Some of our members collect plates. Here is a lady who has a set of plates to sell. If by chance she has sold them prior to you receiving this newsletter you can also obtain these from the auction sites. I am not up-to-date on the value of these collector items.

Following is a list of the plates I have and want to sell:

           Gnome de Bloom (seasonal series-summer, no box) #1062
           The Look Outs  (seasonal series-autumn) #2527
           First Skater   (seasonal series-winter) #2381
1981    Spring Sharing (seasonal series-spring) #640
           Up Up and Away (seasonal series-autumn) #627
           First Skier    (seasonal series-winter) #852
           Gift of Love   (holiday plate-Christmas) #722
1982    Gnome Knowledge (seasonal series-spring) #137
           Berry Pickers  (seasonal series-summer) #1764
           Gnome Made     (seasonal series-autumn) #279
           Keep The Gnome Fires Burning (seasonal series-winter) #277

I believe that these plates were made by Fairmont Perfect Porcelain and will feature a picture of different plates in the upcoming newsletters.

Book Review

There is no better time to curl up with a book than on a cold winter day. I find it especially warm when one can share time with a youngster reading a gnome story. They suddenly become attentive and ask many questions. We can all help teach children about our environment and all the creatures that live upon our earth through gnome stories. If you have a special gnome book that you enjoy reading, or remember someone reading to you, why not share it. Simply send me an email with a short outline of the book and tell me why you or your children enjoyed it. We will publish it in an upcoming newsletter.

GNOMES AND GARDENS, a field guide to the little people by Nigel Suckling, illustrated by Wayne Anderson published in Canada in 2000 by Raincoast Books. ISBN 1-55192-349 - 96 page hardcover.

A wonderful book. Very similar to Rien Poortvliet and Wil Huygen's original book Gnomes. The illustrations are excellent and the stories entertaining. It contains a chapter on gnome homes that would surely interest gnome home builders! It also has a chapter called "The Gnoma Sutra" which is about the fabled gnome sex manual. This is done very tastefully and a topic which the original book Gnomes did not include. There is also more detailed information on gnome occupations, hobbies, gardens, recipes etc. I have obtained permission to use materials from this book by the publisher and will do so in upcoming newsletters. Note in the picture to the right - one fellow has a mustache and the other does not! It appears that male gnomes are becoming more conscious of their appearance and setting trends!

January's Craft Ideas

This is a time of year when we tend to be more house bound. It is a good time to take up your favorite hobby.

I have a new ceramic gnome spoon holder mold. If anyone wishes to purchase a fired white bisque gnome spoon holder for painting just send me an email. Cost to members will be $12 U.S. including postage. These are easy to paint and can be placed outdoors with some bird seed placed in the spoon. It can lay upon patio tables or any other flat place. You can also hang them on a wall or fence.

Help Wanted:

If anyone has heard of an artist by the name of Anders Olsson please contact Ron Johnson at ronj@ak-rep.com. He has a couple of prints and is trying to locate information about them.

http://www.faeriebelievers.com/members/club/jewels.htm - check out this link from the club news page.

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Trail/5107/gnome.htm - oh what wonders this lady can do! Visit her nome page!

Looking for a new gnome for your spring garden?

These come from a company in England.

Take a break and have a look! Rien Poortvliet collectors - there is one set of his gnomes available!