Whimsical Woods Gnome Stories/Blog

If you would like to read more gnome stories in the Whimsical Woods Blog, our stories our now on our website, www.whimsicalwoods.net. Just click on BLOG in the top menu. Happy reading! :-)

Good news! We are about to launch a new and improved Whimsical Woods website! Same URL, http://whimsicalwoods.net. Unfortunately, you may find the site temporarily unavailable or you may not be able to complete a purchase via the website. Please be patient with us and check back for updates. We hope to have it up and running very soon. In the meantime, please feel free to call us at 360-452-7308 to place an order via phone. THANK YOU!!

Blame the gnomes? :-)

Beach/Dune Gnomes

Beach Gnome

Found along our ocean coasts are the beach/dune gnomes. These little people are said to be a wee bit larger and have flatter feet so as to not sink into the sand. They are often very weathered and wind blown in appearance. They still have the tall red pointed hat, but the clothes look a little sun bleached.

Beach Gnome

You will often see little surf birds running in the sand between waves feeding on the little salt water bugs. They’re very fast, but not as fast as our little sand gnomes. At times, they are just a blur as they also try to gather up little goodies from the surf. These guys are the ultimate beachcombers for sure. If you are walking a surf line at night, keep a sharp eye out. I wonder if infrared detectors would work?

Their homes are made of old driftwood and a collection of beach junk that they use to construct cozy little homes on the bluffs in the weeds. Should nature call you while at the beach, be very careful where you go. No pin intended! They love beach picnic and fire leftovers. Not sure if they like s’mores.

Beach gnomes love the water, so someday you just might surprise one if you cross the dune crest unexpectedly. Keep a sharp lookout next visit to your local wild beach.

All is well and Spring really is coming!

http://www.whimsicalwoods.net

Whimsical Woods is in the Costco Connection Manazine!

Whimsical Woods in the Costco Connection magazine!

If you don't already "gnome," we/Whimsical Woods, are featured in the March edition of the Costco magazine, "Costco Connection" on their Member Connection page (inside back cover)!! http://www.costcoconnection.com/connection/201203#pg95

This is obviously a big event for us. The magazine is mailed to approximately 8 million Costco members and we have been receiving email inquiries, phone calls and orders from all over the US in response.

We've been working with Costco on this for the last 6 months and were thrilled that they took interest in our creations and wanted to feature us in their magazine. We are very flattered and now quite busy!

Not surprisingly, not everyone reads (or receives the magazine, or are Costco members so we are letting family and friends know with this email. Take a look and pass this on to anyone who might have an interest. Let the network begin! :-)


(Article “Reprinted with permission from The Costco Connection, March 2012.”)

Farm/Barn Gnomes

John Beer Gnomes

These little fellows are the “Mother Earth” super stars on any large or small farmland. They are very tough and rugged in appearance, but very sensitive to the farm and barn animals. They work and live in the outbuildings looking after all the animals that come and go. Food and shelter is provided especially in the winter moths.

Farm gnomes also visit the family garden you find on most rural farms. Their keen communication skills with the barn animals comes in handy around birthing time. They provide coaching and comfort to both the mother and newborn.

Farm gnomes are known to crawl around old farm equipment and enjoy playing tractor driver just like a little kid. They are smart enough to know not to turn the key on! If by chance your tractor somehow cranks up some dark night, you’ll “gnome” who did it! Get them a little toy tractor of their own We did! Farm gnomes are easy to please. Beer works best. Pop a few in the barn and leave the cans.

All is well.

http://www.whimsicalwoods.net

Woodland Gnomes

Woodland Gnomes

Woodland Gnomes on a walk in the snow

This is a very hardy group of gnomes who live in the forest and trees. They work very hard during the summers gathering food for themselves and tending to home building and repairs. They have a very strong relationship with the forest animals who they look after in the winders. Woodland gnomes are excellent wood crafters and tool makers. They have perfected the skill to make beer and wine in little woodland stills. Perhaps the human moonshiners had some woodland gnomes assisting? We have placed several gnome homes in our Whimsical Woods to attract these little helpers. None spotted yet, but will let you know. They are mostly hidden and tucked away, but that’s how they like it. They woodland gnomes and garden gnomes are buddies and trading partners. They explains why I’ll find a ripe strawberry sitting on a forest path. Somebody dropped it? Woodland gnomes like a visit to a garden, so best be good friends with the little keepers of the garden. Plenty to share.

