The Diary of QueenGnome

Wow! We just located a supplier for a 3-D gnome cake pan. The finished cake looks just too good to cut and enjoy. Come back soon and we will show you a picture and provide the link to where you can purchase one. If you just can't wait email me directly at lylew@telusplanet.net.  UPDATE:  Marketed by www.fancyflours.com and the current price is listed at $35 but be prepared to pay a fair amount for shipping.

The founder of the World Wide Gnome Association is very ill and needs our prayers. You can connect with Jani Hallam via Facebook. She loves to hear from members of the WWGA.

Trees are definitely being painted at night up here in the North. As I sit out in my glass room watching the sun rise I am amazed at the overnight difference in the colours. 

Looking for gnome Christmas wrapping paper?  Check out Ebay! Search "Jenny Nystrom" wrapping paper and more! And, what wonderful cards you can make from wrapping paper. 

September 2011

Dear Diary, another month and a new season approaches. Leaves in the northern hemisphere are putting on their royal colours and gnomes are busy gathering winter stores.

I recently supported a budding gnome writer who has produced a new book of gnome line drawings in honour of her grandmother. Anyone interested in obtaining a copy please contact QueenGnome@foundus.com for further information.

It has taken many months - ok, over a year! - to connect with you once again. The program used to create this web site is not supported by Windows 7 so when I updated my computer I was no longer able to use my program. Well the old machine is back and the new one relocated so that we can once again keep in touch.

The next letter in the gnome alphabet is "F" which of course relates to Food something gnomes love! They eat natural foods and home preserves. 

July 10, 2010

Dear Diary, another month and a new season. Birds are chirping and the sun is shining here in Alberta, Canada where I reside. Recently a member brought to my attention some wonderful gnome gift wrap and a new artist. Check out Raoul Vitale's gnome pictures in a book titled, Fairy Realm - the last fairy apple tree by Emily Rodda. Here is a recent review provided by a WWGA member.

This book is so delightful, and the illustrations by Raoul Vitale are tender beyond words. The story is unusual, and Mr. Vitale’s artwork is especially unique.

A little girl named Jessie lives at her Granny’s house called “Blue Moon” – and Jessie’s mother Hannah works in a hospital.

Granny has a beautiful painting that depicts a realm she calls ‘Hidden Valley’ – where Gnomes live and have Fairy-Apple trees. Jessie’s grandfather painted the picture.

Dozens of little Gnomes live in the valley of the realm. Granny and her husband went there, but she said not many humans know the way. A protective hedge around the Gnomes’ village kept them safe from harm.

Granny has health problems – so when she senses something is very wrong in the realm and she can’t go there, she decides to send her grand-daughter Jessie. As they walk away from Blue Moon, they encounter a battered-looking stone Gnome fishing on Granny’s property, and he speaks to Jessie! His name is Bilbert. Jessie questions him about the Hidden Valley, and he had been away from it for too long. Bilbert becomes very much alive, but he’s so weak from not eating properly. There was nothing in the old fish pond for him to catch. Even Granny’s own Fairy-Apple Tree was no longer living.

Jessie and Granny carry Bilbert home, clean him up, and give him some food. Bilbert said he didn’t even remember how to get home to Hidden Valley! Jessie had never been there and was thrilled at the prospect of taking Bilbert back to his home. Granny said that the door to the realm was at the bottom of her garden.

The rest of the story evolves beautifully – can’t imagine a reader not loving it.

The ISBN is 0-06-009592-X. It’s a hard-cover book published by HarperCollins Publishers, New York City with a previous publisher given as ABC Books for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in New South Wales.

I got a copy through Amazon.com – and I think it could easily be read to children starting about age 5.

(Submitted by Gnome Devotee)

I have contacted the illustrator and requested his permission to promote his artwork on future WWGA calendars. I'm awaiting his response.

And check out the fantastic gnome wrapping papers! These will make great cards in addition to using them as wrapping papers. www.outofscandinavia.com 

Dear Diary, wow, time has flown by and I've been so busy that I forgot to upload the June calendar. And a member of the WWGA has asked me to try and discover more information on two china items. If anyone reading this knows more please let me know so that I can pass on the information.

I recently purchased and watched a new DVD movie called, Gnomes and Trolls, The Secret Chamber from the writers of Toy Story. I found it disappointing; however, could vision how it might appeal to the newer generation. If anyone has watched this DVD with a younger person how about letting me know their opinion. 

