• Home
  • Suggest A Craft
  • DIY Newsletter

Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

  • About CraftGossip
  • Our Network
    • Bath & Body Crafts
    • Candle Making Ideas
    • Crochet Ideas
    • Cross Stitch
    • Edible Crafts
    • Felting Patterns
    • Glass Art
    • Home & Garden Ideas
    • Indie Crafts
    • Jewelry Making
    • Kids Crafts
    • Knitting Patterns
    • Lesson Plans
    • Needlework
    • Party Ideas
    • Polymer Clay
    • Quilting Ideas
    • Recycled Crafts
    • Scrapbooking
    • Sewing Patterns
    • Card Making
    • DIY Weddings
    • Not Craft Ideas
  • Giveaways
  • Roundups
  • Store
  • Search

How to make a Scandinavian Tomte Christmas elf

November 24, 2015 by Stefanie Girard

tomte-gift-wrap-12

Welcome to this tutorial on how to make a cute and easy tomte Christmas elf! This little elf is not only adorable, but it is also simple to create, making it the perfect craft for kids to get involved in. Imagine creating a whole town of these sweet little elves, each with their own unique accessories and personal touches.

Not only can they be used as decorations, but they can also serve as charming present toppers for the holiday season. Follow along with the tutorial provided by tikkido, and in no time you’ll have your very own tomte Christmas elf to add to your holiday collection.

This little elf is beyond cute and best yet easy to make. I could see making a whole town of these little guys. Over a tikkido there is a tutorial on  how to make a tomte Christmas elf that can also be used a present topper.

A tomte, also known as a nisse, is a type of Scandinavian folklore creature associated with the winter solstice and the Christmas season. Tomtes are usually depicted as small, stout humanoid figures with pointed hats and beards, and they are traditionally associated with protecting farms and households. In some stories, they are mischievous and prone to causing trouble, but they are generally thought of as good-natured and helpful. In modern times, tomtes have become popular figures in Christmas decorations and celebrations, and they are often depicted as playful, festive elves.

 

 

Related Posts:

  • How to make recycled clothes pin puppets
  • Creative Ways to Teach Kids About Recycling
«
»

Comments

  1. S fava says

    November 26, 2015 at 8:22 pm

    Very cute

Have you read?

How to Paint Melamine Furniture

Recently, we received an email from Jenny, one of our readers, asking for some advice on painting melamine furniture. Jenny was looking to refresh an old dresser but wasn’t sure about the right way to tackle the project. Well, we’ve got just the thing! After some digging, we came across a fantastic article on Spraypaint Blog titled How to Recycle and Paint Melamine Furniture, which walks you through the process step-by-step.

Why This Article is Perfect for Jenny (and You!)

This guide is incredibly comprehensive, covering everything you need to know about painting melamine—an often tricky material to work with. Melamine is known for its smooth, glossy surface, which can be tough to paint without the right preparation. But with the tips from this article, you’ll learn how to properly prep your melamine pieces, choose the right paint, and achieve a professional-looking finish.

The article also dives into the importance of sanding and priming the surface to ensure that the paint adheres well. With these steps, Jenny (and anyone else trying this project) can be sure that their painted melamine furniture will not only look great but last for years to come.

Jenny, we hope this article gives you all the info you need to tackle your melamine furniture project! It’s clear from the tutorial that a little prep work goes a long way, and with the right products, even melamine can be transformed into a beautiful, personalized piece.

For anyone else curious about painting melamine, check out the full article on Spraypaint Blog for all the tips and techniques: How to Recycle and Paint Melamine Furniture. Happy painting!

My Tips for Painting Melamine Furniture

Hey Jenny (and anyone else planning a melamine project), here are my top tips to help you get the best results when painting melamine furniture:

Prep is Key
Clean the surface well, then lightly sand it with fine-grit sandpaper to give the primer something to grip onto. Trust me, it makes a big difference!

Prime Like a Pro
Don’t skip the primer! Use a bonding primer that’s made for glossy surfaces or melamine. It’ll make sure your paint sticks and lasts.

Pick the Right Paint
Go for a good enamel or acrylic paint. I use a foam roller for a smooth finish—no brushstrokes! Apply a few thin coats, letting each one dry in between.

Topcoat for Durability
Once the paint’s dry, apply a protective topcoat (polyurethane or polycrylic) to help it stay scratch-free.

Give It Time
Let the paint cure for at least 48 hours before using the furniture—longer is even better! It’ll help the finish hold up over time.

Get Creative
Don’t be afraid to try fun colors or finishes! Melamine is perfect for getting a bit adventurous.

Explore

books Christmas CraftGossip Giveaways Craft Inspirations Easter glass halloween Home Decor kid crafts mason jar More Crafts Patterns & Tutorials recycled art Recycled Clothing Recycled Jewelry Recycled Sewing Recycled Tutorials Recycling Ideas Recycling Organizing tin can

RSS More Articles

  • Knit Dinosaurs on a Circular Knitting Machine
  • 30 Big Block Quilts For Beginners Or Time Poor Quilters
  • Emily’s Paris Scarf – Crochet Kit
  • FREE Patchwork Pouch Pattern
  • Book Review: Secret Stories of Lost Beasts
  • Etsy Spotlight: 1955 Baby Doll Nightgown & Bloomers Pattern
  • Baby Banner and Mini Album Project
  • Color Wheel Block Tutorial by Red Pepper Quilts
  • How to Paint Melamine Furniture
  • How to make a Summer Wreath with Hydrangeas

Pick Your Blog

  • Sewing
  • Knitting
  • Quilting
  • Crochet
  • Home & Garden
  • Recycled Crafts
  • Scrapbooking
  • Card Making
  • Polymer Clay
  • Cross-Stitch
  • Edible Crafts
  • Felting
  • Glass Art
  • Indie Crafts
  • Kids Crafts
  • Jewelry Making
  • Lesson Plans
  • Needlework
  • Bath & Body
  • Party Ideas
  • Candle Making
  • DIY Weddings
  • Not Craft
  • Free Craft Projects

Copyright © 2025 · CraftGossip | Start Here | Contact Us | Link to Us | Your Editors | Privacy and affiliate policy