Paint Your Own Garden Gnome

The New Hampshire Craftworks company is located in Amherst, New Hampshire.  New Englanders are well known for their love of arts and crafts.   Independent artists are often featured at town fairs and gatherings of all kinds all over the state.  From fiber arts (Wool Arts Tour) to the juried selection of artists (League of New Hampshire Craftsmen), New Englander's show off their trades and talents of all kinds.

It is fitting then that the NH Craftworks company offers craft items for do-it-yourselfers.   Adults and children will enjoy creating these happy garden accents.

Their outdoor collection of garden gnomes can be painted in any colors to brighten the landscape.  

The garden gnomes for sale on this page will be purchased through Amazon.  They are made by New Hampshire Craftworks, as I have mentioned.  These products are bisque and can be painted or painted and fired, but as far as holding up in freezing temperatures, I wouldn't chance it.

Once the weather turns cold, bring the gnomes indoors.  I'm not sure what the company says about leaving them outside, but freezing would probably crack them.  Lots of direct sunlight may fade the color as well.

The gnomes would be just as happy guarding an indoor plant, while they wait for summer to return!

Gnomes were first introduced through a German company in the 1800's.  They were made out of clay, and each one was unique.   Unfortunately most were destroyed because of the wars.  Most garden gnomes are manufactured in bulk these days and they all tend to look like the same tacky little guys.  (Another reason to paint your own!)  Or search for a company that sells good quality gnomes.

The use of gnomes was popular to add security to gardens (keep pests away, guard the crops and livestock).  Today we can pretend they do the same jobs as we stand them among the perennials or under a tree.

The Kimmel Gnome company is currently one of the few operations creating garden gnomes that resemble their long lost ancestors.  They are hand-crafted, high quality gnomes, made of long lasting material meant to withstand outside temperature changes.  

It takes one to two weeks to complete a single handmade gnome.  A portion of each order goes toward building a sanctuary for local rescued cats.  You can read more about it, and see pictures of their 19 cats, on their site.

Kimmel Gnomes are made in the USA.  On their website you will find "antique gnomes" and a discontinued section, where gnomes can be purchased at a bargain price.

The gnomes themselves are priced reasonably, considering the time and quality of the item, but shipping is expensive, so be ready for that.

I enjoy adding features, such as bird baths, and sculptures to my flower gardens, but I had never thought about a gnome.  Now I just may include one of these little fellows.