For the record: Franzi is not a garden gnome, he's a balcony gnome. So what's the difference, you ask? Well the difference is quite simple, we don't have a garden. So Franzi resides on my balcony shelf.
He was a gift from my step father. And yes, my step dad sculpted Franzi himself! He's so incredibly talented and too modest about it. He always said it was his great wish to start making garden gnomes once he retires. He spends at least 20 hours of work on an individual gnome over a period of up to 4 weeks. He sculpts them in phases, because each layer of clay has to be completely dry before he can move on. After the gnomes are dry they go to a local ceramic factory, they are kind enough to burn the gnomes in a kiln for a small provision.
The final stage is applying colours. Oil based paint is used to protect the gnomes from the weather elements.
A cute little button detail on the back of the vest.
As for the black cat sitting in front, you guessed it! It's supposed to represent Rufus. I mean what self respecting cat person would have a catless balcony gnome?
The purpose of this post series is to show you some of the things that surround me. This isn't about bragging in the sense of: look how many pretty expensive things I have. All of these items are important to me out of various reasons. What they all have in common is that they have come to define me and my life in some significant way. In the end it's all about the story. And I love a good story.
I love garden...ahem...balcony gnomes! He's lovely, and it sounds like his creator is as well!
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