Woodland gnomes wear the traditional red hat, green jacket, brown belt and brown pants. Always carry a little tool and they love big furry boots. Tough little people, but they enjoy their woodland homes and life.

All is well.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Whimsical-Woods/189899564463?ref=ts
www.whimsicalwoods.net

House Gnomes

Home Gnomes at their door with a welcome

Ole the Gnome with a Whimsical Woods Gnome Door

Said to be very observant of humans day and night. They have developed a number of home economic skills that are overlooked by the average homeowner; from tending to the house plants, dripping faucets, squeaky floors and other night time noises. They love human food, except meat, so searching for crumbs is a nightly outing. Almost empty wine or beer glasses are a real find. Add a few nuts and fresh vegetables, and you have some happy gnomes.

When unhappy, especially when you are home along, things seem to break such as the dishwasher, washing machine, sink plugs up, etc. Seems nothing is going well. Ever think you put something down somewhere, but when you go to get it, it’s not there? Been looking for something for weeks, looked every where, then all of a sudden is shows up where you’ve looked many times? Humm, those gnomes are at it again! Best leave some beer or wine out in a glass. Again, they live with us, watch us and love to play jokes on us. Have fun, return the humor and then all will be well.

Need an attractive gnome door on the floor next to your fireplace or front door? We have them and they’ll surely attract attention and smiles for all.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Whimsical-Woods/189899564463?ref=ts
 htpp://www.whimsicalwoods.net

Garden Gnomes

A Garden Gnome

Ole - our Garden Gnome

Garden gnomes are very popular and a desired visitor to most any garden. You want them to keep a lookout and assist in your garden’s success. These little helpers can turn a black thumb into a green thumb in one season!

They are fully aware of organic gardening skills and care for various vegetables and flowers. They are know to be very shy and moody as well as very observant of us and nature. We want to keep them happy with fresh water, red strawberries and little snail tins full of fresh beer. Most important, lots of fresh beer! They will deal with the slugs and snails after they brink your beer. And all these years you were taught that snails crawled into the beer and drowned. The Garden gnomes drink the beer and then toss the snail in. Very smart. Venture into your garden at night and listen for a little “belch” or “burp.” Have you ever seen a snail or slug actually crawling into a beer filled tin? But you find them there in the morning. So, there you go. Garden gnomes are very good to have. You’ll need a gnome home, however, for them and you already “gnome” where you can get one of those!  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Whimsical-Woods/189899564463?ref=ts

All is well. Spring is coming. Months away though.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Whimsical-Woods/189899564463?ref=ts
 htpp://www.whimsicalwoods.net

The Family of Gnomes

The Family of Gnomes

There are many different kinds of gnomes with no limit to one’s imagination on a lot more. We most often think of garden or woodland gnomes as those two seem to receive the most attention. The House Gnome population is growing, however. The good spirits they bring into a family home is hard to measure, but if welcomed, you’ll “gnome” it!

Each type of gnome has a little different style of clothing and mannerisms. However, they all have the tall, ever important pointed hat, usually red, but sometimes a little orange to green colored. Over the next few weeks, I will try to provide a little insight into the differences of the different types from what I’ve read and what I can imagine. I will try to include pictures if possible to help illustrate the visual differences.

A Boat gnome? Yep, a little fat fellow stuck inside a round tube like a floating device. Looks like a tall red hat on top of a fat cupcake. That would make a good fishing bobber I think. All in fun.

