Handmade in sweden
the gnome story
Asa began selling her beloved wool gnomes (tomte) back in 1993. A few years later they became a huge success in Sweden and are now all over the world.
They are handmade in a small town called Gislaved, located in the woods in the southern Sweden. The studio is a red house with white edges like the classic old world houses look like in Sweden. It’s like driving into a postcard.
So what is a gnome?
They’re called “tomte” in Swedish which is also the word for Santa Claus. The story goes that they lived around the farm in the olden days to look after the animals and children. If you treated them nice, they were nice back and if not, they can have a terrible temper. They are shy and hide most of the time so not many have seen them!
All gnomes are handmade so therefor there isn’t one alike. They all have their own personality and look. The hair is either curly from the Gotland sheep or straight, usually from Iceland. The gray curly hair range from silver grey to almost black.
about me
My name is Anna and was born and raised in Sweden. I moved to USA in 1992. I live in the Charlotte area with my husband and 11 year old son. I have always been drawn to the simplistic style of living and home decor. I love natural products such as wood, cotton and wool. When I came across the gnomes made by Asa Tomtebod, I was hooked. I love how they’re made by hand and how unique they are.
My favorite season is Christmas so it just made sense to bring the tradition of gnomes to you too!
I live just outside Charlotte NC with a husband and my son Elliott. Elliott and I visit Sweden just about every summer to soak in the fresh air, lots of outside time, beaches and sunsets. And of course lots of good eats.
I am also a photographer and bring the nordic simplicity to my images too. You can see my photography here: www.annawisjophotography.com and on instagram: @annawisjophotography
