Gnome Gift Set for Christmas: Card & Ornament You Can Mail!

Instructions

Project 1: Paper Gnome Ornaments

STEP 1: GET MY FREE GNOME ORNAMENT DESIGNS

First, download my Gnome Ornament Gift Set files from my free library – look for Design #711. Alternatively, you can use the Save This Project form near the top of this post and the design link will be emailed to you. In the SVG folder, there are six card options, and three ornament options. We’ll cover the cards in the second section of this tutorial.

There are three ornament designs you can make: one with a flower, one with a present, and another with a winter theme.

TIP: If you’re not sure how to upload, go to jennifermaker.com/svgs to learn how to unzip and upload SVG files.

STEP 2: PREPARE AND CUT YOUR GNOME ORNAMENT DESIGN

CRICUT DESIGN SPACE

1. In Cricut Design Space, open a blank Canvas.
2. Click “Upload” and then “Upload Image.”
3. Click “Browse.”
4. Select the "ornament" SVG file of your choice. I’ll demonstrate with the gnome holding a gift.
5. Click “Open.”
6. On the “Upload Image” screen, there will be a design preview. Click “Continue.”
7. On the next screen, click “Upload.”
8. The gnome design is now on your Canvas.
9. Click “Save” and give your project a name so you can find it easily.
10. If you want to make an ornament using metallic poster board and don’t mind the back being white, you’re ready to cut!
11. If you want to have the metallic color on both sides, click “Duplicate.”
12. Then, click “Flip” and select “Flip Horizontally” to create a mirrored version to sandwich with the original during assembly.
13. If you want to use medium cardstock instead of metallic poster board, duplicate the design twice so you can cut and glue three layers together. TIP: If you want to cut multiple ornaments at once, select the layers for one, then use the Color Box next to “Operation” to set them to a new color. That way, the Cricut will put the piece(s) for each ornament on a new mat.

CUTTING

1. Make sure the correct machine is selected in the top right.
2. Click “Make.”
3. On the Prepare Screen, make sure the “Material Size” matches the poster board or cardstock you’re using for each color.
4. Select the first mat again and click “Continue.”
5. On the Make Screen, click “Browse All Materials.”
6. Search for and select the settings needed for the materials you’re using. These are the settings you can use for each material: Metallic Poster Board - “Metallic Poster Board” with “More” Pressure on a green StandardGrip machine mat 65 lb. Cardstock - “Medium Cardstock - 80 lb (216 gsm)” with “More” Pressure on a green StandardGrip machine mat
7. Place your first mat’s paper face up on a green StandardGrip machine mat.
8. Use a brayer to make sure it’s fully adhered.
9. Check that your Fine-Point Blade is clean and in the clamp.
10. Press the flashing “Load/Unload” button to load the prepared mat into your Cricut.
11. Press the flashing “Go” button to begin cutting.
12. Before unloading the mat, gently lift a corner of the paper to make sure the cuts went all the way through. If not, press the “Go” button again to make a second cut pass in the same spot.
13. When it has finished cutting completely, unload the mat, flip it over onto your work surface, and roll it back to release the paper. TIP: Be careful when removing intricate pieces. Use a spatula to carefully remove any intricate parts and a weeding tool to pop out any small pieces. If you have trouble with any of your cuts, check out my Cricut Tips & Tricks for Cleaner Cuts.
14. Cut the rest of your mats using the same process and appropriate material settings.

STEP 3: ASSEMBLE YOUR GNOME ORNAMENT

SINGLE-SIDED POSTER BOARD ORNAMENT

1. Cut a piece of ribbon about 10” long.
2. Loop it through the ornament’s hanger spot and tie it closed.

DOUBLE-SIDED POSTER BOARD ORNAMENT

1. Place the cut ornament pieces pretty side down.
2. Add small dots of glue to the back of one face down piece, but don’t get too close to the edges.
3. Gently flip the glued piece and hold it over the face-down piece to make sure it will align, then lower it in place.
4. Press the two layers together.
5. Let the ornament dry completely.
6. Use the Single-Sided Poster Board Ornament steps to add the ribbon hanger.

CARDSTOCK ORNAMENT

1. Add small dots of glue to the back of one piece, but don’t get too close to the edges.
2. Flip over the glued piece and lightly place it on a face-up layer.
3. Before pressing it down, gently adjust the layers so they’re perfectly aligned.
4. Press the two layers together.
5. Let the glue dry for at least 15 seconds.
6. Use the same process to glue the third layer on top of the previous one.
7. Let the ornament dry completely.
8. Use the Single-Sided Poster Board Ornament steps to add the ribbon hanger.

Project 2: Shaped Edge Gnome Card

Follow Step 1 from the Paper Gnome Ornaments tutorial above to get my free design files.

The SVG folder (in addition to the ornament designs covered in the first section) has three card designs with gnomes featuring flowers, presents, and winter elements.

Each card has a “noscore” option that uses dashed cut lines to create creases, and a “score” option that uses a scoring tool instead. You can use either option depending on your machine, tools, and preferences.

NOTE: The Cricut Joy does not have Score capabilities.

