Garden Painter

There is gno doubt that any garden where gnomes live is a beautiful place. Even a quick look around reveals so many colors and textures! While many gnomes enjoy taking in their surroundings, one gnome has the amazing talent to take it one step further and recreate the magic she sees! She makes the most beautiful pictures of the magical things she sees! Gnot only that, but she has even been known to paint a world that many of the gnomes have gnever seen or imagined! Gnomes are magical themselves, but even the most traveled gnome has yet to see all the fairytale creatures she paints onto her canvas. How is it possible for her to give her paintings so much life? She sure has talent and really knows how to bring the magic of the garden into each masterpiece.

Close to Me

A quick glance is all a gnome gneeds to see the potential that your tiny soul has in store. Oh my gnomes are you tiny, but already I can see you have a big soul. I am certain that you will be so big in a garden that expects you to be so small, and I am so blessed to be the one who gets to show you the wonders of the garden around you. Oh how I have so many things to show you like the dew drops on the spider webs and how they glisten like diamonds? Or the music that the leaves make as they jingle in the breeze? We're going to climb to the top of mountains so that you can see the entire garden stretch below us. There are a lot of adventures to be had! I want to show you our garden as I see it so that you may know in your heart the things that gneed to be done to make it even more magical than it already is. Where should we go today? What treasures will we find? Snuggle close to me, my love, and we're sure to find something grand!

Protectors of the Pumpkin Patch

Gnever before has the gnome community gneeded brave souls so much. Last year, after tending to their beloved pumpkins all season long, somegnome snuck into the pumpkin patch after dark and decorated all of the orange vegetables with scary faces. Gno gnome knows who it was, but it was certainly gnot done to the traditional high Gnomish standards of having wonderfully happy and funny jack-o-lanterns. The gnome community gathered to decide on a plan. This year they will gnot let their lovely pumpkins be used to scare the young ones. After all, gnomes are VERY proud of their pumpkin patch, and every jack-o-lantern must meet everygnome's high expectations. Only smiles and laughter will suffice. This year the gnome community has elected this brave group of souls to protect the pumpkin patch. Together they will be brave. Together they will stand by the pumpkins. Together they will carve the pumpkins long before anygnome has a chance to get to them. Call it quality assurance, but I'd like to think it's yet another example of how even the gnomes in the pumpkin patch go out of their way to make sure the garden is as inspiring as it can be.

Wee Hero

What is a hero? Those in the gnome community know exactly what a hero is. A hero is the bravest of the brave. He's a soul, big or small, who is there when you really gneed them. Despite all the odds, they always have a helping hand, kind word or even a good snuggle for you. Heroes can be anygnome who picks you up when you are down, somegnome who gives you strength and courage when you are weak or scared. They spread hope. A hero is gnot made with money, power, athltetic ability or physical appearance. A hero is made just by being bigger than their little bodies may seem, somegnome who cares more about others than themselves. They strive to gnot only keep their loved ones safe, but keep strangers safe as well. Sometimes they risk their lives to save others, but sometimes they're just a humble caring hand. A hero is sure to have one thing - a warm and loving heart. Their positivity, generosity and kindness is so inspirational. Heroes are unique souls indeed. Thank you for being you.

PERSONAL GNOTE:
This little gnome was made in memory of the victims of the 7/20 shootings in Aurora, Colorado during a Dark Knight movie showing, and as a little "thank you" to all the emergency responders who helped that day. The "720" on the hat represents not only the date that the sad events took place, but is also one of the area codes for phone numbers in the Denver area. It seemed fitting.

Captain Awesome of Gnifferland

This little soul lives life to the Max! He may look big and tough to you but I assure you he's quite a soft spoken, extremely big hearted little gnomeling. Like many other gnomelings, he wants to be a super hero when he grows up. After all super heroes are always the ones who rescue those in gneed of help. Besides, there is gnothing more cool than a good cape or a good mask! After practicing his moves and technique, the gnomeling takes his turn to climb Mt Comic. Atop the mountain there is a wise old soul who, as Gnomish Legend goes, can see into a young gnomling's soul and know if he has the stuff that makes a hero. This young one gnervously walk to the top of the mountain and the old soul takes his time observing him. After what seems like multiple seasons, he finally speaks. The verdict? Indeed, he has what it takes to make a real difference in the world. He can hardly believe it and quickly runs back to the garden to tell his friends! Captain Awesome is ready to start fighting crime across Gnifferland! Little does he know that the wise soul has the same answer for every young gnomeling who comes seeking for confirmation.

