Gnome Elsa - Åsas Tomtebod

Åsas Tomtebod Gnome Elsa available at American Swedish Institute.

Gnome Elsa - Åsas Tomtebod

Regular price $38.00
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  • Available for pickup at ASI
  • In stock, ready to ship

Gnomes in Sweden, are called Tomtar.   Originating in Nordic folklore, Tomtar were seen as protectors of farms, usually keeping busy with their watch at night.

Elsa makes great company!

Made in Sweden

Wooden frame covered in white needle felt and a hat sewn from lambskin.

ca. 11 cm/4.3 inches tall

Åsa Götander started at her kitchen sink, rubbing wool with water and soap at her small home in the woods of Småland, Sweden in the town of Örnahol. She says: "It all started with pitiful little, completely felted and frankly ugly elves. But they also sold, albeit to a modest extent - 50 pieces at a Christmas market in Gislaved." This was before there was what is known today as Åsas Tomtebod; of this time Asa says "it was just myself and my felted elves".

Today Åsas Tomtebod 'elves' travel all over the world and the business remains family run, still priding itself on quality and natural materials. Åsas Tomtebod has grown and expanded, but they continue to be based in Örnahol, Sweden.

Tomtar from Småland