DIY Laser Cut Christmas Gnome Ornament: Step-by-Step Guide

Materials You’ll Need

• Basswood sheets — Buy 1/8” basswood on Amazon

• Transfer Tape

• Wood stain

• Acrylic paint

• Double-sided adhesive sheets or tape

• Laser cutter — WeCreat/ xTool M1 / Glowforge

• Fine sandpaper

• Paintbrushes or foam brushes

• Protective gloves & rags

Step 1: Prepare the First Piece of Basswood

Start with your first sheet of basswood.

1. Apply transfer tape to one side. This will help reduce burn marks caused by the laser.

2. Flip the board over and apply wood stain to the other side using a rag or brush.

   • Let it dry completely before moving to the next step.

   • You can choose a warm walnut stain for a rustic look or a lighter oak tone for Scandinavian charm.

Pro Tip: Use smooth, even strokes when staining for a professional finish.

Step 2: Prepare the Second Piece of Basswood

Take your second sheet of basswood and:

1. Apply double-sided adhesive tape sheets to one side.

   • This will make assembly easy later by turning it into a peel-and-stick surface.

2. Paint the other side using your preferred holiday colors (reds, greens, whites, or metallic accents).

   • Acrylic paint works great for this.

   • Allow it to dry thoroughly.

Now you have one stained board for the background and one painted board for extra contrast!

Step 3: Set Up Your Laser Cutter

Load your prepared sheets into your laser cutter. I personally have the WeCreat 20W laser.

1. Open your laser design software (such as WeCreat MakeIt!, LightBurn, xTool Creative Space, or Glowforge App).

2. Import your gnome ornament design file.

   • You can make your own or find holiday SVG cut files online. Creative Fabrica is great for files.

3. Position the design and check that your materials are correctly aligned.

4. Adjust your power and speed settings for basswood (usually around 3mm thick).

5. Once everything looks good, send to your machine.

Watch your laser bring this festive design to life as it carefully carves out your Christmas gnome pieces!

Step 4: Assemble the Ornament

Once both wood pieces are cut:

1. Gently remove the shapes from the laser bed.

2. Peel off the backing of the adhesive sheet from your second piece.

3. Align and press the two pieces together carefully — the adhesive will secure them in place.

4. If you want to hang your ornament, add a small twine loop or ribbon through the top.

Give it a final touch by adding a bit of shimmer paint or a small pom-pom to your gnome’s hat!

Step 5: Enjoy and Display

You’ve just created a charming laser cut Christmas gnome ornament!
Hang it on your tree, use it as a stocking tag, or gift it to a friend. Each one you make can have a unique twist by switching up stains, paint colors, or hat shapes.

Tips & Ideas

• Layer different materials, like acrylic for the hat or felt for the beard.

• Make a matching set of gnomes for a rustic woodland theme.

• Personalize each with engraved names or laser-etched patterns.

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