shown. (note: you can use this fold to help you gnome stand once you have put it together).
Step 7: Flip your paper over from left to right. Completed body.
Putting It Together
Step 1: Slip the body into the hat as shown.
Step 2: Slip the beard under the hat as shown. Completed gnome. Optional: if you want to use this as an ornament or garland, glue the pieces together then punch a hole in the top and attach some string.
Color, Paper Ideas, and Variations
- Traditional holiday gnome: Red hat, white beard, green body—classic Christmas style.
- Spring gnome: Use florals or pastel patterns for the body and hat to suit Easter or spring birthdays.
- Woodland gnome: Try kraft paper or soft earth tones for a nature-inspired look.
- Add accessories: Draw a nose, shoes, or even a little pocket! You can also glue on a cotton ball for a 3D beard.
- Mini gnome garland: Make a bunch of small ones and hang them across a string for seasonal décor.
FAQ
Yes, feel free! The base design doesn’t require it, but glue can be handy if you want to attach embellishments.
Absolutely—this is a fun, low-mess project that works well for school crafts or rainy-day activities.
Attach to cards, tags, or string them up as a garland. You can also tape them onto walls or windows as temporary seasonal décor.
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