Home and Gnome Fest Guide

Fest Information and Schedule

See what to expect at Home and Gnome Fest below, and RSVP to join the fun here. All sessions listed below are complimentary, but supplies and space are limited (first come, first served!).

Vendors and Exhibitors

Wellness Studio Sessions

Learn and Connect: Activities and Demos!

Community Fun!

Vendors and Exhibitors

  • About Time Bookstore is a cozy woman-owned bookstore in the heart of Libertyville, IL. We’re dedicated to connecting people through books, from the latest releases and timeless classics to enchanting children’s stories.

     Books are about unique times in characters' stories. They take you through the past, present, or future through words and pure imagination. About Time Bookstore provides a space for book lovers to feel welcome to explore all types of books while meeting others in the community. 

    Join About Time Bookstore spring storytimes (for kids of all ages) at 11am and 1:30pm.

  • Dan Pilguy, owner of Arlington Crest Farms in Palatine. His diversifed suburban farm grows seasonal produce using sustianbale and organic practices as well as garden plants for the home gardener. He also hosts intern and aprenticships, group events, and educational tours. With a focus on community, Arlington Crest Farms grows food and plants for local markets, restuarants, and the surounding neighborhoods. New this season his farm will be opening up a farm shop to sell onsite. His wife, Jenny helps tremodoulsy during the busy season and is a full time school teacher. 

  • Meet Hannah Prahl: “I am a local Libertyville mom with a heart for wellness and a passion for helping families feel their best—without overcomplicating life. As a busy mom to a four-year-old, I understand firsthand how important it is to have simple, effective wellness solutions that actually fit into real life.

    My journey with Bravenly started from a personal place—I was wanting more energy, better gut health, and products I could truly stand behind. What I found was more than just supplements; I found a community and a mission focused on empowering others to take control of their health naturally.

    I share Bravenly because I believe wellness shouldn’t feel overwhelming. It should feel doable—even in the middle of mom life, school drop-offs, and everything in between. You’ll usually find me with coffee in hand, cheering on other moms, and helping families build healthier routines one simple step at a time.”

  • Genevieve is a mixed media artist and journal maker with a passion for creating art from discarded paper and textiles. She loves finding ways to turn "junk" into something useful and beautiful. Through her work and teaching she hopes to inspire others to see "junk" in new and beautiful ways.

    A resident of Mundelein, Genevieve can often be found displaying her art at festivals around Mundelein and Libertyville. She is an art teacher at the Adler Art Center and enjoys teaching workshops and classes to the local community. Check out her work.

  • Glorious Gems Designs is a mother/daughter team that creates functional art with a mix of new and vintage/reclaimed fabric. Many of our items are made with fabric that spans 3 or 4 generations of our family! Our handmade fabric art includes quilts, placemats, hot pads, table runners, reusable bags, blankets, and pillowcases.

  • At the Honey House we produce and harvest local honey, loose-leaf tea and other canned goods. We like to say what the bees give us is what you get in the jar providing the honey as raw as nature provides it for us." 

  • At Impossibly GlutenFree, our mission is simple: to bring joy to the gluten-free community - one cookie at a time.

    We believe the gluten free community deserves better. Better than desserts that are just “good for gluten-free.” At Impossibly GlutenFree, our bar is simple: it has to be so good there’s no possible way someone would believe it’s gluten free.

    As gluten-intolerant founders, Sunny and Kristin have spent years searching for foods that live up to the memories of the before times - when you could eat anything without thinking twice. Our mission is to recreate those experiences for the gluten free community: desserts that are just as good as, or even better than, the originals.

  • Shanna is a registered nurse, herbalist, and founder of Intentional Teas, a wellness brand crafting purpose-driven blends that support digestion, stress relief, immunity, sleep, and overall balance. With more than a decade of nursing experience in women’s health, she combines clinical knowledge with a lifelong passion for plants to create teas that truly support the body. Her own healing journey after a career-ending injury led her deeper into herbalism and inspired her to help others through education, community workshops, and The Herbal Nurse newsletter. Today, Shanna leads product development, digital marketing, and wellness programming for Intentional Teas while championing injured nurses through the Wounded Nurses Fund. She is dedicated to making herbal wellness accessible, intentional, and rooted in care.  

  • My name is Jason Gember and I am a Vedic Meditation Teacher in the Northwest Suburbs. In my own past I had a history of tiredness, stress and anxiety in my life.  I sometimes had difficulty enjoying the present moment and all the happiness it could bring until I found Vedic Meditation. Because of all the benefits I gained, this inspired me to want to teach others.  I paused my career and personal life and traveled to Rishikesh, India and spent time in the base of the beautiful Himalaya mountains to train and become a Vedic Meditation teacher.

  • Kleverbelly sells fermented vegetables that make good eating delicious and effortless. Based in Vernon Hills and serving the north suburbs, we offer classic sauerkraut, zesty fermented tomato salsa, and crunchy toppings that add flavor and texture to any meal, whether you enjoy them straight from the container or as the perfect finishing touch on tacos, eggs, pizza, bowls, and more. Born from Eastern European culinary roots and raised in Chicago, Kleverbelly's fermented vegetables are the tang you didn't know you wanted.

    At the fest demonstration, Aksana and Steve DeBretto will share the basics of fermentation — techniques, benefits, and variations — and sample some traditional (and some surprising) recipes.

  • I am an artist, entertainer, and instructor who primarily works with oil paints and pastels, soft pastels, ink, and book binding. I approach making with curiosity and an enthusiasm to welcome more and more folks to participate in the arts. I volunteer with the Grayslake Arts Alliance Education and Workshops Committee and participate in public-facing Mundelein Arts events as a local artist, which are all free or low-cost to be enjoyed by the community, so come on by all summer and fall! I will also be hosting workshops, activities, and a painting series at Adler Arts and Cultural Center this year. 