This Bing & Grondahl cup and saucer -- I wonder if it was a set ... and if anyone who has it can tell me if it was a whole dinner set. It may have been just a one-time cup and saucer – but if it was part of a set, I would try to find some.

	Also -- the Royal Copenhagen Gnome figurines.  I only have the 2 shown below -- a porridge bowl holder fellow and a fellow holding a black key ... but …I'd like to know how many there were in the series, if someone has the whole collection.  If I knew how many different Gnomes were made, I could try to find the rest.  There are no RC marks under them.
	is for Duty. This little gnome is listening to a tiny Ladybug's troubles.

May 7, 2010 - Dear Diary, in April I received this interesting message from Jebo the gnome. I wonder if anyone else has ever heard of this holiday. We all know that gnomes love to celebrate. 

Masshima gnome day - May 5th
Hi, I'm Jebo the garden gnome and my holiday is on May 5; now, I have something very special to tell you about this holiday. On this very day everyday since medieval times whomever owned a gnome put it or them in the middle of the yard. It was said to bring good luck to those who have been nice to their gnome; the gnome would help the flowers and or crops to grow faster. Then on May 11 they would have a feast for the gnome in appreciation; but, if the garden didn't grow, or something went wrong, they would have to (as a sign of good luck) bury the gnome and get a new one. This is my favorite celebration because I can always make the flowers grow big and tall and the next day my owners make me mashed potatoes and roast beef. Jebo

is for Courage to endure.

March 3, 2010 - Dear Diary, it is hard to believe how time passes. I managed to discover and obtain some new fantastic gnome fabric from Ebay. Now all I need are some great ideas for it. If you want to see pictures of the new fabrics follow this link:  gnome fabric

I also obtained a very old book written in Swedish that appears to be a book of gnome poetry. More info to follow. 

is for Books - full of gnome secrets, tales and adventures!

Gnomes had a time helping groundhogs this year. Some were still sound asleep and cozy in their little homes. Some of the groundhogs were able to see their shadows while others were not. So some parts of the northern hemisphere will have to endure 6 more weeks of winter!

Snow still covers the ground here and gnomes are busy preparing for the arrival of Spring! 

I have been busy designing a set of gnome alphabet drawings (and numbers 0-9 too) which will be made into one-inch rubber stamps. Mechanical versions will also begin to appear here.

 is for Abacus - a gnome's first counting device.

I am expecting delivery of a very old book titled, Nisse-Kalendar, which was published in Sweden in the 1800s. Watch for a review sometime next month.

Throughout 2010 our gnome calendar will feature Jan Bergerlind's artwork. An announcement will be sent to WWGA members who are on QueenGnome's email list. If you want to receive notices then email QueenGnome@foundus.com or contact her scribe at lylew@telusplanet.net. 

The February calendar should be available on Friday January 29th; so, don't forget to print off your January 2010 calendar! It will disappear once the February calendar is posted.

In 2010 the gnome calendars will feature many of his paintings. 

You can select the flag link in the top right hand corner of his home page to have the site translated into English. There is a link to a list of retailers including some located in the United States.

The Australian Gnome Convention usually happens in January and I anxiously await a formal notice.

May 2010 bring us all health, happiness and prosperity! 

Folks have some wonderful porcelain 'pixie' dolls listed on Ebay but they sure look like little child gnomes to me. They are listed as Birgitte dolls from Denmark. Price is varied but approximately $39 to $59 each which is very reasonable for well made porcelain dolls. But watch the shipping costs and be sure to get insurance!

Also, there are some Travelocity nail decals listed. Really, what imagination humans have - thought we had seen everything eh!

Oh, and our friend Ken Ramirez has a new book out. It is available from Amazon and is called You, Me, Nadeen and a Bee. We need to support creative writers if we want to continue to receive classics!

Anyone wanting a Travelocity Gnome costume is advised to check out Amazon.com as there are some available in three sizes.

Amazon also has a Gnome Lacing Game listed. This item is from Russia! Siberian gnome fans will enjoy this item.

http://www.fyrklovern.se/templates/SList____19493.aspx Wow, some absolutely wonderful gnome items listed here...! 

All you crafters be on the lookout for great deals on gnome fabric listed on Ebay.com - increase your stash; you never know when you might need some. It is not always easy to locate so I always stock up when I find great gnome fabric. 

I am the recipient of the complete Harry Potter audio CD set narrated by Mr. Fry of the UK. There is also a set narrated by an American however I thought it more in keeping to have a set directly from the UK where Harry and friends originated. Sure wish that someone would write another amazing gnome tale! Wonder if gnomes with magical abilities attend a special school? 

