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How To Make Your Own Enchanting Wood Nymph Garden Ornament

How To Make Your Own Enchanting Wood Nymph Garden Ornament

Creating a beautiful garden involves a lot more than just planting and weeding. I’ve always believed that if you want your garden to really flourish and become a peace filled haven, you need to welcome in some fairies and other enchanting creatures. Emily Dickinson once wrote “Some keep the Sabbath going to church, I keep it staying at home  – with a bobolink for a chorister, and an orchard, for a dome.” That, to me, says it all. So anytime I can adorn the garden with something special, I’m all for it. And I have to admit that this little wood nymph garden ornament is one of my favorite things that we’ve made.

Make your own enchanting wood nymph garden ornament #howtomake #woodnymph #gardenart

According to Mythology, wood nymphs, called Dryads, are extremely shy but won’t hesitate to fiercely protect the trees they are born with. If the tree dies, the wood nymph often dies too, something the gods are well aware of. So if someone intentionally harms or causes the death of a tree, they will be punished unless they try to make peace first. Since we use a lot of old pallets to make things, I’m hoping that our little wood nymph helps appease the gods a little. I’m not sure if the big companies who cut down trees to make those pallets, say they sorry first 😉

What You Need to Make a Wood Nymph

I used a fairy doll my Mom bought for me many, many, many moons ago. Sadly he’s seen better days, but I can’t bear to throw him away. Meet Sebastian. Isn’t he just beautiful?

Poor thing, I don’t even know how he lost his hand, but I’m guessing one of our fur babies decided to take a nibble, UGH!!. But he’s still perfect for making a wood nymph. Okay so besides a Sebastian you’ll also need some cement, duct tape, a scrap piece of wood and hole saw that’s wider than your doll’s head and a drill.

Making The Wood Nymph

Lay your doll onto the scrap piece of wood to make sure it fits nicely, before using the hole saw to make a hole for his little face to peak through.

Make your own enchanting wood nymph garden ornament #howtomake #woodnymph #gardenart

Sand and stain the wood if you like. I left the scrap piece as is, since it already had so much character from standing outside. Mix up up a batch of the two ingredient mold.

Make your own enchanting wood nymph garden ornament #howtomake #woodnymph #gardenart

Cover your doll’s face with the two ingredient mold and leave it to set for about an hour. Make sure you squish it into all the crevices so you can get as much detail as possible. You can see in the piccy below that even Sebastian’s little nostrils came out nicely after the de-molding 😀 That’s what you want.

Make your own enchanting wood nymph garden ornament #howtomake #woodnymph #gardenart

Place the molded form over the hole you made earlier and use some duct tape to hold it in place and seal any gaps.

Make your own enchanting wood nymph garden ornament #howtomake #woodnymph #gardenart

Mix up some cement and pour it inside the mold. You can also use plaster of paris if you don’t have any cement, but you will need to seal it before placing the wood nymph outside.

Make your own enchanting wood nymph garden ornament #howtomake #woodnymph #gardenart

Once the cement or plaster of paris has set, gently remove the mold to reveal the wood nymph garden ornament.

Make your own enchanting wood nymph garden ornament #howtomake #woodnymph #gardenart

'I do not understand how anyone can live without one small place of enchantment to turn to.' - Marjorie Kinnan RawlingsClick to Tweet

Make your own enchanting wood nymph garden ornament #howtomake #woodnymph #gardenart

I would love to know what you think of the little wood nymph. Would you repurpose an old doll to make a wood nymph?

Repurpose an old doll and make your own enchanting wood nymph garden ornament . Such an enchanting and beautiful idea #howtomake #woodnymph #gardenart #repurpose

And if you like the idea of making your own wood nymph, don’t forget to pin it for later.

Make your own enchanting wood nymph garden ornament #howtomake #woodnymph #gardenart #repurpose

For your convenience I’ve added some links so you don’t have to struggle to find some of the goodies we used. Disclosure: If you click on the links below, we may receive a commission from Amazon. But don’t worry, it won’t come out of your pocket, and it helps us come up with more unique DIY and craft tutorials for you 😉

 

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And as always, wishing you a beautiful week filled with magical moments.

Made with love by a Crafty Mix

 

 

 

P.S. If you’re keen to make something similar on a big scale, then you’ll love this tutorial for creating a Spirit of the Forest wreath.

