Checking In With Freddie Fisher: The Famous Gnome of Derbyshire

According to local British reporters, Derbyshire’s most famous gnome could soon be seen by a much wider audience.

His name is Freddie Fisher, and he first entered the gnome scene in 2011. As gnomes began popping up outside strangers’ houses, it became clear that Freddie’s mission was to make people think about etiquette and manners.

Photo credit: The Derby Telegraph

Photo credit: The Derby Telegraph

Freddie started talking to a Facebook friend about ideas for a children’s book. This emerged into a conversation about animation skits and newspaper cartoons. “I’m in the process of looking to pitch the cartoon to TV channels like CBBC and the Cartoon Network,” Freddie said.

“With hard work and some clever promotion, Freddie’s stories will take flight and become part of the mainstream, thus shining a light in a somewhat downbeat world,” commented Dan Willer, one of the six animators involved.

Freddie’s Facebook page has over 700 followers (c’mon Drunk Gnome fans…we can beat that!) and his website is updated with ongoing news stories. What started as a harmless prank has turned into a gnomish media sensation! You can keep up to date with all the Freddie Fisher news by visiting his Facebook page.

Right on Freddie…we love what you’re doing and can’t wait to see how this animation project goes 🙂
Lennon the Gnome

A Visit to the Gnome Nook’s Confectioners – Denver, Colorado

At the end of a recent snowboarding trip I took to Colorado, I stumbled upon the most delightful gnome-themed shop in Denver. The Gnome’s Nook Confectioners is tucked away among the trendy eateries and quaint shops in Denver’s Washington Park neighborhood.

The well-decorated Gnome's Nook entrance
The well-decorated Gnome’s Nook entrance

Stroll through the shop’s outdoor area, which is lined trees, shrubs, benches, and gnome murals. Then make your way inside to enter a magical candy-filled forest with a variety of “gnomemade” chocolate, truffles, covered pretzels, and vintage candies.

Gnome candy

But the very best part of the shop awaits you on the second floor! Up a single flight of stairs you’ll find a wonderful collection of modern and vintage gnomes, gnome books, greeting cards, games, gnome artwork, knitted gnome hats, and gnome jewelry. I loved browsing through the collections of 1990s Kinder Surprise gnomes, 1980s Tom Clark gnomes, 1970s Goebel gnomes, and even a gnome from the 1940s!

Kinder Surprise gnome collection
Kinder Surprise gnome collection

The Gnome’s Nook Confectioners is owned by a brother-sister team, Stephen and Katherine Hostettler. According to a local blogger, Stephen chose the signature gnome theme so as to be gender neutral and make the store’s environment welcoming to everyone. I’m still waiting for the owners to reply to an email I sent to the owners with a few questions about their business.

Flower room

But the Gnome’s Nook isn’t just for shopping, it’s for celebrations too! The owners welcome birthday parties and plan gnome-themed activities wit party favors and cake to keep kids of all ages entertained. The shop also hosts parties for graduations, summer solstice, spring equinox, and Mayday.

Gnome garden entrance
Gnome garden entrance

You can attend movie nights, open air music, circle readings, and wine/chocolate pairings throughout the year. Gnome’s Nook also offers “gnome trade” workshops that focus on felting, candle-making, birdhouse making, and garden planting.

Freaking out at all the gnomes up for adoption
Freaking out at all the gnomes up for adoption

I definitely enjoyed my stop at the Gnome’s Nook Confectioners and I highly recommend it to anyone living near or traveling through the Denver area. See for yourself at 1078 South Gaylord Street, Denver, Colorado or give the owners a call at 303-997-7103.

There’s a Gnome Skiing in the Olympics!

We gnomes have been really into watching the Olympics in Sochi this winter. Snowboarding, ice skating, luge…you name it!

Sweden's Per Spett reacts at the finish line during the men's freestyle skiing moguls qualification round at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics in Rosa Khutor, Feb. 10, 2014. (DYLAN MARTINEZ/Reuters)

Photo credit: DYLAN MARTINEZ/Reuters

Alas, we have finally settled on our very favorite Olympic athlete of these games. His name is Per Spett. He’s from Sweden. And apparently, he’s a gnome. Per is a freestyle moguls skier who finished in 11th place. Thanks to his small frame (he’s 5’6″) and his enviable beard, fans say he looks like a skiing gnome.

Despite his lack of medal-winning, he’s been insanely popular in these games. In the off-season, he works at an iron-ore mine in northern Sweden. I suppose that’s as good of a place as any for a gnome.

Have you seen any other Olympian gnomes in the Sochi games?

USA Gymnastics Tomi the Olympian Gnome

Team USA Shop sells some summer Olympian gnomes, but we have yet to see any of the winter variety.

Tip us off is you come across any others besides Per!

Rock on, Per. Moguls are crazy.
Benjamin “sporty spice” gnome

Cupcakes and Cannibalism

 

The sheer fact that there are a crap ton of gnomes in the world makes it likely that every day is some gnome’s birthday. So tell me…which of you buggas has a birthday today?

It’s not me…I’m just trying to find an excuse to celebrate and drink all day 🙂

What do gnomes want for their birthdays? Well I’ll tell you one thing they DON’T want….a stinkin’ human-made birthday cake! Gnomes are much more creative with their birthday treats. Why not make these cupcakes for your buddy down the street instead?

Gnome cupcake

And no, it’s not cannibalism. I already cleared it with our spiritual leader, EvanGelical the Gnome. He confirmed that if a gnome is made of artificial sugar, then he is okay to eat. More on gnomish cannibalism in a future post….hooray!

I am concerned, however, that this little guy’s right foot is detached. The deformed must be eaten…these are the ways of our ancestors! Ahem.

I mean, uh, happy birthday to someone!
Pablo the Gnome

Spaghetti and Noodles

Allow me to introduce you to the new age of the gnome musical revolution. This is the exclusive home for GNOME DUB STEP.

Come into my world of syncopated drum patterns and prominent sub bass frequencies. All performed by yours truly.

I am DJ Spaghetti Sauce.

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I’m stoked to share my latest remix with you. My minions are bustin’ pavement to get you the downloadable studio version, the mix video, and my latest podcast all streaming simulatneously through your eardrums. Blast ’em out yo. You can find me on the keys….

I’d be nowhere without my lady and partner in crime. She is a flamingo and her name is Noodle Sauce. I call her Noodles for short. Shorty for Noodles.

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She’s the real deal….a true queen of electronica. We met in an alley in South London in 2003.

You can find her on the mike. That sweet hook is all her. She has the lungs of an angel.

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I’m in collaboration with master spinner, DJ Gnome. Check his mad spins –

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvg3rrd-ILw

Live, love, drums.
DJ Spaghetti Sauce, The Gnome