Legend has it that one day, while walking through the forest, Gulliver, a very large Woodspirit, and Harvey, his rabbit friend, spotted a colorful charm bracelet nestled among the clover. Suddenly each charm began to move, as if the bracelet had come to life! “What’s that, Harvey?” said Gulliver. “Is it a bracelet… Harvey leapt three feet up into the air for a quick look. “My stars, I think it’s a group of little people and little animals playing in that clump of clover!” replied Harvey. Gulliver and Harvey carefully crept forward. Now they could clearly see that it was not a bracelet of tiny charms, but rather a gathering of tiny Gnomes and tiny forest animals. The wee creatures were frolicking and laughing as they played one of their favorite games – “Find The Four Leaf Clover”. But when they heard Gulliver and Harvey approach, they scampered into the tall grass to hide. “Why, those are little, live charms — smaller than my hat!” exclaimed Gulliver. “Or my rabbit’s foot!”

agreed Harvey. “I’ve never before seen people and animals so small… or so charming!” From then on, each time they’d spot another little creature, they would whisper, “There’s a Charmer!” and then Gulliver and Harvey would bend down to see if one of the little Charmers had indeed found a four-leaf clover. Of course, this is probably just a legend.

Still, folklore continues to say that the tiniest of creatures (especially babies, puppies and kittens) can charm the shoes off of a centipede. And when someone makes a sweet remark or a gracious gesture, we say, “You’re charming!” a legend, but whenever I see a clump of clover in a field or in my yard, I stoop down and look for a wee Charmer, If someone asks me what I’m doing, I say, “Oh, I’m just looking for a four-leaf clover.” I don’t tell them that I expect it to be in the hands of a friendly Charmer.

Two large “environment sculptures” were created to showcase the wee Charmers statues. “Gulliver” by Tom Clark and “Harvey” by Tim Wolfe.

1-2-GO #10001 “Let’s see – the bag’s packed, reindeer fed, I’ve checked the list twice… is that everything?” Santa asked Mrs. Claus. “Just this, dear,” said Belle, as she handed him a cup of coffee. “One to go!” He took the cup, gave her a kiss, and headed for the sleigh. She heard him exclaim ere he drove out of sight, “Merry Christmas to all … and a fresh cup tonight!”

AUNT #11016 is death to weeds! She can spot a weed a “yard away” and the tender ones she can uproot easily. But when it comes to crabgrass she has to get Uncle to help her pull it up. Occasionally they enlist the aid of a mole to go under. ground and dislodge those pesky roots.

aunt henny #11016 From her perch on this sack of grain, Aunt Henny can keep tabs on all the neighbors. Word has it that if you want the “scoop,” Aunt Henny’s got it. She knows who’s doing what, when they’re doing it, how many times and with whom. Some call her nosy . . . others call her a busy, bossy old hen . .. but to her face, everyone calls her Ma’am.

BEARBACK #12002

This bear didn’t care

When the Gnome took a dare

And climbed on the hair

Of his back.

“I can bear you back there

And we make quite a pair

To fare well in case of attack.”

BEAREL OF FUN #11004 Bears get bored easily, so they are often looking for alternative means of amusement. Roll out the barrel! After consuming this barrel’s contents of fermented apples, these two madcap bruins decided to have some fun with it. Taking turns, one bear stuffs himself inside, then the other propels him over the bumpy ground. As the barrel picks up speed, it makes for one wild and crazy ride… a bearel of fun!

BENEDICTION #10010 The preacher is holding the Book of Common Worship, and a good luck four-leaf clover hides behind his robe. He has blessed many happy couples. Weddings are a special occasion for Charmers, as marriage is highly revered. The preacher is also fond of anniversary parties where he can re-visit the couples he married hundreds of years ago. He stands at the front of the wedding ceremony, but is only a guide for the couple and their guests. In every faith and denomination, it is the bride and groom themselves who declare their vows.

BEST FRIENDS #12001 Why give a dog a hug? Maybe the reason is because his fur is soft… or because he smells like fresh cut hay … or because he never lets you out of his sight… or because he’s your best friend! Not getting enough hugs is a puppy’s pet peeve.

black diamond #10036  This little Charmer has his lucky 4-leaf clover on his cap. so he feels he can be a little daring on the ski slope His girlfriend, Snowdrop, elected to stay at the bottom of the mountain and build a snowman. Anyone can take the “Bunny Slope” with sled or skis. A goodly number of qualified skiers will come down the “green” intermediate slopes. Then the daring few will attempt the expert slopes that are designated with a black diamond. That being the nickname of this Charmer, he couldn’t resist the challenge. So… Whiz!…he’s off on the long journey down to the bottom. Despite going at the speed of a leaf being blown across the slope, it may take him until the end of the season to get to the bottom. By then, Snowdrop’s snowman may have melted!

brother #10027 It’s easy to find Brother around the house. Just listen for the bouncing ball. If it’s summertime, you hear a tennis ball hitting the side of the house. If it’s fall you’ll hear a football hit the roof. If it’s winter, you’ll hear the dribble of a basketball outside the garage (the soccer ball gets kicked all year long!). “Hey, Sis! Let’s play one-on-one!”