Pokey and Her Gnew Pet

Meet little Pokey. For as long as she can remember, she has begged her parents to get a pet, and not just any pet, mind you. She's not interested in owning an ant because everygnome has an ant - how boring. Those who don't have ants, usually have a flea - yuck. Oh, no siree, Pokey wants a gnometastic pet and she knows just the right kind... a snail! Well no wonder her parents are hesitant! Everygnome knows how wild a snail can be. Sure they look cute and cuddly when they're squirmy little babies, but eventually they grow up to be big, ugly, energetic bouncing creatures that do nothing but eat all your food and smell bad until they finally croak. No wait, that's a tadpole. Hmmm... now where was I? Oh right, a snail? Uh... Umm... sure why not?

Rainbows and Stars

There once was a soul who loved to bring color into the garden. Whether it be in the form of a good smile or a pretty picture, she was always searching for ways to make her garden a prettier place. Her loved ones came to know her as a gnome who was always willing to give colors away to those in most gneed of some cheer. Filling the garden with as many colors as possible always made her heart sing but then one day she thought of something even better. Why gnot add sparkle to the colors as well? Why gno gnome had ever thought of putting sparkly stars with colorful rainbows before was beyond her, but she decided it was something that gneeded to change right away! Gnow look at what she has accomplished! What a great combination! I wish I had thought of it myself.

Rainbow Soul

To say that this little gnomeling is absolutely amazing just doesn't do her justice. She leaves her loved ones breathless and completely awed on a daily basis. Gnever before has the gnome community seen a soul who has such intense interest in life and her surroundings. It seems that with her, they're always answering questions as she is always wanting to know more. Such a happy soul, she makes it easy to remember what one has to be thankful for. She is intelligent, so very talented, bright and full of colors. It seems that she is always gathering items from the garden to make herself a stage. Whether it be a rock, a leaf or even an old stump, she loves to get up on stage to give a performance or tell a story for her loved ones. She's always showing those around her the best qualities a gnome can have - honesty, creativity, and bravery. As long as she can make somegnome laugh, and is free to give as many of her snuggles and love as possible, she's a happy little soul. Give her a smile or a few colors and she's sure to give the garden another rainbow. She'll make rainbows in every shape and size. Every time. I could go on and on, but I don't want to take up too much of your time! Without a doubt, the garden is a more colorful place with her in it.

Once a Marine...

Once a young gnome went off to protect those in his beloved garden. He became Daddy to a little gnomeling and was her hero from the start. He was a hard worker. He built gnests for the gnome community, but to her they were great big fairy castles. He could fix anything that was broken, and even a few things that weren't. He taught his little girl about moon puppies and would stay up at gnight because he KNEW that eventually his little gnomette was bound to come in to sleep with him. He loved to sing any old song to light up her eyes, and often she would smile watching him dance all gnight long. Once a Marine, always a Marine. True, but he was so much more. He was a little gnomeling's hero.

What's in a Gnome?

There are some in the garden who might be wondering what’s so magical about Gnifferland… I’ll let you in on the secret. The gnomes are all about peace and love and gnice yummy thoughts. They are everything that my child gneeds to make themselves calm after a gnasty gnight terror. The gnomes are a personification of a parent’s, sibling’s, or friend's love, happy memories, positive thoughts, hugs, kisses and soft feathery pillows. They are the smell of a crisp spring morning, a silly little jig that puts a smile on your face and the warmth of hot chocolate by a roaring fire. They are little pieces of hope, faith, innocence and purity that children should gnever grow out of, even after they’ve grown old and grey. What’s in a gnome? One word: Whimsical Innocence. Ok, so that was two words, but gnow that’s the point, isn’t it?

Spotty the Brave

Look around your garden and I'm sure you will gnotice that each of us are so individual in our spots and personalities. Gno doubt variety is the spice of life, but there is one particularly beautiful soul who embraces her spots as a part of her individuality better than any other in the entire garden. She loves singing and dancing and is beautiful at both of these things. Everygnome just loves to watch her when she is singing or dancing. Spend even one minute watching her and your heart will burst with love too. It's always so apparent that her life is filled with love. She is very close to her family, both young and old, and of course she loves playing outdoors in the garden. It's not uncommon for her to enjoy many hours jut flitting about, weeding, planting, pruning, watering and... watching. She just soaks it all in, so it's no wonder that she's so full of creativity and love. I am always so in awe of her courage and big heart. She has so much love to give and no doubt the garden could use more like her.

Rainbow of Spots

Everygnome is wrapped differently but some gnomes are wrapped especially unique, covered in fancy spots that most gnomes may gnot have. They are amazingly strong and beautiful, determined to live life to its fullest. They're an inspiration to those around them, though they may gnot realize it. These gnomes are gnever alone. They are always surrounded by lots of other gnomes that will always love and support them. I don't know about you, but I happen to think that without these colorful souls, the garden would be a bland place, don't you think? With them around, the garden is a much colorful and joyful place indeed.