 

Categories:   Craft Tutorials, DIY Tutorials, Fairy Garden Crafts, Quick & Easy Crafts, Trash to Treasure

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Comments

  • Posted: August 3, 2018 13:29

    Bonnie Pozzi

    Im just putting out feelers... Anyone know where I could get a photo turned 3D....then perhaps make a mask from it? I think this would be a wonderful tribute to a "family tree". Dont even know if this is possible but worth asking.
    Reply

    • Posted: August 3, 2018 13:37

      acraftymix

      Wow Bonnie, what a wonderful idea. I just did a quick search on google and there are a whole bunch of tutorials on how to print a photo in 3D. Apparently it's called a lithophane! Who would have thought, but it would be incredibly special to do something like that. Now you've got me thinking 😉
      Reply

  • Posted: July 17, 2018 03:27

    Anne

    My two girls, now 13 & 11, have created a Secret Garden in part of our yard. In it lives fairies and all things wonderful! This is such a beautiful, delightful, and fun project... It *has* to go into our Secret Garden! We love to hike and I am a wood hoarder and love looking for odd pieces on our hikes. I especially like the ones with holes in them! So, I have a perfect collection of wood for this project. Today, I made my cast, as you said. Now I await for the cement to set. I can't wait to see it tomorrow! I am going to seal it and set it out. Thank you for this wonderful project. :) <3
    Reply

    • Posted: July 17, 2018 10:13

      acraftymix

      Oh Anne, how I would love to see that secret garden of yours. The girls must be making such amazing memories there. And you are most welcome, I'm so very glad you're making your own little wood nymph.😍
      Reply

  • Posted: June 25, 2018 11:43

    Kim Jones

    I'm in love with this! So creative and special!
    Reply

    • Posted: June 25, 2018 14:22

      acraftymix

      Thank you Kim 😍
      Reply

  • Posted: June 25, 2018 07:31

    Sarah - Whiting

    Gorgeous and clever - you've got me thinking again Michelle :)
    Reply

    • Posted: June 25, 2018 07:42

      acraftymix

      Hello old friend. How'v you been? So glad you like it Sarah
      Reply

  • Posted: June 19, 2018 06:22

    Leanna

    Lately I can't seem to catch up to my schedule, so many hours working at one thing or another. Its always a quiet joy for me to spend some time on your blog and catch up with what you are creating. You make beautiful whimsical art pieces that I love, but there really is something magical about your garden nymph and what a loving way to use an old toy.
    Reply

    • Posted: June 19, 2018 09:51

      acraftymix

      😍 Thank you so much Leanna and I hope your schedule calms down a little. Sometimes it feels like there's just not enough time in a day to get everything done
      Reply

  • Posted: June 18, 2018 14:42

    Carolann

    I just love Sebastian! What a great idea. I love anything enchanted or fairy-like and this is simply stunning! I would love to try and make one soon. Your creative mind always leaves me in awe!
    Reply

    • Posted: June 18, 2018 15:43

      acraftymix

      Isn't Sebastian just beautiful. He was my favorite doll for such a long time, I'm so glad I could find a way to keep him and use him for this fun DIY too 🙂
      Reply

  • Posted: June 17, 2018 13:37

    Linda at Mixed Kreations

    Wow that is very clever Michelle! I bet he looks really cute in your garden. I would love to have a wood Nymph in my garden. That is so cool! 😍
    Reply

    • Posted: June 18, 2018 06:26

      acraftymix

      Thanks so much Linda. We're going to take this little one down to our little round house at the sea. We have this gigantic wild fig just outside our front door and I think she'll be really happy protecting that beauty.
      Reply

  • Posted: June 15, 2018 23:23

    Preet

    What a creative and unique idea, the ornament looks so amazing. I would love to try this!
    Reply

    • Posted: June 16, 2018 05:31

      acraftymix

      Thanks so much Preet, hope you do get to try it and let me know how it goes
      Reply

  • Posted: June 13, 2018 22:43

    Frani Willis

    OMG, love, love, love y our wood nymph!!! What a wonderful imagination you have!!! ♄
    Reply

    • Posted: June 14, 2018 07:37

      acraftymix

      💕 Thank you so much Frances, that means a lot to me
      Reply

  • Posted: June 13, 2018 21:07

    Kim

    Wow. Now that it ingenious! Not that I'm surprised. Your crafty talents never cease to amaze me. :)
    Reply

    • Posted: June 14, 2018 07:38

      acraftymix

      😊 Awwww thank you so much Kim
      Reply

  • Posted: June 13, 2018 20:12

    Anonymous

    Really loved your project; I think a wood nymph would also be lovely stuck in a large potted plant, or simply hung anywhere!
    Reply

