Originally I began making gnomes with Christmas in mind, but as I got creating each one, I visualized them in my garden, hiding under a leaf, or standing beside a stump. The possibilities are endless. So, with that in mind, I am offering them to you as well. These one-of-a-kind gnomes start out on my pottery wheel as a lump of clay, Then I bring them up, like making a mug, but then I slowly (and if you know me-I can hardly do anything slow!) close up the opening into a hat. I add a coil of clay for the brim, a nose that I leave unglazed, and a heart-shaped beard. After each one dries, I paint it, fire it, then fire again to a temperature of over 2100 degrees. Each gnome is unique, never to be made again. They can weather you garden, or sit in a potted plant, or on your table, or peak out from your Christmas tree. It is best to bring them in before the first frost.
Each one is standing next to a ruler so you can see the size. Some are fat, some have taller hats and depending on the clay I am used, a dark or a light nose. Each one is waiting to find a home. Tall Emmett is about 5.75 inches.
