Legend has it that if you build a tiny house in your yard, you just might attract a fairy or gnome. Here are a few tips for making your magical guest feel right at home.
Step 1. Grab a basket and head outside to gather your building materials. Twigs, rocks, moss - anything that inspires you with its shape, texture, or color. Just make sure you don't harm any trees or other living things!
Here are some great potential construction materials for your house:
Step 1. Grab a basket and head outside to gather your building materials. Twigs, rocks, moss - anything that inspires you with its shape, texture, or color. Just make sure you don't harm any trees or other living things!
Here are some great potential construction materials for your house:
- Feathers
- Dry grasses
- Leaves
- Shells
- Bark from a fallen tree
- Milkweed
- Nuts
- Seed pods
- Acorns
- Berries
- Gourds
- Pine cones
Hot glue, twine, and other man-made materials may be used for extra structural support, as long as they aren't too visible. Bottom line: Your fairy gnome house must be made primarily of natural materials to blend in with its environment. Fairies and gnomes don't like plastic!
Step 2. Create a platform. Your fairy gnome house needs a strong foundation, especially if you are planning to transport it outdoors. Man-made material is OK here, too, but plan ahead for how you'll cover it up with natural materials when you find the perfect spot for your house.
Step 3. Choose your main structure. What's the heart of your house? A hollowed-out tree stump, large shell, or fairy-friendly earthenware pot? Whatever you decide, make sure there's enough space left on your platform for porches or gardens if you're planning to add them later.
Step 4. Deck it out! Attract your fairy or gnome with a beautifully decorated house. Work from the outside in, starting with large outdoor embellishments like doors and windows before adding smaller pieces like mailboxes. Interiors can include moss for carpeting and tiny furniture fashioned from twigs and pebbles. Use your imagination! Just don't put anything of value inside your house (fairies and gnomes have notoriously sticky fingers).
