Gnomes By Mari

Born in Kitchener, Ontario, I was raised on a farm near Breslau and now have a home studio in Paris, Ontario. My passion for working with knits and fabrics led me to establish Gnomes By Mari in 2017, where I create handmade decorative gnomes inspired by Scandinavian folklore.
In Scandinavian tradition, gnomes—known as tomtens, nisse, or tonttus—were an essential part of our Christmas decorations. My search for new decorative gnomes eventually inspired me to craft my own. I’m particularly drawn to the symmetry and timeless appeal of traditional multicolored patterns.
With my Estonian heritage influencing my work, I incorporate Baltic, Nordic, and Scandinavian knit designs into my creations. I reimagine and transform beautiful knit patterns into unique gnome hats, pairing them with felt bodies, faux fur beards and wooden noses. Each gnome is truly one of a kind, defined by the unique color combinations of felt, beard, and hat, as well as the limited number of hats that can be created from each knit.
By giving adopted knits new life, I create charming, expressive gnomes, each with its own unique look and personality. Every piece is handcrafted with care and attention to detail, and I hope others find as much joy in them as I do in making them.