My goodness, dear diary I must try to write more as I note that it has been quite awhile since I have written anything. I have been very busy creating greeting cards and find it very soothing. 

Well that's all for now, see you next year!

November 9, 2009

Dear Diary,

As the days become shorter and the temperatures lower I find myself thinking of things to do indoors.

My computer offers a lot of inspiration however it also seems to gobble up many hours! Kimmel Gnomes sent out a notice of a pair of "Christmas Gnomes" (a male and a female). I was disappointed to see that all they did was add some holly around the gnome caps of the two gnomes that they have been producing from stock molds. This company has an in-house artist whom I know is capable of creating more unique gnomes. 

My most favorite craft book has to be The Gnomes Book of Christmas Crafts by Sterbenz. It has something in it for all crafters and certainly provides sufficient crafting ideas to suite all levels from beginners to more advanced crafters. And, do not let the title fool you; one can find something to create and craft all year round from its contents.

The garden has all been harvested and the kitchen is a very busy place. We are luck to have a cold-room and the ability to store much of our harvest. I wonder how gnomes stored their winter sustenance? As vegetarians I would assume that it would be a very important part of their fall seasons. Wonder if any scribe has recorded this information. I would be very interested to see such a written record.

I must extend a Happy Thanksgiving to all Canadians celebrating this week-end and to all others who celebrate later than us Northern dwellers. 

Today I will spend some time creating wonderful step cards. When I finish one dear diary, I will paste a picture here.

Good day Dear Diary!

September is sure passing quickly. I was disappointed to find out that the 2010 Nisse Calendars are actually NOT going to be printed and therefore the Wooden Spoon will not be able to supply them this year. Guess I will just have to keep my scribes busy creating our very own QueenGnome Monthly Calendars and showcase some great gnome artists.

Gnomers Day has changed from December 21 (Winter Solstice) to December 1st. I received an updated version what Gnomers Day is all about and will have to upload it so it can be accessible from the home page and I'll always know where to locate it.

I must travel to the Gnome Retreat for a few days to help with the vegetable harvest...there will be carrot digging day, potato day and tomato day. Then the kitchen will be filled with wonderful aroma's.

Moonbeam from Ontario, Canada was one of the lucky gnomers to receive a little gnome stationery set. It was my pleasure to share it with her.

Daisy the Gnome wrote to me and said, "Go to this link http://myfantastictoys.blogspot.com/2009/08/five-fun-freebies-from-fantastic-toys.html  for some really neat downloadable (and free) gnome paper toys." There are several pages to print off and share with youngsters! 

That's all for today dear diary!

September 15, 2009

Dear Diary,

I received a message from Daisy the Gnome to go to this link
http://myfantastictoys.blogspot.com/2009/08/five-fun-freebies-from-fantastic-toys.html
for some really neat downloadable (and free) gnome paper toys.

Thanks Daisy!

I received an email about a 2010 Nisse calendar by a wonderful gnome artist, Medthun. I sent an email to: Twonordic@aol.com (the Wooden Spoon, Plano, TX) and ordered one.

My friend Gnome Devotee managed to scoop a wonderful little Nisse lunch box from the Wooden Spoon. Wonder what goodies will fill it and where she will picnic?

I received a message about a book called, “Little Gnome” by Elizabeth Falconer. My book collector friends might like to check that one out. Evidently it is available in the UK. Maybe I can convince her to provide me with a short review.

A friend is looking for the pattern for this little knitted gnome. Evidently someone at the Australian Gnome Convention had one. I wonder if anyone will recognize it let me know!

Word has it that Kimmel Gnomes is having another gnome sale and offering free mushrooms. I like the quality of their gnomes; however, find their prices a little on the high side.

That’s all for today dear diary. QueenGnome

September 11, 2009

Dear Diary,

I have assumed the title of President once again and hope to continue to hear from the loyal gnome friends I have acquired over the years.

After hitting a milestone this year I have decided to no longer produce ceramic gnomes. The work involved in producing them has become too much for me.

I now spend most of my free time with paper crafting and sewing. If you wish to share any gnomish crafts I will be pleased to include them on my site.

TREASURE SEEKING

  With the onslaught of resin gnomes, I have found that the market has been flooded with all kinds of gnomes for collectors at reasonable costs.  And naturally the internet and auction sites allow these treasures to be found much more easily than they were 10 years ago.