• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Sabrinas Organizing
  • Home Organization
  • Healthy Recipes
  • DIY Home Projects
  • Browse Gift Ideas
  • Donate Stuff
  • Recycling Events 2023
  • Solution Consultations
  • Virtual Organizing
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home Organization
  • Healthy Recipes
  • DIY Home Projects
  • Browse Gift Ideas
  • Donate Stuff
  • Recycling Events 2023
  • Solution Consultations
  • Virtual Organizing
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home Organization
  • Healthy Recipes
  • DIY Home Projects
  • Browse Gift Ideas
  • Donate Stuff
  • Recycling Events 2023
  • Solution Consultations
  • Virtual Organizing
×

Home » Home Organization » Home Decor Ideas » Christmas Decor » How to Upcycle Soup Can into Cute Gnome with Storage

How to Upcycle Soup Can into Cute Gnome with Storage

Last Modified: March 25, 2022 Sabrina Quairoli This blog uses cookies. It also has affiliate links. We earn sponsored content income.

****Visit our "Disclosure Policy and Cookies" for details.****
Upcycle Soup Can into Cute Gnome With Storage - featured image

Holiday decorations can make clutter in a home. This DIY gnome craft project helps do three things this holiday season. First, I wanted this project to upcycle something instead of buying something. Second, I wanted to create a storage area that can be used instead of just being a holiday home decor. Lastly, I wanted it to look like the adorable gnomes I have seen everywhere. I was so happy that I could accomplish all these goals in this cute gnome holiday decor project. Follow along and see the steps on how I made this adorable gnome.

In recent years, these gnomes have been popular in homes, especially during the holidays. But in recent years, they have also been designed and displayed for other holidays like Thanksgiving and Easter.

What is a gnome?

If you wonder what a gnome is, it is a European folklore goblin or earth spirit underground creature that protects treasures huddle in the earth. If you want to read about their history, feel free to check out this post from the "Love to Know" website.

**AD from Cricut Maker**

What is in this upcycle soup can into cute gnome craft project?

Below is a list of all the supplies I used to make these gnomes:

12 oz soup can - remove label clean can and dry.12 oz. Coffee can - metal - clean can and dry. If there is a label on it, remove the label and glue.
Black olive can - small - remove the label, clean can, and dry. 18-inch ribbon ¼ inch wide red
22-inch ribbon ¼ inch wide white2 - 22-inch ribbon ¼ inch wide burgundy
Form core board - cut into three triangles
Scissors
Glue gun Peel and stick felt - red
Glue gun sticksPeel and stick felt - green
Green felt Emery fabric
3 - large popsicle stick1 - regular popsicle stick
Mod Podge matt finishSponge brush
Gorilla Glue3 - Christmas Card Stock Paper thick
3 - ½ inch diameter cotton balls in beigeExacto knife and roller cutter
2 - rulers4 strips of gnome hair fur
Upcycle Soup Can into Cute Gnome supplies list

How long did it take to make this gnome craft project?

Well, this project had a lot of drying time that needed to be factored in. From gluing the popsicle stick to the foam core board triangles to hot gluing and wrapping the cans, the entire project was started on a Friday and ended on a Sunday. A total of 6 hours + drying time overnight for two nights. There weren’t a lot of downtimes because I was able to do other things for the project while things were drying.

***AD*** Boutique Rugs: Looking for rugs? Check out their wide variety of beautifully designed rugs.


Now, that I had all these items together, I then started the project.

How to make cute gnomes with repurposed soup cans?

First, let’s start with the foam core cutting. Below are the measurements I used for each of the different sized cans.

**AD**MasonJars.com - Shop Pantry Foods

First, make the gnome hats.

Visit this table below that tells you the measurements of these gnomes.

Olive can hatThe olive can is the smallest can. So, the triangle was the smallest. It measured 4 inches across the bottom and the sides measured 6 ½ inches.
Soup can hatThe soup can is the medium can. The triangle measures 5 inches across the bottom and the sides measure 7 inches.
Coffee can hatThe coffee can is the largest can. The triangle measures 6 inches across the bottom and the sides measure 8 inches.

Measuring each of the triangles above, I then used an Exacto knife and a ruler to cut out the triangles. I used the edges of the already cut triangle and made the additional ones.

**AD from Cricut Maker**
Making a triangle out of foamcore using rulers

Since the coffee can had a lip, I added a cut piece of the large popsicle stick and so that it made the surface of the inside flush with the lip. I used hot glue to adhere the popsicle stick to the inside.

