Collecting Garden Gnomes

Small Gnome Figurine $14.00

April showers bring may flowers and who better to serve and protect those blooming beauties than a delightful garden gnome? 

The Garden Gnome has been gracing us with his (and sometimes her) presence for a few hundred years. Sometime near the end of the 18th century "House Gnomes" had become all the rage. They were mostly porcelain-most likely manufactured in the Thuirngia area of Germany, a thriving ceramics local. World War II had a devastating effect on the production of all ceramics, especially unnecessary pieces; like yard decorations. 

Set of 3 Plastic Gnomes $11.00

Not only has the Gnome been labeled as kitsch, but has also been the butt of many jokes and the focus of one extremely involved prank. The prank has been called a few things including "The Roaming Gnome," or "The Traveling Gnome." It involves a stolen gnome being photographed next to various "sights" (as if traveling) and then, most times, being returned. One extreme group dedicated to this Gnome trick goes by the name "Garden Gnome Liberationists," and has been in the news since 1998, when it's leader was involved in the theft of 150 gnomes, getting himself in to some serious (french) legal trouble. 

"Gnome Wants To See The World" from Amelie

If you are interested in learning more about Gnomes, I'd suggest this very well written article. Also helpful would be these titles, available on Amazon.com: "Garden Gnomes: A History," "Gnomes," or "Gnomeland: An Introduction To The Little People." Also, do not miss this "Real Life Gnome" displaying the largest collection of Gnome memorabilia!

There is no place like Gnome.

Instant Collection

Lil' Chimers Christmas Bells set of 6 $15.00

Collecting Christmas Deer

Stuffed Deer $58.00

It's the most wonderful time of the year. I truly adore the holidays. It really brings out the collector in everyone. We patiently wait for Thanksgiving to pass to drag out our boxes of holiday decorations, memories, and collectibles. There are many Christmas things I keep from year to year, bird ornaments, music boxes and deer to name a few. 

 

Gold and White Ceramic Pair $25.00

Over the years I have had many deer come and go. Some of my favorites included a flocked deer wearing leg warmers (it was the 80's), a mother an child deer pair, and a beautiful white celluloid deer my mom gave just a few years ago. When I was living in Oakland, my roommate liked to decorate with deer all year long. She had a great set of brass deer on display. 

 

Brass Deer Candle Holders Set of 2 $34.99

 

 The popularity of deer as a Christmas symbol comes from the reindeer we know as "Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixin, Comet, Cuipd, Donder and Blitzen." These are characters from the 1823 poem "A Visit From St. Nicholas." The poem, also known as "The Night Before Christmas," was written by Clement Clarke Moore. It is largely responsible for Santa Clause, his sleigh, his reindeer, the toys, and really the whole American idea of Santa and his part in the Christmas story.

Elf on a Reindeer $9.25

Reindeer also know as Caribu, are wide spread in North America and also some Arctic regions. Though numerous in population, some subspecies are rare and in some instances extinct. In the story of Santa Clause and his mighty flying reindeer the deer are mythical or fantasy.

Celluloid Deer $7.00

 

This year I will proudly display my deer and embrace Christmas, embrace nature, embrace poetry and embrace all those wonderful memories of Christmas past. 

All the deer you see here can be added to your collection, they are available on Etsy. Thank you Etsy sellers for the use of your grand photographs!