Give a Gnome Some Class

Gifts are given with the best intentions. Someone you know is sure that what they're giving you is just what will make you oh so happy. They know you so well that it'll what you never knew you always wanted. And then they give you a garden gnome.

OK, OK, it's a garden gnome ha ha. It's so ironic, right? But fortunately there is one thing that makes kitschy gifts like this so much better: white spraypaint.

Trust me, it works unbelievably well and soon you'll have your own recontextualized art piece of your very own.


This Instructable was brought to you by Krylon

Step 1 Problem: Gnome

Huzzah! It's a gnome. In my super quick and informal poll of a few people, nobody fessed up to ever wanting to buy one of these. My guess is that it's often a gag gift with a few folks who are brave enough and confident enough to buy them on their own. If that includes you, then my hat off to you for following your own desires.

As for me, I tried placing the gnome around the house or in the garden and it just didn't work. Each spot looked wrong to me. So the only thing to do was to update the gnome.

Comments

[ralvarado]

Lolz! Now the gnome kinda looks like a clan member.

[Tricorvus]

No offense intended to anyone, anywhere; but I love gnomes and anticipate getting each new one I can. If everyone doesn't want theirs, could they please send them right along to me. :D Sadly, I made this same offer for school cafeteria meatloaf as a kid in the 1970's. And fruitcake in the 1990's. What is wrong with me?

[yokozuna]

From afar, I would guess the school cafeteria meatloaf. :)

[tulekah]

look at me!

[Ockham]

I paint miniatures (mostly 25mm fantasy) and when I saw you "priming" your gnome, I got all excited. I thought you were going to repaint him in some classic fantasy/fairytale/period garb. Then I realized.....he was already painted that way before your white transformation. I can see how he would now fit into a neo-classic modern decor. Well done!
The spray paint you used most likely has a sheen to it which will protect it from dirt and grime and will aid in cleaning him, if the need arises. If you used a matte white, it would be a good idea to use a clear coat over it to preserve the wonderful whiteness.
I'm thinking Over-sized Gnome chess set. Just need to find some other models for the ranks.
Again, well done!

[fungus amungus]

That's right, it's a glossy white so no need for clear coat. Finished very quickly this way.

Here's a good instructable for gnome mods.

Would also love to see an instructable about miniature painting. Sure some others would as well.

[coopgrl88]

now i have a new go to gift! i usually just give remote controlled cars when i don't know what to get someone...i this will be cheaper! (who doesn't like a remote controlled car?) hooray for Arty Farty Gnome!

[CaseyCase]

You could spray paint the Gnome chrome and make it a hooptie hood ornament.

[fungus amungus]

Yeah, chrome paint is the universal hood ornamentizer