    • Posted: June 14, 2018 07:38

      acraftymix

      Thank you very much Anon, I really appreciate that
      Reply

  • Posted: June 13, 2018 19:17

    Maria

    This is absolutely fantastic idea!
    Reply

    • Posted: June 14, 2018 07:39

      acraftymix

      So glad you like it Maria, thank you 😊
      Reply

  • Posted: June 13, 2018 17:57

    Christina Makri

    You are an artist, a real artist!!!! I have no words to describe your nymph Michelle. Only in fairytails you may meet something like this :)
    Reply

    • Posted: June 14, 2018 07:41

      acraftymix

      You going to make me blush, thank you so much Christina
      Reply

  • Posted: June 13, 2018 03:48

    FLORENCE

    Totally agree with Katrin. This is so "you" Michelle. I can just see one of these little fellas (or gals) peeking out from a tree or a post. It's such a nice addition to a garden.
    Reply

    • Posted: June 13, 2018 05:25

      acraftymix

      Thanks so much Florence and she was so easy to make to
      Reply

  • Posted: June 12, 2018 11:05

    Tiffany Yong

    I've always wondered how a wood nymph look like, this is pretty cool and interesting. I have no garden so I won't be able to do this, it will be really cool to do so thou~
    Reply

    • Posted: June 13, 2018 05:28

      acraftymix

      Thank you Tiffany, wood nymphs come in all shapes and sizes depending on the tree they protect and I'm glad you like this little one 😉
      Reply

  • Posted: June 10, 2018 00:36

    Jas - All that's Jas

    And now she goes off making nymphs, of course! Do you ever run empty? I guess not. Another brilliant idea, my dear friend! Can't wait to see what's next. Keep 'em coming!
    Reply

    • Posted: June 10, 2018 06:25

      acraftymix

      😀 I'll try my best 😉
      Reply

  • Posted: June 9, 2018 15:03

    Marie

    I'd never heard of a wood nymph before and after reading your post, my plans to remove a tree in our yard have stalled. There is a perfect large wood knot in the trunk and I'm thinking if I promise the tree to turn that knot into magical wood nymph to hang forever more in our yard, that it would forgive me for cutting it down because it's hanging vicariously over our neighbor's garage. Thank you Sebastian for saving me from being punished - it was my favorite tree for many years until Mother Nature wacked off half of her during a terrible wind storm.
    Reply

    • Posted: June 10, 2018 06:34

      acraftymix

      Ouch, sometimes Mother Nature really does go a little overboard but I'm sure your favorite tree will forgive you Marie 💕 You tried to save her and if you give her a wood nymph she'll love you forever
      Reply

      • Posted: June 23, 2018 14:37

        Marie

        Michelle, Sebastian the wood nymph is my feature this week at the ToTT party. Be sure to come party with us Tuesday night to see it :)
        Reply

        • Posted: June 24, 2018 05:55

          acraftymix

          Ahhh Marie, thank you so much for that. 😍
          Reply

  • Posted: June 9, 2018 13:25

    Debrashoppeno5

    Another great idea. Plus it looks like such fun to create.
    Reply

    • Posted: June 10, 2018 06:35

      acraftymix

      They are fun to make, hope you give it a try Debra
      Reply

  • Posted: June 7, 2018 12:00

    Elizabeth O

    Another really creative idea here. I really like the look of the ornament. Great job!
    Reply

    • Posted: June 7, 2018 13:29

      acraftymix

      Thanks so much Elizabeth 😉
      Reply

  • Posted: June 7, 2018 06:09

    Michele Michael

    Sebastian is darling and it's very special that you have created his clone . This is one of the best crafts I've seen in a long time.
    Reply

    • Posted: June 7, 2018 06:47

      acraftymix

      😊 Thank you Michele
      Reply

  • Posted: June 7, 2018 00:03

    Tanvi Rastogi

    I will be honest, I didn't know what nymph was ... had to google it! It kinda looks scary 🙈- Super creative though!! :) ❄ tanvii.com
    Reply

    • Posted: June 7, 2018 06:46

      acraftymix

      Oh no my friend, nymphs shouldn't be scary, they're only their to protect their space. In fact they normally take on the guise of a beautiful, young woman that will only turn nasty and fierce if someone hurts them. 💕
      Reply

  • Posted: June 6, 2018 21:31

    Nikki Gwin

    I love it!! I need this on my shed. Thanks for sharing. :) gwingal
    Reply

    • Posted: June 13, 2018 05:37

      acraftymix

      😊 Thank you Nikki, I'm glad you like her
      Reply

  • Posted: June 6, 2018 19:07

    Maya

    My goodness! This is so beautiful ! Who wouldn't want to make this lovely face for the garden and add a little of that fairy magic into it!
    Reply

