For centuries, gnomes have lived in the spaces between folklore and imagination. Tiny keepers of the forests, gardens, and the hidden corners of the natural world. In old tales, they were thought to be guardians of the earth, tending to plants, protecting the treasures of the Earth, and reminding humans that there is wonder all around us if we take the time to notice it.
I met my first gnome over 15 years ago, nestled in the garden section of Fred Meyer, and it felt like an immediate connection. As a lover of lore, whimsy, and all things fantastic, I knew that he was much more than just home décor. My affectionately-called Gnome-a-Lome has been my doorstep guardian as I grew out of my teens and into adulthood. He watched me stumble home in my early 20s, has journeyed with me on every move, and has carried me through the aches and adventures into my 30s and beyond. As the years go on, his colors may fade, but his purpose has not: to guard and protect me and my home.
For Marian Priegel, owner and local gnome maker of Valley Gnomes & Gifts, a simple holiday project became the beginning of a creative passion. Using her own designs and patterns, Priegel handcrafts quality gnomes for indoor decor across all seasons and themes.
Her shop began in 2020 while her family was living in Snoqualmie, Washington. After leaving her corporate career 17 years earlier to raise her four children, Priegel never expected that a small Christmas craft would eventually grow into a business.
“I first learned about gnomes in 2016, when I participated in a Christmas women’s dinner at my church. I was a table hostess and decorated my table in a Nordic winter theme. In preparation for the event, I researched Nordic holiday traditions and discovered gnomes—also known as ‘Tomte’ in Sweden or ‘Nisse’ in Norway,” Priegel shared. “I was drawn in after reading the folklore and legends surrounding gnomes. Legend says they are guardians of the places they dwell. I made a gnome for each guest to take home, never imagining this would become my passion all these years later.”
And then one evening in 2020, her daughter pulled out the craft bin. Priegel made nine gnomes from sweaters. “I posted them on social media for my friends and family and the response was overwhelming. I sold 200 gnomes my first month,” she said excitedly.
Fast forward and the demand for gnomes continues in full force. But the intention remains the same with each hand-crafted piece. Priegel said that she often finds herself connecting with the creations as she works, even saying that she has given her gnomes pep talks along the way.
As we talked, I shared that I try to keep my Gnome-a-Lome happy, giving him little trinkets and waving hello as I walk up the steps. I’ve always personified him a bit and wondered if others did the same with their gnomes. To my great delight, this is very much a shared experience.
“The gnomes I make each have their own personality and character depending on the materials used. Oh!” she mused, “they love to have their beards fluffed too!”
Priegel continued, “I feel close to each gnome I make by pouring love and care into my craftsmanship. This shows in the response I get from people who stop into my booth at craft shows and farmers markets. I get the sense that my gnomes come to life a bit for them. We often hear people say they remind them of their ‘pop pop,’ a loved one, or a friend.”
But perhaps the most unexpected blessing of Priegel’s shop are what she calls an angel or memorial gnome for people who have lost a loved one. “I use a clothing item they give me and transform it into a gnome keepsake. I cry happy tears with each of these orders. It is such an honor and so humbling to be invited into someone’s tender story of love.”
And perhaps that is the enduring charm of gnomes: they ask us to believe in a little wonder, notice the small things, and leave room for magic along the way.