Join our Facebook DIY Home Crafts Group
Join our Decluttering and Home Organizing Support Group
Add part of a popsicle stick to coffee can

Now it was time to add the popsicle stick to the triangles. To do this, I used hot glue. I cut out the front and back of the triangle shapes on the card stock. I made sure they fit both sides. And, set them aside.

Adding the Popsicle Sticks

I took the large popsicles stick and marked where the popsicle stick matched the top edge of the can. This is where the hat will be sitting. And where the nose and beard will begin. I cut the popsicle stick so that it lines up the triangle with the edge of the coffee can and the soup can. (See the mark on the image below).

Now it is time to add the popsicle sticks to the triangles. I used the Gorilla glue on the large popsicle stick and lined up the line I made to the bottom end of the triangle. I used two extra popsicle sticks to keep the stick I was gluing level with the foam core board triangle. Let dry completely. I then did the same with the other two triangles.

glue the stick to the triangle back

It was time to add the holiday card stock triangles to the front and back of the triangles. Using the Mod Podge and sponge brush, I added the card stock to all three - front and back. I used each triangle and traced it on the back and cut out the cardstock.

Add Mod Podge to the triangle sides and add cut out cardstock

Tip: when working from the back, make sure the pattern is going the direction you want it to show on the triangle.

finished cardstock covered triangles with sticks

Add Ribbon to the Triangles.

Now it is time to cut and measure the ribbon. The red ribbon was 10 inches long. This is for the small olive can. Using the hot glue, I added the felt to the edges of the triangle. Continue around the triangle till it lines up to the other side. Cut off the excess.

The white ribbon measured 20 inches long. I then glued it to the green holiday cardstock triangles.

Use one quarter inch ribbon to cover the foam core edges - for the smaller triangle

I did the same with the white ribbon and the two burgundy ribbons. NOTE: the burgundy ribbons were a little thinner so I added one to cover the foam core and glued the other one on the front edge so you could see it pop a little more forward than the foam core.

Use one quarter inch ribbon to cover the foam core edges

Tips when making gnome hats.

If there is any excess card stock after gluing to the triangles, use an Exacto knife and cut the excess paper before adding the ribbon.

Then, make the gnome body.

Now, it is time to turn to the body of the cans.

Olive can gnome4 inches height by 9 inches long felt red - peel and stick
Soup can gnome6 inches height by 13 inches long felt green - peel and stick
Coffee can gnome8 inches height by 16 inches long felt green

Since I used the peel and stick felt, I cut it down to size and made sure there was enough felt (about ½ inch or so) on top and bottom. Now for the large coffee can, I used regular felt because of the size of the coffee can. Using hot glue, I added it to the can and pressed the green felt and pressed firmly around the can.

Use peel and stick felt to wrap a soup can

Now to finish the ends! I used scissors and cut slices around the top of the can and the bottom of the can. Then, I glued the edges with the glue gun. The peel and stick felt had a strong adhesive. I only had to hot glue a few of the edges.

Tips when making the gnome body.

I tried a variety of glues. Hot glue was the quickest. But it was hot and you need to be careful or you will be burned.

Now, make the beard for the gnome.

This beard had to be cut in a certain way. I needed to cut the back of the liner and remove some excess hairs. It’s a little messy and can get everywhere. I cut with the rotary cutter to remove the back of the gnome hair.

Then, using my fingers I moved the hair around to make it look like a beard.

Olive can gnome3 inches long piece of fur wide was 2 inches
Soup can gnome4.5 inches long piece of fur width was 2 inches
Coffee can gnomeTwo - 5 inches long pieces of fur both pieces are 2 inches together it was a total of 4 inches
How to cut the gnome fur - cut the back gently and leave the hair in the front

Tips when making the beard for the gnomes.

When cutting the backing, if you press too hard you will cut the hairs and not just remove the back.

Lastly, attach the hat and beard to the can.

First, we need to add the beard to the felt on the can. I added it to the side on the opposite of the seam of the felt on the can. I did this to each of the three cans.

Using the hot glue gun, glue the popsicle stick and attach it to the inside of the cans. If the popsicles sticks are too long, using the Exacto knife, I cut the wood down so it can fit inside and the triangle is close to the top of the can.

I added the cotton ball nose to the top of the beard with a dab of hot glue. And did this to all three fur beards that were attached to the can. I did the cotton ball nose last because I wanted it to be up against the triangle and the fur.

Tips when attaching the hat and beard to the can.

Have a fine tip glue gun to help with more control over the glue.