    • Posted: June 7, 2018 13:30

      acraftymix

      Thank you Maya, that means so much coming from you ❀
      Reply

  • Posted: June 6, 2018 17:48

    Mary

    Beautifully done Michelle. It looks like your garden must be full of little treasures all hiding here and there waiting for your visitor to discover them. And that is exactly what it should be a magical garden full of enchanting gems!
    Reply

    • Posted: June 7, 2018 06:56

      acraftymix

      Thanks so much Mary, we really are very lucky that we've got the space to create a some garden magic.
      Reply

  • Posted: June 6, 2018 15:09

    Nati

    wow! Michelle your creativity has no limits and I am in awe at your garden nymph, what a cute magical ornament!
    Reply

    • Posted: June 7, 2018 15:51

      acraftymix

      😊 Awwww thank you Nati
      Reply

  • Posted: June 6, 2018 06:49

    Sam

    This is so lovely! Sebastian has the perfect face for a wood nymph. If I had a garden, I’d love to have a wood nymph or two. 🙂
    Reply

    • Posted: June 7, 2018 06:54

      acraftymix

      Thanks so much Sam and Sebastian little sleeping face was just perfect for the wood nymph 🙂
      Reply

  • Posted: June 5, 2018 22:29

    Cindy

    Very creative! I would have never thought of making my own wood nymph, thanks for the idea.
    Reply

    • Posted: June 6, 2018 04:06

      acraftymix

      It's a pleasure Cindy, I'm glad you like it
      Reply

  • Posted: June 5, 2018 21:49

    Karolina

    This is absolutely amazing! Like a part of a magical garden - lovely! You're so talented!
    Reply

    • Posted: June 6, 2018 04:06

      acraftymix

      🙂 Thanks Karolina, I'm all for magical gardens
      Reply

  • Posted: June 5, 2018 21:18

    Karla

    This is so very creative. My kids would probably love this in the yard.
    Reply

    • Posted: June 7, 2018 05:44

      acraftymix

      Get the kids to help you make some Karla, maybe they'll even let you use one of their dolls for the mold 🙂
      Reply

  • Posted: June 5, 2018 20:47

    Anonymous

    Michelle, OMG!! This is so sweet!! So adorable!! Thanks so much for stopping by!! Hugs, Debbie
    Reply

    • Posted: June 6, 2018 04:04

      acraftymix

      😊 Thank you Debbie, I'm glad you like her
      Reply

  • Posted: June 5, 2018 19:33

    Waren

    Oh wow! That’s really creative. I remembered my mom used to buy nymphs and dwarves for our garden before coz these are really good decorations. Amazing!
    Reply

    • Posted: June 7, 2018 05:43

      acraftymix

      🙂 They always add a little happiness to the garden don't they
      Reply

  • Posted: June 5, 2018 19:18

    Ithfifi

    Again with the amazing creativity! I am sorry to Sebastian but I am glad he's still going on and creating new forms of live even with his injuries! I absolutely love your wood nymph, it takes me back to my childhood, watching Pocahontus where she has the grandmother tree :) Truly gorgeous.
    Reply

    • Posted: June 6, 2018 04:05

      acraftymix

      ❀ Thank you Ithi. I'm so happy that Sebastian's little face can live on in the garden too
      Reply

  • Posted: June 5, 2018 14:51

    Julia - Vintage with Laces

    I'm not a fairy person but your wood nymph is totally adorable, Michelle! What a clever idea to mount it directly onto a piece of wood! You always have such creative and practical ideas! I hope you'll get my package soon. It's almost 4 weeks now on its way. :(
    Reply

    • Posted: June 7, 2018 05:41

      acraftymix

      I'm dying to get the package too Julia, our postal services aren't always the best though and we often wait quite a long time for things to arrive from overseas.
      Reply

  • Posted: June 5, 2018 14:47

    Daisy

    Wow what a super creative idea! This is absolutely intriguing for any garden!
    Reply

    • Posted: June 5, 2018 14:52

      acraftymix

      Thanks so much Daisy, every garden needs a little wood nymph right!!? 🙂
      Reply

  • Posted: June 5, 2018 13:12

    Melanie

    Wow how exciting is this fun activity. Super creative and a crafty idea for sure x
    Reply

    • Posted: June 5, 2018 14:35

      acraftymix

      Thanks so much Melanie
      Reply

  • Posted: June 4, 2018 17:47

    Katrin

    You really amaze me with your creative mind. I mean, who wouldn't want a wood nymph in their garden, I would love one, but I would just have never gotten the idea of making one. That is you!
    Reply

    • Posted: June 5, 2018 06:45

      acraftymix

      😊 Thank you Katrin, that really means a lot to me.
      Reply

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