The tradition of building fairy houses from bits of wood and stone has long been the pastime of children and adults along the Maine coast. These delightful dwellings are thought to attract tiny winged fairies, providing them with a comfortable home amid nature. Maureen Heffernan, author of Fairy Houses of the Maine Coast explains
“The woods and fields and shorelines of Maine are filled with fairies. They love the tall pines and the soft fragrant-needled floor beneath. They love the sound of water and of birds, the enveloping fogs, the nooks and crannies that make cozy homes, an the mosses that make restful beds."
Adding a fairy house to your garden to create a whimsical fairy garden may not attract these tiny creatures to your yard – unless, of course you are a believer in these mystical beings. It will add beauty and inspire the imagination.
Making your own fairy house or fairy garden isn’t nearly as complicated as it may seem, as there are no rules – other than using natural fairy-sized products in the construction.
- Begin by viewing the accompanying slideshow of fairy houses created from natural products like twigs, stones and moss.
- Jot down ideas and make a sketch of your fairy house.
- Gather materials for the house. Although wood, stone and moss are preferred for traditional fairy houses, don’t be afraid to be creative. Old flowerpots, birdhouses and other containers make excellent bases for fairy houses.
- Assemble you fairy house, securing joints tightly. You can use twine or weatherproof glue, but avoid metals if possible.
- Place your fairy house in a secluded nook or the corner of you flower garden. Under shrubs, near tree roots or beneath stone outcroppings works well.
- Add miniature seating – a tiny stone bench or a miniature log creates natural seating for fairies – but don’t overlook premade doll furniture ready for adorning. Check out the fairy chair in the slideshow for ideas for turning doll furniture into magical fairy chairs.
For more inspiration, visit Mackworth Island in Falmouth, Maine and join in the fun of adding a fairy house to the fairy village there. You won’t find the fairy village listed on the map, but a large sign will direct you once you are there. This delightful collection of houses made by visitors is sure to spark the imagination.
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