Sunday, November 18, 2012

Tomte Ideas - Can I make my own?

The little gnome known as the tomte is part of Swedish folklore and my family Christmas traditions. I started giving each of my daughters a tomte for their homes every Christmas. According to legend, the little elves help with the housework and we all could use assitance. I have been collecting tomte ideas in my Christmas Pinterest board looking for one I could craft myself. Here are some of the ones I've found.

This first character is a Yorkie Girl tomte. She provides a knitting how-to at her site here. Unfortunately my knitting skills are extremely basic (straight scarf only).

Source: YorkieGirl
Here are a couple of little felt guys more within my skill set. No doubt about it - the personality is in the nose!
Source: BHG

These next guys aren't handmade but available for purchase. I have just included them in my post because they reflect the type I'd like to make. I need to roam through a craft supply place looking for a solution to the beards. Love them!

Source: Hus and Hem

Kat at Just Crafty Enough has a tutorial for this ornament. Definitely some ideas and suggestions here.


Have you ever made a tomten? I'd love to see pictures and receive links to instructions if you have.

Previous posts of Interest:
©2011 Ashbee Design, Marji Roy

4 comments:

  1. Those beards are so cute. Thought I would let you know- Lion. heart has a yarn that when you fray it it would end up looking just like those cute beards.... I can't remember the exact kind of Lion Heart but you would be able to tell when you saw it. It's kinda fuzzy.
    Good luck!

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    1. Thanks Tammy. I'll go looking for it and see what I can create. Need to find tiny wooden balls with no beading hole next.

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  2. Oh these are all so wonderful....and such fun.

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    1. I had them all around the house at Christmas time. Then the grandkids have a Tomte hunt! Each year I add to the collection. Last year I forgot to take one down and it stayed up all year. A touch of Sweden, year round. I loved it.

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