CABOOSE #10023 (Charmers Train Series) Charmers love to travel, and one of their favorite means of transportation is the train. Using Z scale train cars, I started the Charmers Railroad with Cho Choo, the tiny engineer who runs the locomotive. Since every story needs a good beginning and a good ending, I am introducing Caboose next. He rides on the very last car, where the trainmen go to relax and eat their meals. That makes it a happy ending!

CALVIN #10033 (ALSO SEE RALPH #10032) These two little Charmers are popular decorators and much in demand at Christmas time for their specialty – decorating Christmas trees. They have found that by using natural things, they can make the tree attractive and bright. Ralph’s large acorn will dangle easily from a nice bough and will be great fun to hang on an evergreen tree! Calvin, Ralph’s counterpart has a strawberry that is as large as he is and this red berry will show up well against the green needles. For most of the year, these wee Charmers decorate uniforms, clothes, rooms and gardens, but at Christmas, they “branch” out. They each have a four leaf clover for good luck when they are out on a “limb” and are truly good friends who just like “hanging” out together.

CAT’S MEOW #11012 The old saying “Curiosity killed the car” is not true. The natural inquisitiveness of cats is part of their charm. This kitten has found the farmer’s milk can to be a beguiling challenge. Surely she can find a way to reach the creamy treat inside. After all, milk is the cat’s meow!

CHOO CHOO #10017 Get ready – here comes a new locomotive (Z scale) with Choo Choo at the controls. He can “make tracks” around the Gnomes and Woodspirits who ride the Cairn Railroad. Choo Choo uses a four-leaf clover as the cowcatcher. You can always use a four-leaf clover when playing the game of life. This Charmer engineer wants the game played to your advantage – that’s Choo Choo justice.

DAD #10026 Dad is responsible for checking and cleaning the garden tools. In addition, he spots bare places in the lawn that need seeding and he assigns the daily jobs to the family.

DOUBLE TROUBLE #11002 Bear cubs are as playful and cuddly as small children. They can also be just as mischievous! Like children, roly-poly cubs are constantly getting into something, including trouble. These two are helping themselves to someone else’s barrel full of apples. You really can’t blame the cubs. After all, the owner should have set the barrel up higher.

FACE IT #10015 Some problems are tough nuts to crack. But still you have to face it. This Charmer put on his specs and got the task done! “Not so bad, after all!” he felt, and look what he got as a dividend: a smiling face. The moral is “crack a nutty problem and you’ll earn a BIG smile.”

FOREST #10014 FOREST (CairnBronze™) The Charmers clan would not be complete without Forest. He stands in the same classic pose as my very first forest gnome, sculpted in 1978. I have created several different versions over the years (the most recent being Forest Gnome ’97). This fellow is, of course, quite a bit smaller, and is able to easily hide in a clump of clover when we humans pass by. Often viewed as the leader and caretaker of the clan, Forest has tremendous responsibilities – and a heart to match.

GIMME A KISS #11007 Believe it or not, this little guy claims that he is actually a tall, handsome prince, who was turned into a tree frog by some witch’s wicked spell. ‘That’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it,” he insists. Day in and day out he patiently sits on this foil-wrapped candy, hoping to lure a fair maiden to come by and kiss him – thus breaking the spell. When asked how long he planned to wait, the frog simply replied, ‘Till I croak!”

GO DUTCH #11008 Dating can be expensive, even for a mouse. A night out for two with dinner, cheesecake, popcorn and a movie will put a big dent in a little guy’s billfold. Add to that a couple of café lattés at the local coffeehouse and BAM! – you’re busted. After it’s all said and done, a fellow must ask himself, “Was she worth it?” If the answer is yes, then go for it! If the answer is no, then “go Dutch”!

HAPPY RETIREMENT #10008 He’s ready to retire! He has all the necessary ingredients for a happy retirement. I gave him a sugar cube for sweet dreams and for his night-mare. He has sand from the Sandman to insure a restful night. In the morning, he will find himself re-treaded and ready for a long and still fruitful life.