STEP 2: PREPARE AND CUT YOUR SHAPED EDGE GNOME CARD

CRICUT DESIGN SPACE

1. In Cricut Design Space, open a blank Canvas.
2. Click “Upload” and then “Upload Image.”
3. Click “Browse.”
4. Select the "card" SVG file of your choice. I’ll demonstrate with the “score” version of the gnome holding a gift.
5. Click “Open.”
6. On the “Upload Image” screen, there will be a design preview. Click “Continue.”
7. On the next screen, click “Upload.”
8. The card with a gnome holding a gift design is now on your Canvas.
9. Click “Save” and give your project a name so you can find it easily.
10. Select the card and click “Ungroup” to work with the elements separately. NOTE: In the Layers Panel, one layer has an arrow to its side, meaning it has grouped layers.
11. Click the arrow to expand the grouped layers.
12. Click the layer in the group that just has a line and is colored red in the Color Box. TIP: I make my intended Score lines red so they’re easier to identify.
13. Click the “Operation” drop-down menu and select “Score” to convert the layer to a Score line.
14. Click the layer with the arrow to select both grouped layers.
15. Click “Attach” to keep the “Score” and “Basic Cut” layers together.
16. You’re ready to cut!

CUTTING

1. Make sure the correct machine is selected in the top right.
2. Click “Make.”
3. On the Prepare Screen, If needed, change the Material Size to match each paper you’re using. NOTE: I’m using 12” x 12” material for everything.
4. Select the first mat and click “Continue.”
5. On the Make Screen, click “Browse All Materials.”
6. Search for and select the settings needed for the materials you’re using. These are the settings you can use for each material: 65 lb. Cardstock - “Medium Cardstock - 80 lb (216 gsm)” with “More” Pressure on a green StandardGrip machine mat 80 lb. Cardstock - “Medium Cardstock - 80 lb (216 gsm)” with “More” Pressure on a green StandardGrip machine mat Glitter Cardstock - “Glitter Cardstock” with “More” Pressure on a green StandardGrip machine mat
7. Place your first mat’s paper face up on a green StandardGrip machine mat.
8. Use a brayer to make sure it’s fully adhered.
9. Check that your Fine-Point Blade is clean and in the clamp.
10. Press the flashing “Load/Unload” button to load the prepared mat into your Cricut.
11. Press the flashing “Go” button to begin cutting.
12. Before unloading the mat, gently lift a corner of the paper to make sure the cuts went all the way through. If not, press the “Go” button again to make a second cut pass in the same spot.
13. When it has finished cutting completely, unload the mat, flip it over onto your work surface, and roll it back to release the paper. TIP: Be careful when removing intricate pieces. Use a spatula to carefully remove any intricate parts and a weeding tool to pop out any small pieces. If you have trouble with any of your cuts, check out my Cricut Tips & Tricks for Cleaner Cuts.
14. Cut the rest of your mats using the same process and appropriate material settings.

STEP 3: ASSEMBLE YOUR GNOME SHAPED EDGE CARD

1. Gather your Gnome Card pieces. NOTE: For the large 5" x 7" gift design, there is one large base card piece and five smaller liner pieces.
2. Place the base on your work surface, pretty side down if you’re using one-sided cardstock, with the gnome shapes on the left.
3. Fold the gnome side over at the crease.
4. Use a scraper tool to sharpen the crease.
5. Open the card face down so the cutout designs are on the left.
6. Stack your liner pieces in order so the design looks complete (minus the white top layer). NOTE: If you’re not sure on the order, refer back to your Cricut Design Space Canvas.
7. Apply craft glue to the inside of the card base on the side with the cutouts. Be sure to apply glue all around the edges and add thin lines to the delicate sections.
8. Grab the top liner piece with the most cutouts, and hold it over the glued base piece. Line up the edges and cutouts. NOTE: The cutout liner is slightly smaller than the base layer, so there will be a thin edge of the base layer showing around the liner when the layers are correctly aligned.
9. With the two layers aligned, press them together to adhere them. NOTE: Make sure the edges are flush and adjust the liner if needed before the glue dries.
10. If any excess glue seeps out from inside, use a paper towel to dab it away.
11. Use Steps 7-10 to carefully glue the rest of the liners in place, including the final solid piece.

