About me

My name is Eric Lilja and I run Liljas Handicraft – a small craft company where tradition, wood and stories meet. In my workshop I carve figures with a knife and hand tools, in a work that combines Nordic folk beliefs with slow, present craftsmanship.

My characters – especially the gnomes – are strongly inspired by Swedish folklore. According to old stories, the gnome is a protective being who guards the farm, the animals and the family. If he is treated well, he rewards people with help and protection.

The gnomes I create are hand-carved, usually in linden – a soft but durable wood that lends itself well to details and expression. Each figure is unique and retains traces of the knife, the grain of the wood and small variations that show that it is made with hand and heart. I use many different materials in my craft, but always strive to let the natural appear and speak.

If you're curious about how the figures are made, you can follow along behind the scenes on my YouTube channel - where I show the sculpting process, material selection and the thoughts behind each creation.

In addition to the online store, I also have some sales directly from my small workshop. If you have any questions, special requests or just want to know more, you are always welcome to contact me!