HARESAY #12003 Is it a legend or myth that there are small people and small animals that live in clover patches? Is it folklore that they bring good luck? Are these just tall tales about short crea-tures? Fact or fiction… so far it’s just haresay.

HAVE A BALL #10016 If you want to “have a ball,” take up the game of golf. Then when you find a four-leaf clover, like this little Charmer has, you’ll always be lucky enough to find your lost balls. Charmers can always help you find lost items. They truly want you to “have a ball!”

HAVE A HEART #10020 The Charmers enjoy giving presents. Like his squirrel friend in “Luv Ya” and his Gnome buddy “Hart,” this little fellow also holds a heart-shaped gift. Somewhat bashful, he has it hidden behind his back, waiting for that perfect moment. Please have a heart . . . and be his Valentine.

HELLO! #10000 Hello! Hello! This little Woodspirit is on his shell-ular phone. The snail is very slow in putting through his calls – talk about Call talking to? Waiting! There’s a small bell for Southern Bell. Who could he be talking to?

HERE’S LOOKING AT YOU #10005 He joins “That’s Corny” and “Wisecracker” in making some monkey business. He “sees no evil,” but when he’s not sneaking a peek at you, the little face behind him is! I used two black-eyed peas for the eyes – so you might say that they are pea-king! Charmers love puns and jokes, and they know that a day without laughter is like – well, never mind – there’s never been such a thing!

HIPPO HURRAY #11014 Life is filled with many little obstacles, and it is nice to know that someone is behind you, cheering you on. This hippo is your own personal cheerleader. No matter what you are up against, or whatever the odds, she’s there to shout, “C’mon, you can do it – Hip Hippo Hurray!”

HONEYMOONERS #12004 Collector Society Artwork Series (April, 1997) At their wedding they heard the words, “Whither thou goest, I will go.” So here they are, setting out on life’s journey together. Though their arms are linked, they face in opposite directions on their turtle transport. This way they each have the opportunity to be in the driver’s seat. That keeps the honeymoon alive!

IMA TREAT #10018 It gets pretty chilly on October 31, so Ima wears her favorite orange scarf and keeps her hands warm in her jack-o-lantern muff. As you trick-or treat under the bright harvest moon, you may see a flash of orange as Ima dashes by. Find the four-let clover behind her long black skirt and she’ll treat you tog happy Halloween.

LEO #11010 CB #11200  Acc CB #11500 Leo the lion is referred to as “His Majesty” among the animal Charmers. He was chosen king for his leadership skills and for just plain being bigger than everyone else. He is not one to boast, however, and despite much urging from his loyal subjects, Leo refuses to wear a crown. “It rattles when I roar.” he says, “and I ain’t lion.”

LIL CLARENCE #10019  CB #10202  Acc CBz #10502 Even the tiniest anxiety can use a guardian angel. Lil’ Clarence is for those moments. His big brother Clarence is the guardian angel that stays with you during life’s tests. Lil’ Clarence is for the pop quizes! Let me know when you think he has earned his wings.

LIL’ LEAP #12005 Sometimes making a new friend takes a lil’ leap of faith. But it wasn’t long before these two discovered that they were kindred spirits. This statue is the Charmers version of two larger statues by Tom Clark and Tim Wolfe. “Jumping Jack” can leap over a creek; “Leap Frog” can jump over a stream . .. and “Lil’ Leap” can hurdle a mud puddle. As these two friends will tell you, every big step begins with a lil’ leap.

LUCKY DUCK #11013 Little wonder that this duckling is smiling he has just realised how fortunate he truly is. No, he didn’t hit the lottery or win big at the craps table; he’s just happy to be with you! Maybe he was born under a lucky star – or is that a lucky starfish?

LUNCHTIME #11009 (1999) A busy beaver can build up quite an appetite after a hard morning’s work. The time lapse between breakfast and lunch can seem like an eternity – especially when you’re hungry. When the whistle blows at high noon, all work is stopped and the colony of beavers will take time out to re-fuel. Rather than sit under the shade of a tree to eat his lunch, a beaver will eat a tree for lunch! And then, of course, it is back to work.

LUV YA #11005 Here’s a wee little bunny with a great big heart. He has a message for someone very special. While Valentine’s Day is a great time for conveying your feelings to a loved one, you don’t need to wait until February 14. Every day is the perfect day to say “Luv ya!” And today that someone is you!

