About Mama Gnome
From the first mold, to brewery events, to new gnomes, she's still Spreading JOY
Meet Mama Gnome
Imagine starting a business from one casual suggestion, “why don’t you make gnomes?”
Founder and artisan designer, Janis Doherty, was feeling lost so she took the ‘out of the blue’ suggestion and bought her first block of clay in May 2021 and hasn’t looked back. “In that moment when my husband suggested that I make gnomes, I could have ignored it and walked away. In choosing to follow it, I’ve found more than just a purpose. Everyday I spread JOY one gnome at a time and I’ve lit a spark within me. I’m genuinely excited to work every day.”
From Gnugget, the 1 1/2” tall cutie to 9" Gnarvi and the list goes on, every gnome has its own character and name. In addition to her regulars, Janis also makes custom clay gnomes by special order. These gnomes are unique to the request and have all had a very special reason. From 65th anniversary gnome couples to someone wanting a specific outfit, hat and beard on a gnome as a memory of a loved one, every custom gnome is an original handcrafted keepsake.
At Gnome and Garden nothing goes to waste. Janis has a collection of “misgnomers”, which are gnomes with small flaws that don’t make the sales floor These misfit gnomes are collected and donated to after school programs, social programs, seniors programs, and even fairy camps for people to paint. “Every gnome needs a home and every home needs a gnome, gnome matter what they look like.”
Gnome and Garden gnomes are handmade, hand painted, sealed cement, original design, garden gnomes. “Just like a potato chip, I bet you can’t just have one of them!”
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A pandemic hobby-turned-business of crafting miniature gnomes has allowed Janis Doherty to find peace and happiness...
www.cbc.ca
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2025 Update
A lot has happened in the past 4 years since that interview with CBC.
Gnome and Garden's business model has shifted from making, painting and selling gnomes to creating a one of a kind DIY Event. Paint-a-Gnome was created out of the JOY Janis experiences while painting her little friends. From a few tables in the middle of a mall to now selling out breweries around Calgary and area, Paint-a-Gnome is becoming "that thing to do".
In addition to brewery/restaurant venue events, the corporate culture in Calgary is hearing about Paint-a-Gnome. As a relaxing and creative way to give employees something special, corporations are booking events in their office spaces, company cafes, and even selecting their own venue to host an event.
If a private corporate event is something you're interested in, just email us and we'll send you all the information.
If going out to an event isn't your thing, there's now also The Gnaked Gnome Party Box.
This box contains everything you need to hold your own Paint-a-Gnome event at home or for a small staff gathering, bachelorette party, 75th birthday, wine night with the girls ... to name a few. Let us gnome if you're interested by emailing us asking about the Gnaked Gnome Party Box.