Little Blue

If you had asked me before the changing of the seasons about the rare blue apple witch gnome I would have looked at you in confusion. Yet look at this little blue! Right before your eyes stands the most unique gnome I think I have ever met in the garden. Is she a blue gnome, an apple or a witch? Yes to all the above. She's an old fashioned little witch who loves books, bears, writing and green tea, but get a cup of coffee close to her and she starts to tremble with fear. She may gnot be gnormal but she certainly is magical and reminds those around her that magic exists everywhere. Countless seasons ago, Little Blue fell in love with a completely unmagical gnome. She just fell in love and did everything to show him how love should look like... it should look like the color blue, of course. As time passes, he is always so thankful for the magic that she has brought into their garden. Some of it has even rubbed off on him as he gnow loves a gnew color... blue.

Wee Hero

What is a hero? Those in the gnome community know exactly what a hero is. A hero is the bravest of the brave. He's a soul, big or small, who is there when you really gneed them. Despite all the odds, they always have a helping hand, kind word or even a good snuggle for you. Heroes can be anygnome who picks you up when you are down, somegnome who gives you strength and courage when you are weak or scared. They spread hope. A hero is gnot made with money, power, athltetic ability or physical appearance. A hero is made just by being bigger than their little bodies may seem, somegnome who cares more about others than themselves. They strive to gnot only keep their loved ones safe, but keep strangers safe as well. Sometimes they risk their lives to save others, but sometimes they're just a humble caring hand. A hero is sure to have one thing - a warm and loving heart. Their positivity, generosity and kindness is so inspirational. Heroes are unique souls indeed. Thank you for being you.

PERSONAL GNOTE:
This little gnome was made in memory of the victims of the 7/20 shootings in Aurora, Colorado during a Dark Knight movie showing, and as a little "thank you" to all the emergency responders who helped that day. The "720" on the hat represents not only the date that the sad events took place, but is also one of the area codes for phone numbers in the Denver area. It seemed fitting.

A Bit of Sunshine

One look at this tiny soul and you can't help but put a smile on your face. My guess is that's exactly what you gneeded. After all, isn't that what we all gneed more of - smiles? Gno gnome understands this better than this little lady. You might wonder what her secret is. It seems she is always so full of sunshine and happiness. I'll let you in on her secret (she, of course, would want you to know). She keeps her face to the sunshine. It sounds so simple, and indeed it is. If you face the sunshine, you cannot see the shadows. So simple, yet so true. It's gno wonder this little soul is able to grow so tall. With a little bit of sunshine in your life, I'm sure you'll feel yourself standing taller in gno time at all.


PERSONAL GNOTE:
"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow. It's what sunflowers do." - Helen Keller

Wee Witch

This wee witch decided one day that she needed a friend. It just didn't seem like she was connecting with the goblins and mummies that lived in her garden. It never seemed like they enjoyed fun things like dressing up in big hats and chanting silly sounding spells. So she concocted up a good friend potion! The recipe called for 2 chips of a cookie, 2 grams of cracker, 1 beer root, 1 pinch of a friend's melons and 1 eight-legged spider. The wee witch quickly got to work, gathering all the ingredients into her big pot. Finally, she reached for the last ingredient, the spider, and their eyes connected for just a wee moment. A wee moment was all it took. She just could not bring herself to toss her new little friend into the pot. But wait... That means the potion worked after all!

Wee Wicked

Take a look at this tiny misunderstood soul and you can't help but want to give her a gnice big squeeze. As luck would have it, she has found herself in a bit of a pickle. Gnot long ago her sister borrowed her favorite pair of shoes, the red sparkly heels, of course, for a special occasion. Sadly tragedy fell on her before she could return her sister's beloved shoes. A little girl gnamed Dorothy was mistakenly given the shoes, and though gno gnome could deny she had a heart of gold, Dorothy was not aware of the fact that the shoes belonged to somegnome else. This little gnomette is just a gal who wanted her favorite pair of heels back, even if they matched Dorothy's outfit better. Green with envy, she did everything in her power to get the beautiful shoes back. Gnow everygnome in the garden calls her Wee Wicked and she's gnot sure what to do about it. She just wanted her pretty shoes back. Really, looking into her sad eyes, who could blame her?