MICHELLE #10013 Hello! Hello! This little mermaid is talking on her shell-ular phone. It’s a ship-to-shore call that is sure to be good tide-ings. So, who placed the call to lovely Michelle? Here’s a hint – she says his name whenever she answers the phone.

MINK COAT #12006 Charmers don’t take a mink’s coat _ instead they give him one! Charmers know that there’s only one right answer when it comes to Animal Rights. So this little Gnome is right there to help his buddy with his right sleeve. Being kind to animals -it’s the right thing to do!

MOM #10029 It’s Mom’s day off, and boy does she deserve it! She has been busy overseeing the personal needs of Dad, Brother and Sis. She has put on her best leaf hat and is holding her lucky four leaf clover pocketbook. She will have good luck shopping today…or maybe good luck in holding on to her money! Sometimes the best gift a family can give to Mom is a day off. Even if you don’t have a four leaf clover, you know you’re lucky just to have her!

NUTS ABOUT YOU #11003  It comes as no great surprise that squirrels are crazy about nuts. The two go together like mice and cheese, or beavers and trees, or flowers and bees. The same can also be said about people. Maybe you were lucky enough to find someone that you are just plain crazy about. And maybe that someone is nuts about you, too!

OTTER BE FISHIN’ #11020  Have you ever been in a situation where you thought you ought to be doing something else? Well, that is exactly what this slick little fur bearer was thinking. He just wasn’t having much fun doing what he was doing so he thought, “I otter be fishin!” So he did! – and is he ever glad!

OVERTIME #11001 Work work work! Beavers are nature’s busybodies. For them, there is always work to be done: a stream to dam, a lodge to build, a forest to be cleared. Beavers are not your average nine-to-fivers. If there is a project that needs to be completed, they’ll stay at it until the job is finished, no matter how long it takes. When asked what they do for fun, one beaver replied, “Work!”

PENNSY #10030 Pennsylvania, the Charmer, is boxed in between Caboose and Choo Choo. But, that’s all right with him because he’s riding on a boxcar. He wants to be able to help unload when they reach the depot, so he’s wearing his boxing gloves. And, of course, there’s a boxing “match” in the leaves. You can bet on Penny being the winner because he’s named for the Pennsylvania railroad and he has a lucky four-leaf clover at the front of his boxcar. Good Luck, Penny!

PICK ME UP #10021 (1999) Keep on truckin’ could be the motto for this wee Charmer, who has customized his pickup truck with a four-leaf clover. It has obviously brought good luck to his friend, who has just gotten a lift. Little people are often the ones who give us a “pick up.”

PLAY BALL #10024 (1999) Another sports-loving Charmer has joined the clan. This little fellow is anxious for the game to begin. He sees baseball as a metaphor for life – the important thing is to just get started. So this wee Charmer is on the ball as he hollers, “Play ball!” Please give him a front row seat on top of your TV set.

POT LUCK #10002 “I’m a lucky man!” said Santa. “I got you, Belle, to marry me and move to the North Pole. I have eight wonderful reindeer (nine counting the red-nosed one). And if my good luck holds, this will be a beautiful night for traveling!” Mrs. Claus smiled and said, ‘Let me give you some pot luck to go with your other luck.” And she poured him a cup of good cheer.

ralph #10032 (ALSO SEE CALVIN #10033) These two little Charmers are popular decorators and much in demand at Christmas time for their specialty – decorating Christmas trees. They have found that by using natural things, they can make the tree attractive and bright. Ralph’s large acorn will dangle easily from a nice bough and will be great fun to hang on an evergreen tree! Calvin, Ralph’s counterpart has a strawberry that is as large as he is and this red berry will show up well against the green needles. For most of the year, these wee Charmers decorate uniforms, clothes, rooms and gardens, but at Christmas, they “branch” out. They each have a four leaf clover for good luck when they are out on a “limb” and are truly good friends who just like “hanging” out together.

SIS #10028 Her brother may want her to play ball with him, but the only one-on-one Sis is interested in is her baby doll. She has on her apron, like “Mommy”, and now she’s taking care of her little one. This image reminds us of little girls we cherish…those who grow up to be wonderful Mothers.

snowdrop #10035 Snowdrop is named for the first flower to break through the snow. Her boyfriend, Black Diamond, is sledding down the mountain, While he’s on top, she’s down at the foot, shaping a snowman to be her companion for a while. She is wearing a 4-leaf clover pin, which she hopes will bring her luck and prevent her snowman from being hit by Black Diamond when he slides to the bottom of the mountain. Snowdrop isn’t worried about the snowman melting because she’s given him a pointed Gnome hat. That makes him really cool!