All is well here at Whimsical Woods. Big events in the near future. Keep in touch and visit our Facebook posts too - and Like us! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Whimsical-Woods/189899564463?ref=ts

SNOWY SEATTLE GNOMES

GNOMES AND GNOME HOME IN THE SNOW

Yes, it does snow in Seattle! There are a few gnomes out in the snow here on the Olympic Peninsula. The boys wanted to get a little play time so they asked me to take some pictures. Like us, they usually spend snowy days in their indoor shops making tools and furniture. When they do go out, on go their special boots that make  small-looking  animal tracks. We wrote a blog story last year, “Footprints in the Snow.”
http://whimsicalwoods-gnomes.blogspot.com/2010/11/footprints-in-snow.html. 

GNOMES AND THEIR FRIEND GO FOR A WALK IN THE SNOW

Seems snow and gnomes go together. They are dressed for it! 

Having had snow for several days now, the birds are very hungry. So with a little help from me, we’re keeping them fed. Our special suet is very popular now. Unfortunately, the Starlings like it way too much. Popcorn keeps them busy.

The snow will end, but be followed by rain with a concern for flooding next week. I think most gnomes float pretty well. Enjoy the snow pictures. We’re going to send a few into the Seattle news stations. They like local snowy home pictures. You never “gnome” what they will put on TV.


All is very white and quiet here in Whimsical Woods. Look at those tracks in the snow!

IS THIS GNOME LOST IS THE SNOW?

 

Suet Feeders - Very Popular!

Suet Feeder - for the birds!

To all the Whimsical Woods loyal gnome blog readers, a very Happy New Year, 2012. It surely will be a year of changes and politics. That is something we do not read about in the life of gnomes. They have a vocal leader in the clan - a king, who has a queen. Likely a wise elder couple who have earned great respect over the years. How different!

Although our winter of 2011- 2012 seems to be very mild so far, the winter feeding of the little birds must continue. A favorite here in the northern cooler climate is suet made from real animal fat, or in my case, lard. Here at Whimsical Woods, I prefer to make my own from scratch. I can make it to my liking much better than the cheap corn based cakes available in stores. You can find the lard at various bulk food/restaurant stores (Cash & Carry, Smart & Final, etc.) It is about $1.00 a pound in bulk. I buy a 30 lb. bucket for about $35, which will last a full season. The birds love the protein and energy from the suet feeders.

When the snow piles up on the ground, the winter birds will need your suet feeder and ice free water. Our gnome friends to their best to help, but appreciate human efforts.

The photo is a suet feeder I make and sell at the Sequim Open Aire Market, craft shows and mail order. Commercial green suet cages work, but don’t look as natural and require the use of store bought packaged suet.

Suet Recipe - simple ingredients

1 lb. soft lard
1/4 cup sugar, brown or white
1/8 cup ordinary beach sand
1/4 cup old bread crumbs
8 cups of good quality bird seed mix*
1/2 cup flour (white or whole wheat)*

Mix all and let sit in a cool place for a day, then feed the birds! Suet filled pine cones also work great!

*Note: Add more or less to thicken the mix. Optional: add natural chunky peanut butter.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays 2012 from Whimsical Woods

Merry Christmas from Whimsical Woods and the Gnomes

From our Whimsical Woods to your homes, a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. From our crew and little fellows here, we all thank you for your support in 2011. We appreciate your mail, photos and your orders for special log bird houses and custom gnome homes.

Our hope is to continue to spread the Gnome news and bring a little joy to those who can imagine and share with the family. Whimsical Woods will be spreading out to bigger craft shows in 2012. We’re hoping to be accepted to the Anacortes Arts Festival  and the Olympia Harbor Days. If we are accepted, we’ll let you all know and the dates. We’re looking now to branch out to spread the smiles. You never “gnome!”

Thank you all again. Please send us your feedback and your own photos so we can share the fun we’re having. (val@whimsicalwoods.net).

All is well. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Val & Nancy Jackson
Whimsical Woods
Port Angeles, WA

Three Wise Men Come!

Three Wise Men (Gnomes) at a Gnome Home

As the Christmas season approaches, we often hear the story of the Three Wise Men from afar who traveled to find a baby. It is possible the gnomes come from a Scandinavia heritage, which likely has a strong Christian base learned from their human neighbors. I haven’t read of any Christmas celebrations per say, but have read that the birth of a young gnome does bring in wise older clan members to celebrate the new birth. Perhaps they are guided by a friendly night owl with bright white neck feathers to be seen in the dark. Some special little gnomes do grow up to become king. Great respect is given to the gnome king and queen and they are recorded in the Great Book in a secret place deep in the woods.

