New elf house happenings!

 I mentioned in my last post that I've been busy working on new elf houses.  I'm not ready for the big reveal yet, but things are going really well!  Here are two detail pictures from the new house!  I spend a lot of time working on windows and doors (an elf needs a cozy home).  I'm so glad these turned out as well as they did.

New House Scheduled for Ojiketa Regional Park in Chisago City, MN

 What's up next?  Thanks to a grant from the East Central Regional Arts Council, I will be installing an elf house at Chisago City's Camp Ojiketa Regional Park.  Its a really cool place - a former campfire kids camp now run by the city.  I'll announce the installation and ribbon cutting dates soon!

Ojiketa has to be one of my favorite parks to visit.  Its really beautiful - just the sort of wooded place where you might expect to find an elf:

Checking in on the Eden Prairie Elves

 I like to stop by my elf houses now and then to do any repairs and check and see if the elves are happy.  I went to Purgatory Creek Park this Sunday to check on the house there.  I was happy to see the Eden Prairie Rotating Art Program put up a new sign! It looks slick!

The elves didn't see to mind the sign at all.  Of course, sometimes its hard to tell - they[re busy folks.  However, they said since the sign went up they'd gotten a lot of new letters.  They gave me a whole new treasure box of letters and wishes.  I'll try to get these up on the blog as soon as possible.

Letters to the Elves

The Elves tell me they appreciate all the wonderful letters they get!  In Iceland (where our Elves are visiting from) people tell the Elves their wishes.  If you ask politely, they might help you out!  But never be rude to an Elf - they can be tricky and might sneak a troll booger into your bed.

 

More On Trolls

 In my last post I mentioned trolls.  There are tons of magical creatures in Scandinavian folklore, not just elves!  There are Nisse, Tomtes, Trolls, Dyrads!  My favorite drawings of Trolls are found in this particular book.  Its just a classic.

Letters to the Elves

 

The Elves tell me they appreciate all the wonderful letters they get!  In Iceland (where our Elves are visiting from) people tell the Elves their wishes.  If you ask politely, they might help you out!  But never be rude to an Elf - they can be tricky and might sneak a troll booger into your bed.

Beware of Trolls

 Recently on some travels, I saw this dilapidated elf house at an abandoned hotel pool.  I wouldn't suggest going into this elf house kids.  I think some trolls might have taken up residence...

Letters to the Elves

The Elves tell me they appreciate all the wonderful letters they get!  In Iceland (where our Elves are visiting from) people tell the Elves their wishes.  If you ask politely, they might help you out!  But never be rude to an Elf - they can be tricky and might sneak a troll booger into your bed.

 

Spring Board for the Arts, St Paul Elf House

 This Elf House build was one of my favorite experiences (its now taken down).  Spring Board for the Arts asked if they could display one of my Elf Houses in their parking lot.  I was a little nervous about vandalism because its such a busy, busy street (University Avenue in St. Paul).  Not only was the Elf House completely safe, a community member made these little pine cone elves and left them at the house.  I've never been so touched.  

Letters to the Elves

The Elves tell me they appreciate all the wonderful letters they get!  In Iceland (where our Elves are visiting from) people tell the Elves their wishes.  If you ask politely, they might help you out!  But never be rude to an Elf - they can be tricky and might sneak a troll booger into your bed.