How to Carve a Santa Gnome (and get unbelievably smooth carvings)

Published on Aug 14, 2026

Everyone loves carving gnomes and Santas, so today we're combining the two to carve a Santa gnome! This step by step woodcarving tutorial shows you how to make a cute Santa gonk and how to get super smooth carvings using a rotary tool. This quick and easy way to sand your carvings hides the fuzzies that difficult grain or a less than totally perfect knife can leave. Get your stencils here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/4555884255/santa-gnome-wood-carving-stencil-set?etsrc=sdt Tools used (contains affiliate links, I may earn on qualifying purchases) Roughing knife (Flexcut) https://amzn.to/4bSSTnY Detail knife (Flexcut) https://amzn.to/45wUV9E Pfeil v tool #3/ 3/8” Flexcut gouge #7/ 3/8” Flexcut gouge #11/3mm Pfeil veiner #11/1mm Pfeil veiner Flex shaft rotary tool - https://amzn.to/4wxiDxw Abrasives for rotary tool - https://amzn.to/4hAbh8Q