Other than teasing trolls, a gnomes’ favorite past time is watching us humans and copying our habits and activities. No doubt, I think, somewhere here in the Whimsical Woods there is a small decorated Christmas tree soon to be surrounded with special woodlands gifts of food, tools and handcrafts. Maybe there is a Santa Gnome, pulled by a small flock of flying birds. What a sight that would be.

Three wise men come to see a new baby gnome on a special night in a nearby Whimsical Woods. You just never “gnome!”

All is well here in our Whimsical Woods.

"John Beer" Gnome Tractor

"John Beer" Tractor and Gnomes

These little people are so smart and observant - monkey see, monkey do! They must  be jealous of me on my John Deere tractor working the garden, fields and Whimsical Woods! It’s just like them to figure out how to copy me. Maybe now they’ll leave my berries and other garden goodies alone. I’ve never read of gnomes turning to internal combustion power, but that’s why we live here in Whimsical Woods. Next, I’ll find a gnome camper trailer that is strapped to the underside of a large Canadian Goose for the gnomes to vacation in!

If a gnome can build and drive a “John Beer” Tractor, no telling what’s next. I’ll say this, picking to build a John Deere (“John Beer”) was the best choice! I’ve heard a visit to the John Deere factory is worth the time and effort. Wonder if the gnomes somehow snuck in? I’ll keep my eyes open next Spring for the little fellows in our field where they may have planted. One possible surprise would be the use of bio-fuel to run the tractor. Likely they’ve come up with some simple formula, They know how to brew beer, ferment wine and now make bio-fuel!

Sounds like a good earth life to me. Oh, one last note. Fred Meyers stores have a lot of homeless gnomes who would like to be loaded into your car. :-) All is well.

Cooler Nights, Warmer Clothes

As we  move into winter, out comes the warmer clothes. That’s the same for the little forest gnomes also. Heavier jackets, pants and fun-lined boots. Gnomes use deer fur that collects on bob wire fences for making clothes, hats and boots. Likely also used for warm bedding and blankets. They also collect bird feathers from chickens and ducks. I’ve never seen or heard of gnomes wearing ear muffs to keep their big ears warm however. Their hearing is excellent, so maybe they don’t want to cover them up. The big leather waist belt is important to keep the body heat in as well as acting as a critical tool belt for their adventures at night. I have also never seen gloves on a gnome (illustration) but have to believe they have made them coming from Scandinavia. Same for a scarf or neck band - no record of them.

It’s too early for now yet here in Sequim, Washington, but the nights are getting a lot colder and wetter. Lots of fallen nuts and sunflower seeds for the gnomes’ delight. Best get the storage room filled before the snow! Firewood is plentiful and easy to find. Must be a busy time for our forest gnomes. Holidays ahead and good times for all.

http://www.whimsicalwoods.net accepts on line orders (via PayPal) and our gnome homes, bird houses, etc. make excellent and unique Christmas gifts for those hard to please, or special people in your life. Hint, hint!

All is well. See you at the Market.

The Gnome Top Hat

A Gnome Hat and a Gnome Home

As seen in some of our blog photos taken at our weekly Sequim Open Aire Market, my new large red gnome hat attracts joyful attention. A generous gift from another vendor, Ellen Lloyd, Olga's Yurt of Fiber, it always brings smiles and fun to those who place it on their head and always results in a photo-op!  What visitors must think when they return home having visited Sequim and had their picture taken with a scaled to fit red gnome hat!

Always worn by both male and female gnomes, their hats are only removed at bed time. Likely while bathing and seated at the dinner table, also (?). I’ve read a gnome does not feel like a gnome unless they have their hat on. Never a bare head. Child gnomes receive their first hats at a very early age and are taught to care and repair it for the rest of their life, which is 350 to 400 years! The importance of this hat in helping the gnome is numerous because it is pointed and hard, it can protect them from falling nuts, small branches, snow, rain and sometimes predator attacking birds and animals.

