Gnomes have long been associated with protection in gardens and homes.
In European folklore, they are described as elemental spirits of the earth - guardians of what grows from the ground, from small plants to hidden treasures beneath the soil.
In Thunder Bay, that quiet mythology has taken a modern, handmade form through the work of young local artist Kaitlyn Liddicoat. What began as shaping small clay figures for herself has grown into KatsGnomeLand - a creative project that now appears at local markets and community events.
Kaitlyn’s journey into art began unexpectedly. As a child, she struggled with fine motor skills and holding a pencil properly. As part of occupational therapy, she began using Play-Doh to strengthen her hands. At 15, while attending a music festival in Winnipeg, she saw an artist turning movie characters into handmade jewelry. That moment stayed with her. “That was the first time I saw myself becoming an artist,” she says.
Her first gnome was made as a Christmas gift for her grandfather.
While browsing at Michaels, she came across small clay gnomes on display and felt inspired to create something of her own. Her sister and mother became her biggest encouragement from the very beginning.
She began making gnomes as gifts for friends and family, creating 16 gnomes as Christmas presents. Word slowly spread, and people began placing custom orders. One of her first major moments came when the SUCCI president at Confederation College noticed her work and placed a large order for sports team prizes. She later created custom gnomes for the Red Cross as well.
Each gnome takes two to four hours to complete, especially because of the detailed work involved. Kaitlyn uses tools from her surroundings and works intuitively.
“When I’m making them, I keep the person in mind,” she says. “That little creature becomes something they truly treasure.”
Her inspiration comes largely from Disney characters, animated movies, and pop culture.
One of the moments Kaitlyn holds close happened on Blue Monday - often called the saddest day of the year. She mass-produced 25 gnomes, packed them into a box, and handed them out to strangers around the college. “Seeing their reactions made me so happy,” she says. “That’s when I wanted to do more.”
For Kaitlyn, healing isn’t just physical — it’s emotional and deeply connected to belief. With that in mind, she began creating tiny gnomes that fit inside prescription bottles, what she calls “happy pills” for people who need something small to hold on to during difficult days.
Being part of ThunderCon in Thunder Bay was a turning point for her. It was the first time she felt truly seen as a local artist - and it was also where she made her biggest sale. “These little creatures attract people of all ages,” Kaitlyn says.
So far, she has made more than 300 gnomes. She names each one, writes a short story for it, and records when it is sold.
“These aren’t just gnomes”, Kaitlyn says - they are her “Pride and Joy”.
She hopes to one day create larger gnomes as well - expanding her creativity and continuing to make things that bring comfort, protection, and small moments of happiness to others.