How much did it cost to make these three gnomes?

It didn't cost much to make these three gnomes. I had the cans, foam core board, cardstock from my scrapbooking days, and the ribbons were all from prior projects. The felt was the most expensive thing which cost three dollars each because they were a peel and stick type. Taking all of these into account it was about $5.00 for each can. A total of $15.00 for all three.

Watch the video on YouTube and Subscribe to our channel!

The big reveal

And, here is the big reveal! What do you think? They turned out so cute. AND, I can use them to store supplies during the holidays. YAY! Below is a picture of the outside of the cans.

How to Upcycle soup can into gnome with storage - square image
How to Upcycle soup can into gnome with storage - with the storage in back showing in image

Looking for some other upcycling and home DIY organizing projects, check out these posts below.

HOW TO MAKE A DESK ORGANIZER ON THE CHEAP

HOW TO CHANGE A PLAIN SOUP CAN INTO A GORGEOUS DIY PENCIL HOLDER

SOUP CAN TO DIY MAKEUP BRUSH HOLDER

Below are some similar supplies I found on Amazon (affiliate).

Please note these are affiliate links through Amazon and at no additional cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through and decide to make a purchase.

(Visited 1,785 times, 1 visits today)
Do you live in South Eastern Pennsylvania? Don't know where to start organizing in your home? Need a plan? Check out our Sabrina's Organizing Solutions ConsultationsAre a DIYer and just need accountability to get through the mess in your home and life? Check out our Sabrina's Organizing Virtual Organizing Services

Connect with Me on Social Media!

Facebook - Instagram - Twitter - Linkedin - Pinterest

More Christmas Decor

  • How to Declutter and Organize Holiday Decorations - featured image
    How to Easily Declutter and Organize Holiday Decorations
  • How to Make Cute Christmas Place Cards - featured image
    How to Make Cute Christmas Place Cards
  • How to Upcycle Small Metal Buckets into Holiday Centerpieces - featured image
    How to Upcycle Small Metal Buckets into Holiday Centerpieces
  • How to Organize Christmas Gifts Easily with checklist on image - featured image
    How to Organize Christmas Gifts Easily

About Sabrina Quairoli

I love sharing my passion for organizing life and home. I hope you get inspired when visiting my home organizing tips, quick weeknight recipes, party planning ideas, and DIY organizing projects. Visit the About Me page to read my story.

Primary Sidebar

Sabrina Quairoli Owner of Sabrinasorganizing

Hi, I'm Sabrina! Thanks for stopping by and checking out my blog, where you can find Home Organizing, Quick Weeknight Recipes, and DIY Craft Home Organizing Projects. Feel free and browse around to get motivated to improve your home life!

Read more about me →

Get your free copy of our 12 months of easy decluttering challenges ebook

Popular Home Life Posts

  • Places to Donate Jewelry You Do Not Want
    Places To Donate Jewelry You Do Not Want
  • Amazing Games to Help Kids Understand How to Organize-featured image
    7 Games to Help Kids Understand How to Organize
  • This Year's Recycling Locations and Shredder Events 2020
    This Year's Recycling Locations and Shredder Events
  • what to keep in your shed checklist
    What to Keep in Your Shed
  • What to Keep in your linen closet
    The Most Important Things to Keep in Your Linen Closet
  • Air fried pepperoni chips recipe - Featured image
    Air Fried Pepperoni Chips Recipe
Get your free copy of our Home Management binder ebook


MasonJars.com - Shop Original Products For The Home and Garden

Surlatable home products and cooking classes

Mom Agenda Planners

Taos Shoes

Dollar Tree Shop Now

Get our Holiday Season Planner to help you save money and time with free checklists and Printables to make this season amazing
Have a small business? NEED SMALL BUSINESS ADMIN SERVICES? Visit our blog and services by clicking below.
Sabrina's Admin Services

Amazon Disclosure


Sabrina's Organizing blog is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Sabrina’s Organizing Web Stories

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • About Me
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure Policy and Cookies
  • Google Analytics Privacy Statement and Opt-Out Option

Newsletter and Associations

  • Sign Up for emails and updates
  • 2023 NAPO Business Stamp of Approval

Contact

  • Contact
  • Solution Consultations
  • Virtual Organizing Consults
  • Write for Us
Creative Commons License

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2011-2023 Sabrina's Organizing Blog content by Sabrina Morresi-Quairoli is licensed. Based on work at Sabrina’s Organizing blog, social media content, and newsletters shared, permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available when contacting me.