Building the Whimsical Woodlands

There’s Gnome Place Like Home

Fairy House or Gnome Home Builder Sign-Up and Guidelines

This event showcases the imaginative contributions of individuals, families, and organizations, uniting their creativity to construct a distinctive abode for our fantasy creatures—a special gift to our community.

Our builders are the vision behind the whimsical world our visitors may enter. All houses/homes are made with natural materials and will be naturally set in the environment of the nature center, whether rain or shine.

All registered builders will be listed on our festival program and our website.

We look forward to you joining us to create a magical experience!

Guidelines for Builders

Builder Guidelines

  • Houses may be any size, and the house's theme may be anything related to fairies and gnomes. We are creating a wood of simple, elaborate structures with many homes or other related structures for a community, such as a school.

  • Only natural materials may be used, and materials that are not treated with chemicals – feathers, dry grasses, leaves, sticks, pebbles, shells, bark from a fallen tree, milkweed, moss, nuts, pods, acorns, berries, gourds, miniature pumpkins, pinecones. Birch bark that has already fallen off a tree is an excellent building material, too.

  • Hot glue, acrylic spray, natural twine, and other man-made items can be used but should be concealed by natural elements.

  • Platforms or man-made support materials can be used for more accessible transport but must be concealed with natural materials when installed on-site.

  • Do not use any reproductive materials (such as roots or seeds) from invasive plants that could spread the unwanted invasive plant.

  • Do not use any items of value in the houses.

  • All creations must have appropriate design and content for enjoyment by all ages, from toddlers to grandparents and more.

  • Edible materials (such as nuts or seeds) will attract woodland creatures other than fairies, something to keep in mind.

  • JNC is not responsible for any build or home installed along the woodland path or for the public's destruction or removal of any items.

  • JNC has sole discretion to determine if a build is inappropriate for the Whimsical Woodlands trail and denies installation due to materials, content, or any other basis.

Notes For Builders

  • You must install your fairy/gnome house on the woodland trail on Saturday, April 20, at 10 am and 4 pm. It is first come first serve to fill the available sites along the trail.

  • If you cannot install your house during this drop-off time, please contact us to make other arrangements.

  • You may return to collect your fairy house exhibit after 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 21, or Monday, April 22.

  • To identify your house along the trail, please create a sign out of natural materials (i.e., handwriting on birch bark glued to a stick) that lists all the names of the builders in your group, along with any title of the house, if desired. Bring these signs with you and install them near your house.

  • All registered builders will be listed in our festival program and receive 2 free tickets to attend the event.