We need MORE gnomes in the world!

I saw Blooming Writer's latest post on garden gnomes*, and I have to say I am a bit hurt**.  It's so easy to vilify gnomes as kitschy garden ornaments, but honestly, if that's all you see, then you're blind to the fun in kitsch.  BLIND I TELL YOU!***  Granted, I have an odd sense of humor, and I do take enjoyment in terrifying others like wearing a turtleneck under a sweatshirt with puff paint teddy bear designs.  Still, I actually like gnomes because they're such odd little things.  I also wasn't around during the '70s.

My husband wants to recreate a battle scene between plastic flamingos and garden gnomes in the backyard with aerial attacks, fox holes, and everything.  Trying to be the encouraging wife, I bought him a bunch of gnomes from K-Mart a couple Christmases ago.  To be honest, I wasn't keen on the colors from an aesthetic point of view, but the colors definitely fit the bill for kitsch.  Since the colors have faded, I can justify painting them a color I would prefer.

BEHOLD THE POWER OF VHT VINYL DYE!

Before Paint

After Paint

In the Garden

I think I have found a new love in this gnome refresh.  VHT is absolutely amazing stuff for painting plastics.  It goes on smooth.  You don't need much.  It dries fast.  Love it!!!!  My husband and I bought 3 cans (and a kazoo) for $28, and the cans are probably going to last a while.  I hardly used any painting each gnome...

Yes, there's one more:

Anyway, I'm quite impressed with how well they came out.  They look a bit like oiled bronze, and I'm sure the color could be better if a coat of orange over the black.  I don't have any orange, so I can't say for sure.  If you're thinking about using VHT (or any other vinyl dye) on any of your plastic garden stuff (e.g., pots), read up on how to use it and what you need to do if you want to go from black to red.

And stick a gnome in your garden while you're at it.  Gardens shouldn't be serious business - that's what landscapes are for.

*I badly want that book.

**No, I'm not really hurt.  Sheesh.  It's gnomes.

***Before going ballistic, I should remind you that it's gnomes once more.