STUCK ON YOU #11006  Hedgehogs, with up to 5,000 sharp, stiff spines sticking out at all angles, don’t, at first glance, appear to be the cuddling sort. Au contraire! These two happen to be enjoying each other’s close company just fine. You might call them pigs in a blanket! Hedgehogs often say to one another, “I’m stuck on you!”

TAD #11000 This tiny frog got his name prior to his metamorphosis – that is, before he changed from a tadpole into a frog. Tad is a tree frog and spends most of his life in the branches of trees high above the forest floor. There, he can often be heard singing. (He’s a real crooner and enjoys singing to attractive female frogs!) Occasionally Tad will venture down from the trees to mingle with other neighborly Charmers.

TARDY #11502 She’s late! Tardy the mouse has a reputation for being not-so-punctual. The reason for her delayed attendance, as we can plainly see, is her means of transportation – she goes at a snail’s pace. When questioned about her slow-poky ways, Tardy is quick to quote Shakespeare: “Wisely and slow: they stumble that run fast.

THAT’S CORNY #10004 He joins “Here’s Looking at You” and “Wisecracker” in making some monkey business. While he “hears no evil,” he will hear plenty of jokes and puns from his two buddies. Charmers think that puns are punny. Now that’s corny! Don’t take my word for it – look for the small corncob behind him.

THE BEST IS YET TO BE #10009 Happy Anniversary! This happy couple is celebrating their wedding anniversary. Look in her eyes – she’s remembering the past, especially their wedding day. Look in his eyes – he’s thinking of the present and this joyous occasion. But my statue is really about the future, because the best is yet to be!

THE FISHIN’ LESSON #11019 Father Bear is teaching his young cub the fine art of trout fishing. The cub watches intently as his dad tries to snag a fish from the rocky stream. The young bear was told that mountain trout are very clever and outwitting one takes tremendous cunning and skill. Its been over an hour and they still haven’t landed a single fish. The cub is wondering if maybe it takes more than just cunning and skill to be a successful fisherman…

TLC #10022 (1999) Nurses go through a lot of training, learning many skills to help the doctors and their patients. Yet a nurse’s greatest talent comes from her heart, and reflects her reason for becoming a nurse in the first place – tender, loving care. This is the prescription that we most appreciate from our nurse. Now we can write her an IOU for TLC!

TOP OF THE DAY #10011  This tiny leprechaun is tipping his top hat to you. He holds a flower for his Wild Irish Rose. You’ve heard of the luck of the Irish? When you need just a little bit of luck, he can help you find a four-leaf clover.

UNCLE #11015 is the strongest man in the family and is frequently called on to haul off a fallen limb or move rocks from atop spring bulbs.

UNCLE AL #11016 No one can tell stories like Uncle Al, the wise old owl. If he has an audience willing to listen, Al can go on for hours recounting past adventures and narrating historic accounts. Uncle Al has also been known to stretch the truth on occasion, though his listeners seldom care. We asked Uncle Al how he became so good at telling stories. “An adroit storyteller,” he said, “is someone who has a good memory and hopes other people don’t.”

WE DO #10007  Weddings are a wonderful time of celebration for the Charmers. Friends and family gather in a circle and share stories and memories about the happy couple. Finally, the groom tells why he loves the bride, and she tells why she loves him. This little bride is wearing an heirloom veil, and her bouquet is a tiny rose nestled in a four-leaf clover. Chances are, they will be married by the same minister who christened them as babies! This couple is happiest on a small wedding cake.

WEE SANTA #10003  The four-leaf clover behind Santa insures good luck at Christmas time. He has an orange and a candy cane for everyone on his list. This “right jolly old elf’ can fit in the toe of the tiniest Christmas stocking. Even the smallest Charmer knows that he will be remembered by Wee Santa, and his best gifts are in the smallest packages!

WISECRACKER #10006 He joins ‘That’s Corny” and “Here’s Looking at You” in making some monkey business. Although he “speaks no evil,” like all Charmers he loves jokes and puns. Wisecracker knows that it’s wise to crack jokes to keep conversations friendly – laughter really is the best medicine. To celebrate Wisecracker’s gift for making others laugh, I rewarded him with a little cracker. Wasn’t that wise?

YOU’RE PURR-FECT #12007 If you’re lucky, you have a best friend. Side by side you face life together – cheering at the joys and weathering the sorrows. You think she’s wonderful, and she thinks you’re terrific. Life is not always a saucer of milk, but it’s certainly less hairy when someone thinks you’re purr-fect.