Whimsical Woods

This adorable gnome home was built by Jerry Miller, who lives and gardens in Missouri where he loves loves adding a little whimsy in his yard.   It all began when Jerry got a “door kit” as a gift and it has pieces that attach to a tree. See the steps he took :

The tiny door turns the log into a fairy or gnome home!

Jerry loves nature and his trees, and couldn’t bring himself to use nails in this door project so he took up a challenge and carved this wonderful gnome home from an old cedar stump. He set the door into the niche and built a ladder going aall the way to the top and a branch extends out to support a tiny swing.

Handmade houses for wee folk in the garden

It took time to allow the stump to properly dry before he could begin carving.  Yes, carving!  He used an old fashioned chisel and hand tools on some of this amazing project.

Jerry is a very patient person when it comes to working with wood, …he says, ” you can’t rush it.  You have to work the wood when it is ready, and then only going at its own pace. Wood is a living, breathing thing, it will only yield its fullest when you work within its mood and when it is ready.” he says.

It fits!  The door is attached and set on its ‘stage’ and the ladder is built

From beginning to end Jerry took two years creating the log house so the log could completely dry from its green state.  Thirty hours approximately went into this beautiful piece of art.   When he first began, Jerry thought he’d just add the door and use the stump to put a plant on. But as he began working, his imagination took hold and what seemed to be an ordinary tree stump was  to become a fantastical abode for his gnome family!

Side view and work progresses

He carefully stripped the bark off to reveal the magnificent beauty of the wood underneath.  As he proceeded, he listened to what the wood told him and purposely took time before going on to the next step. He allowed the wood to continue its natural aging process.

Finished gnome house ready to display

Jerry took each step slowly and meticulously, returning to it again and again with more admiration for the wood he was shaping. It’s not only a whimsical gnome home but a beautifully carved masterpiece for his family to enjoy for years.