How to Create Garden Gnomes
Rumor has it that garden gnomes will make your flowers grow faster, your fruit set more quickly and your vegetables grow to enormous sizes. While there's no proof for any of those assertions, there's no denying that the little garden ornaments bring a touch of whimsy to your lawn or garden. They originated in the Bavarian region of Germany in the late 18th century. In 1847, Sir Charles Isham of Northhamptonshire ordered 21 garden gnomes for his gardens at Lamport Hall. Lampy, the sole survivor of Lord Isham's collection, has been insured by his descendants for more than a million pounds. You can cast your own garden gnomes in concrete or resin for considerably less than that.
Make the Mold
Sculpt a garden gnome from the clay and bake it following package directions on the clay. This will be the model for your mold. You can also choose to use a purchased garden gnome as your original model if you don't want to make your own design.
Stand the gnome in the center of the plastic covered board, securing it with a drop of instant bond glue. Don't overdo it with the glue. You'll want to be able to remove the gnome later.
Lock a piece of PVC pipe in your vise. The pipe should be at least 1/2 inch wider in diameter than the widest part of your gnome. Cut the pipe with a hacksaw so it is at least 2 inches taller than your gnome.
Spray the inside of the pipe and the garden gnome model with vegetable oil cooking spray or a commercial mold release product.
Place the pipe over the model, arranging it so that there is about 1/4 inch of space between the gnome and the wall of the pipe.
Roll a coil of modeling clay and press it firmly around the outside bottom of the pipe to seal the seam between the pipe and the board surface.
Mix the liquid silicon or latex according to the package directions.
Carefully pour the mixture into the pipe until it is just below the top of the mold. Pour to the side of the figurine rather than directly over it so that the liquid fills any undercuts or holes in the figure.
Allow the mold to cure according to the package directions. Some quick curing mold compounds will be ready in a few hours. Others may need to sit overnight.
Remove the coil of clay from around the bottom of the pipe. Slide the pipe off of the mold and carefully peel the mold off the plastic base.
Carefully cut the mold in half with a sharp knife, following the outline of the figure inside. Remove the original model from the center.
Casting the Gnome
Spray the faces of both halves of the mold with mold release or vegetable oil cooking spray.
Carefully align the two halves so that they match up. Wrap the outside with cheesecloth or a sheet of paper, then wrap duct tape around them to hold them together.
Mix one part portland cement with one part sand in a plastic bucket or tub.
Slowly add water while stirring the mixture until it is about the consistency of heavy pancake batter.
Stand the mold on a flat, level surface with the opening facing up. Carefully and slowly pour the cement mixture into the mold until it reaches the top.
Set the filled mold in a warm place to harden overnight.
Cut through and remove the tape and cheesecloth. Carefully separate the two halves of the mold and remove your concrete garden gnome.
Paint and detail your gnome as desired.
Tip
Use the same procedure to cast a garden gnome from resin, following the package directions to mix the resin.
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References
- "Gnome and Garden: A Gnovelty Kit"; Marcus Mennes; 2004
- "Creating with Concrete: Yard Art, Sculpture and Garden Projects"; Sherri Warner Hunter; 2001
Writer Bio
Deb Powers is an avid urban gardener who works with a community collective to promote sustainable urban agriculture and build partnerships between local business owners and community organizations. Powers serves as a social media and marketing consultant for local non-profits and businesses, and is collaborating with a coffee roaster to publish a cookbook highlighting coffee as a culinary ingredient.
