![[Laser cut and engrave] Winter Hot Cocoa Gnome](https://image-res.xtool.com/ali-res/community/making/391eba0f-5643-4299-8ba1-1d6c3c4d03c1.jpg?x-oss-process=image/resize,w_1200,h_900,limit_0/interlace,1/format,webp/auto-orient,1)
Winter Hot Cocoa Gnome
Instruction
Information
I am making the one that says Let It Snow. They are 30" tall and free standing. Super fun to make and paint! I used 5 pieces of 1/4" maple. 1 was 12" x 12". 2 were 15" x 15". 1 was 15" x 17". And 1 was 19" x 12".
I sell these for $120. If I need to ship them, I leave them in 3 sections with an instructional video for the buyer to save on shipping costs. You'll see I do that with this one.
I purchase a lot of my files on Etsy from Easely Created. She has amazing instructions and has the design all laid out on sheets (although the sheet sizes are glowforge sizes so it does require editing).
I love my laser cutter, it cuts through this like butter and without any burn marks. I am so thrilled! I was previously using the laser cutter at the library, which is a 40w CO2 laser but my 20w diode does a better job. I am thrilled!
Instruction
Step1
First step is put everything in lightburn and edit cut settings. I always set up so I can get the best use of my wood. I also had to change wood sizes so I wasn't wasting any space. For instance the beard was cut on 12" x 12" while the others were cut with 17" x 15".
Step2
I spray paint the ones that are solid colors to save time.
Step3
Pain the beard. I LOVE blending colors, dry brushing, and making things look real. The awesome thing about painting is that you can keep playing and painting until you get what you want.
Colors used: White, Sandstone, Bridgeport Grey, and Dolphin Grey.
Step4
Paint the hat. I added some white and black highlights once the colors were on.
Colors used: Royal Navy, Light Blue, White, and Black
Step5
Paint the arms. I made the arms a dark blue with the cuffs white with light blue accents.
Colors used: Navy blue, white, light blue, black, and white.
Step6
Paint the mug. This is in 3 layers, the back of the mug, the top, and the snowflake. I felt it looked bland so I added the blue lines outside of the snowflake. I feel that's where these products shine.... when we add our own spin!
I added sparkles to the snowflake (although you can't tell from the picture)
Colors used: White, Light Blue, Navy Blue, Black, Sparkly white
Step7
The boots and the nose.
Colors used on boots: Black, white, light blue (light blue is accents on the white)
Nose: medium flesh mixed with white to make it lighter, white, and black.
If you haven't noticed, I use black and white for accent lines to make things like cute and real.
Step8
Candy canes! Nothing special here. I used red and white!
Step9
The Let It Snow round took me a while to get the coloring and shading I wanted. It's okay if you don't get it right the first time! In fact, you probably won't! I wound up liking the navy blue lines, then painting over with white to make it look shadowed.
I added white accent lines to the black letters.
And I painted the base. I added white lines to the pants as well.
Colors used: White, Navy Blue, Light Blue, Black, and Sky Mist
Step10
Step back and take a look! See anywhere you need to add accents or a little something?
Step11
A couple of examples. I added the bow to the top of Let It Snow and some black accent marks to the cup. There's no right or wrong answer, just do what feels right!
Step12
Start gluing! I used a high heat glue gun.
I am gluing these in 3 pieces. So the beard has all of its pieces glued, the legs has all of theirs, and the hat has all of its. I am shipping out of state and don't want to spend $70 on shipping so this is the best option! I will send her an instructional video on how to glue it together!
Step13
It will stand on it's own, but again not sending it all together. It looks so good!!
Now I spray it with a clear polyurethane. Tip: Use water-based, not oil-based as oil-based can yellow your paint. I attach what I use most often, but if I know it is going to be outside in the elements, I will use this, then coat with a painted on poly.