The tall red gnome hat is the signature of a proud gnome.

Winter Sequim Market: Winter schedule - every Saturday until Dec. 17 from 10 am to 2 pm in downtown Sequim on Cedar Street. Come on by and bring your camera. All in fun and all is well at Whimsical Woods.

BOO! - Guess Whoo!?

A gnome in disguise!

No good gnome would dress up in a costume and dare go out on Halloween. But if they did, it might be a very simple, yet “gnome-ish” looking appearance.My feelings are they would go door to door with a mug in their hand looking for adult libations from neighbors who want to share. I think gnomes don’t need a special occasion as they likely do it quite often. Does this sound like us? Adult trick-or-treaters with a glass in hand - I’ve heard of that!

Our local gnome agreed to pose for this picture. Hard to recognize him. You would never “gnome” who he was. ha ha

So, go forth and have a happy Halloween. Look out for these little guys. Say - anyone ever see a gnome Halloween costume for kids? Maybe someone will send me a photo so I can post it.

All is well here in Whimsical Woods.

Harvest Time

Harvest time for the gnomes

Gnomes in the garden

There is a touch of Fall here in Whimsical Woods. The days are getting shorter and the sound of migrating Canadian Geese are often heard above. To our little gnome friends’ delight, now is the time to fill their root cellars for the winter. We have a plentiful supply of potatoes, onions, beets, carrots, garlic, apples and beans. All are favored by the gnomes. As soon as the rain comes, the forest floor will be covered with large fresh mushrooms. As the gnomes don’t eat meat, they look to high protein garden foods and certain types of plants. Put out a little peanut butter a night and look what happens to it. That, along with suet, have got to be a big hit with those night hunters. They do not overlook bee honey either, which is a big treat for them. They use it in their cooking and for making a very popular fermented beverage. It stores very well for those long winter months.

Busy harvest times these days in Whimsical Woods garden. Winter is coming. Some say we are still waiting for summer, but that’s how it can be here in the Pacific Northwest. All is well in our woods.

Big Red Hat

Mary modeling our new gnome hat

We have a new red felt gnome hat! It was  made for me by Ellen and modeled very well by Mary who is the owner of a big gnome home. Needless to say, we have a lot of fun in our booth and have taken a number of pictures with our booth visitors. I’ll pass on a few more with, permission of course.

The Christmas holidays are fast approaching. Here at Whimsical Woods, we’re already busy making new bird houses and a new style of the popular suet feeders. Look for these to be added to our website, http://www.whimsicalwoods.net soon.

Speaking of winter, I’m often asked if the gnome homes and log bird houses take the winter weather. Here’s proof. Compliments of Mary and Bob. Add a little red hat and a big red Christmas bow and you are all decorated for the holidays. This picture could become a Gnome Christmas card!

The Sequim Open Aire Market will continue into December with reduced hours of 10 am to 2 pm every Saturday on Cedar Street in downtown Sequim. Come on down! Support our local artisans and enjoy the great food and produce. Be sure to stop by our booth and say hello.

All is well in Whimsical Woods. Keep smiling!

Nautical Gnome Home

Nautical Gnome Home

I have not read of gnomes making small boats for their travels. They much prefer to hitch a smoother ride on the back of large migrating birds. Having traveled hundreds of years ago to England, chances are they snuck onto a large sailing ship rather than try it alone. I don’t know if gnomes eat fish, but can imagine them smashing clams and mussels for a tasty meal. No doubt they live near the water’s edge and use those natural resources to construct their Nautical Gnome Homes.

This picture, from Karen, is a nautical style gnome home custom made for her local beach house location. I used sea glass, shells, driftwood and even made a gnome surf board! Where have you ever seen a gnome surf board? Look out O’Neill’s. Now, a gnome in a bathing suit holding a surf board would be something! Maybe I’ll make one and combine it with a gnome. Hang-ten little one.

Thank you Karen for sending us the photo. If you find a little pointed red hat sticking out of the sand, please let me know. :-)

All in fun and all is well. Surf’s up!