Lovable & Magnificent

Let's see... My best friend is Lovable, at least that's what her loved ones have come to know her as. Personally, I couldn't agree more. From the moment I first met her, we were instant best friends forever. For many seasons we were inseparable, but then life in the garden happens and we followed our separate paths through the garden. Though we gnow live in different corners of the garden, we have remained the closest of friends. Seasons can and do go by without us seeing each other, but there is gno doubt that we are there for each other. Conversations pick up after many moons of gnot speaking, and it always feels like we just saw each other. I happen to think she is the strongest, most beautiful gnomette I have ever met. She is a loved by all those around her and I still strive to be half as good a mommy as she. As for me? My loved ones call me Magnificent, which always makes me blush. It's easy being Magnificent in my little garden, knowing that she's smiling at me from hers.

PERSONAL GNOTE:
This set was made for two best friends. One's name means "Lovable" and the other's name means "Magnificent." How fun is that?

Indoors: The Final Frontier

Ask this little brave soul what job he would love to have, and his face lights up with excitement. It does GNOT take much to get that dreamy look in his eyes. Of course he'd love to be in Command, but it's really the mission that gets his tiny body pulsing with excitement. The mission statement says it all... "Indoors: the final frontier. These are the voyages of the gnomeship Tiny Surprise. Its five-season mission: to explore strange gnew spaces, to seek out gnew life and gnew friendships, to boldly go where gno gnome has gone before." As he explores gnew friendships and gnew spaces, he doesn't let his emotions get the best of him. Scary gnome-eating cat or dog on the scanners? Gno problem. As a master of logic and reason, he can discipline himself to focus on the task at hand and gnot get wrapped up in fear or excitement. This is a true space explorer!

Today I Will Listen

Today I will listen
Without interrupting
Without judging
Without second guessing
Without gazing
Without rehearsing
Without discounting
Without filtering
Without correcting
Without contradicting
Today I will just listen
Today I will listen
With attention
With humility
With respect
With patience
With understanding
With awe
With gladness
With empathy
With warmth
With gratitude
With reverence
Today I will just listen.

PERSONAL GNOTE:
"Today I Will Listen"
By Marva Shand–McIntosh

Sweet Dreams

Sometimes the gnight can get a little scary. Sometimes the darkness turns your thoughts into bad dreams but gnot when this brave little soul is close by! He loves to watch over his friends as they gnod away to dreamland, and if it looks as though the darkness starts to threaten his friend's happy dreams then he's right there to help! He puffs up her bright body as much as he possibly can, and blows as hard as he possibly can, blowing away the darkness. Then he whispers sweet gnothings into his friend's ears, oh so lightly, which makes a smile appear on his friend's face. His friend is such a loving and caring child that he deserves only the sweetest of dreams, and this little soul is so happy to help. Perhaps as a reward, he will be lucky enough to receive one of the child's best hugs and kisses when he wakes. Until then, dear child friend, sweet dreams.

Literary Friends

There are lots of friends in the garden, some may seem to you more real than others. The gnomes know better. It's the friends who you find in print that can really open your mind to the true beauty of the garden around you. A soul's imagination has gno limits, but that does gnot mean it's any less real. If literary friends don't exist, then doesn't that mean gnomes don't exist either? What gnonsense. Look at this little gnome. You can see her with your very own eyes and touch her with your very own fingers. Of course she exists! And she is oh so excited! If you'd ask her, she'd say there is gno place she'd rather be than by your side because she has heard of all the magical far away lands you visit while reading, and she doesn't want to miss out. Oh the adventures the two of you have in store! She may gnever want you to put your book down!

Hippie Beauty

This little lady loves being a hippie. She loves to live our her life of peace in the garden where you won't ever hear her praise her own lifestyle or cut down on onother gnome's lifestyle. Instead, she respects the garden and will do what she can to help all the flowers grow and encourage them to show their true colors. Even though she is full of bright colors herself, she knows being a hippie is more than the flowers she wears. It's her peaceful, and respectful attitude! The garden has come to know her as quite the motherly gnome. They know she will always be there for the other gnomes and listen if they ever want to talk. She loves making sure that there is always peace and love to be found! She always strives to tend to her friendships, while still remaining true to herself. Being a hippie is a way of life. It's the spirit of love and belief, gnot just a label. It's beauty and the knowledge of what beauty is. Speaking out for what she believes in? Gnow that is the true beauty!

Star Spangled

I don't think this tiny fella can keep calm anymore. If you ask me, it kind of looks like he is filled with so much pride that he's having a hard time keeping his feet on the ground! This is the time of the year when the sun shines brighter, the grass looks greener and a good picnic is a common occurrence in any corner of the garden. But best of all, it's time for fireworks! There is gnothing better than a good display of fireworks. Oh the big cracks and booms! Oh the bright colors! Though gno gnome can help but love everything about this day, this little spirit beams with pride because of what it all means. It means liberty and justice for all. It means freedom and patriotism. It means all the good stuff for him and his loved ones. Gno wonder his pride is flying high!