VARIATION: 3-COLOR CARD

1. Use Steps 1-9 in the main card tutorial to add the card SVG you want to your Canvas. NOTE: I’ll use the “score” version of the gnome with a gift again.
2. Click “Duplicate” to make a copy of the card as a reference in case you need it.
3. In the Layers Panel, click the eye icon next to the bottom design to hide it.
4. Select the remaining card design and click “Ungroup” to work with the layers.
5. Click the card’s exterior and move it away from the liners.
6. Drag the inner liner layers apart so the top one with the most cutouts is on the left and the solid liner is on the right.
7. We only need the top liner with the most cutouts and the solid liner, so select the middle liners and delete them.
8. Decide how many colors you want to use for liners and Duplicate the top intricate piece until you have the same number of pieces, including the solid liner. NOTE: I’ll use red, green, and white glitter (represented as light gray) cardstock, so I’ll have two of the liners with cutouts and one solid liner.
9. Spread the liners out on your Canvas.
10. Select the solid liner.
11. Click the Color Box next to “Operation” and set the bottom liner to the color you want to use for the smallest amount of details in the finished card. NOTE: I’ll keep this layer light gray and cut it from white glitter cardstock.
12. In the Layers Panel, double-click on the name of the bottom solid liner to edit the text.
13. Type “Liner 1 - white glitter” or the color and material you plan to use for it to rename the layer.
14. In the Layers Panel, select the next liner up.
15. Use Steps 11-14 to set the color and rename each liner layer appropriately. TIP: Depending on the design, it’s likely that you’ll see more of each liner layer as you move higher in the order NOTE: I’ll make my middle liner green and rename it “Liner 2 - green” and my top layer red, renamed “Liner 3 - red.”
16. Drag a bounding box over all the liner layers.
17. Click “Align” then “Center” to make the liners' edges match since they have the same exterior shape.
18. Select the card exterior and click “Arrange” then “Bring to Front” so it is visible above any other overlapping pieces.
19. Move the card exterior over to align with the edge details of the liners as well as you can. TIP: You can click the plus icon (“+”) to zoom in and see the details better. NOTE: The design won’t look correct yet since at least two of the liners have matching cutouts.
20. To begin filling in some cutouts with your second liner from the bottom, select your “Liner 2” in the Layers Panel, then click “Contour.” NOTE: The pop-up Contour window shows the cuts that create this layer in a preview and in a list of single cuts.
21. To remove a cutout from this liner and make the color visible through the upper layers, click it in either the preview or list. NOTE: I’ll click the sparkles, hat stripes, middle gift ribbon pieces, and boots.
22. Click the “X” to return to the Canvas and see the results so far. NOTE: You should now see more of the second liner’s color through the cutouts.
23. Use Steps 20-22 to Contour the remaining liner layers in order. NOTE: In the “Liner 3 - red” layer, I clicked the pieces for the present on the left so they will be filled in red.
24. In the Layers Panel, click the eye icon next to the original design to compare your results and make adjustments as needed.
25. Once you’re happy with the simplified design, delete the original reference.
26. If you used the “score” version, click the arrow next to the card’s exterior in the Layers Panel to expand the grouped layers.
27. Click the layer that just has a line and is colored red in the Color Box.
28. Click the “Operation” drop-down menu and select “Score” to convert the layer to a Score line.
29. Click the layer with the arrow to select both grouped layers.
30. Click “Attach” to keep the “Score” and “Basic Cut” layers together.
31. Your simplified side edge card is ready!

BONUS ENVELOPE

I also made you a special envelope just for your cute gnome card as a bonus! You can get the files by using this form.

NOTE: The files with “a6” in them will fit a 4" x 6" card (like the versions in the folder “For Joy Users”) and the files with “a7” will fit a 5" x 7" card, which are in the main SVG folder.

Each envelope has a “noscore” option that uses dashed cut lines to create creases, and a “score” option that uses a scoring tool instead. You can use either option depending on your machine, tools, and preferences.

1. Use the same steps I showed you earlier with the card to add the matching envelope to your Canvas. I’ll use the “noscore” version of the A7 envelope to show you how the crease lines differ.
2. In the Layers Panel, select the envelope.
3. Click “Ungroup.”
4. If you want to cut the envelope’s exterior out of heavier cardstock, use the Color Box to change the white pieces to another unused color. NOTE: I’ll use a darker gray.
5. If you want to make the liner match a different color in the card, select that layer in the Layers Panel. Then click the Color Box and select a new color. NOTE: I’ll make my liner the same green as my gnome holding a gift card layer.
6. Follow the steps I showed you earlier to cut this envelope from cardstock. NOTE: I used 80 lb. cardstock, but I was still able to use the “Medium Cardstock - 80 lb (216 gsm)” with “More” Pressure on a green StandardGrip machine mat.
7. To assemble the A7 envelope, there is a large main piece, the flap, and the liner.
8. Place the flap face down and add thin lines of craft glue around the cutouts and along the edges, avoiding the tab for now.
9. Hold the liner face up and align it over the glued flap, then press it in place. Make sure it doesn’t overlap the crease line.
10. Wipe away any excess glue that seeps into the cutout areas.
11. Once the flap is dry, place it face up and add thin lines of glue to the front of the tab.
12. Hold the large main envelope piece face up over the glue with its long straight edge aligned just barely below the flap’s crease. That way it will still fold smoothly.
13. Gently press the pieces together. Check that the flap can easily move and adjust the pieces if you need to before the glue dries.
14. Once the assembled envelope is dry, place it face down.
15. Fold up along the creases to see where the bottom piece will overlap the side sections.
16. Fold the bottom back down and leave the sides folded in.
17. Then, add thin lines of glue to the side sections where the pieces will overlap.
18. Fold the bottom piece back up and hold it on the glue until it sets. Let the assembled envelope dry.
19. If you want to send a set to a friend, just place the ornament inside the card and slip them in the envelope together. Since it’s the same size as a normal envelope, you can mail it just like any other card!

STEP 4: SHOW IT OFF!

Here is what my finished gnome gift set looks like!