    I live and paint from my studio in my beloved town, Mundelein, IL, where I live with two of the cleverest cats in Lake County and my math and physics-savvy partner. 

    Follow me on Instagram and sign up to my newsletter for TMI of all the fun things I'll be doing all over northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin!

  • Lavish Bakehouse is a local bakery dedicated to producing high-end cookies, cupcakes, cakes, and desserts. Our team is passionate about creating delightful treats that bring joy to our customers. We take pride in our handcrafted approach and use only the finest ingredients to ensure the quality of our products. Our story begins with a love for baking and a commitment to delivering exceptional service to our community. At Lavish Bakehouse, we stand out by offering a wide range of delectable options, from custom sugar cookies to standard and tiered cakes. We invite you to explore our world of sweet indulgence and experience the difference with Lavish Bakehouse.

  • I’m Lindsay, the owner and creator of Liddy’s. By day, I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and by night, I’m a handmade item creator. I’ve had a love for making things by hand since I was a child, but it became especially meaningful during my time working in specialized foster care in Chicago. I needed an outlet that brought me comfort and joy, which led me to start making soap and candles in my kitchen. What began as a creative escape eventually grew into Liddy’s.

    Today, you can find my products in person at Area Coffee in Mundelein and Painted Tree in Kildeer, as well as on my Etsy shop. I pour my heart into everything I create, and I hope my joy brings you a little joy too.


  • Marisa is a native Chicagoan and was a Chicago Public School middle and high school teacher for eight years until the birth of her son (the bear in Marbear ).

    Marisa has practiced yoga since she was a teenager and can attest to the infinite benefits it has provided her over the years. In 2015, she deepened her practice by completing her 200 hour yoga teacher training program at Moksha Yoga in Chicago and has completed multiple kids yoga and mindfulness trainings since becoming a mother. Her love of yoga, teaching, children, and personal experiences navigating motherhood ultimately led her to create Marbear Yoga in 2022 while living in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Before starting Marbear Yoga, she taught kids yoga for Ann Arbor First Steps and FUMCN Co-op Preschool.

    In 2024, her family was offered the opportunity to relocate to Kenosha, Wisconsin.  They jumped at the opportunity so that they could be closer to family and friends, and haven’t looked back since. Marisa looks forward to meeting you and your kiddos in class soon!


    In addition to weekly public classes, Marisa offers private classes, events, workshops, and birthday parties.


  • About Stephanie: Inspired by my Mimi, a bold entrepreneur, my vintage shop is built on the thrill of uncovering one-of-a-kind finds, and giving them a second life.

  • Since 1983, Mini Earth Greenhouses has serviced Lake County for 43 years. We are a locally owned small business in Grayslake, IL, that prides itself on simple principles: “Grow great plants, at great prices!”

    Many know us for our famous $9.99 flats, but we offer a wide variety of perennials, annuals, hanging baskets, and vegetable starts. Mid-summer, we offer a farm stand of fresh veggies grown on-site. Once fall arrives, we retail 100% locally grown pumpkins, gourds, mums, and decor.

    Our knowledgeable staff is eager to get you growing! Spring is here—we hope to see you soon!

  • About Morel & Clover

    Good things come from the ground up — cork trees, old jeans, and really great ideas.

    Our collection is built around two passions: the timeless texture of cork and the enduring character of denim. Each of our handmade cork bags is crafted from sustainably harvested cork oak bark, a material that’s naturally water-resistant, lightweight, and incredibly durable. No two pieces are identical, because no two trees are the same.

    Our upcycled jean aprons give a second life to denim that would otherwise go to waste. Sourced from pre-loved jeans, each apron carries its own history — faded patches, worn seams, and all — transformed into something functional, rugged, and full of soul.

    Everything we make is handmade with care, built to last, and designed with the planet in mind. We’re not a factory. We’re a small team that believes slow, intentional making is always worth it.

    Wear it. Use it. Love it longer.

  • Founded in Mundelein in November 2024, Raindrops on Roses Candles’s mission is supporting animal rescue, one candle at a time.  Mother-daughter duo Teresa Rose and Alyssa Rose specialize in hand poured soy wax candles and flameless reed diffusers made with only the cleanest of fragrances.  20% of all proceeds are donated to local animal rescues with over $1500 donated so far!

  • Ramey Miller is the founder of rundeep Cleaning, a purpose-driven business rooted in creating peaceful, restorative spaces for clients and their families. With over ten years of professional cleaning experience and a Master’s degree in International Human Development, Society, and Education, Ramey blends practical expertise with a deep understanding of human well-being.

    A trained mediator, she brings a unique approach to her work—helping not only transform physical spaces but also foster a sense of calm, clarity, and balance. Her background spans social work, sales, finance, radio, and academia, shaping a holistic philosophy centered on service, inclusion, and authenticity.


    Ramey built her business to inspire meaningful, lasting change—both internally and externally—while creating an environment where clients and team members feel valued and supported.

  • Co-founder Nora blends fashion, culture, art and sustainability with mindfully made cotton bags, home goods and accessories. Each fabric is thoughtfully designed by Nora’s sister and hand block printed in India by manufacturers the sisters know and trust.

  • Tallow Balm Co. was founded with a mission rooted in love, care, and the power of truly natural skincare.

    Last year, my sister-in-law was diagnosed with a rare stage 4 skin cancer, and we knew we had to be intentional about what she put on her skin. Conventional skincare products are often filled with seed oils and synthetic chemicals, which can be harsh on the body. I wanted to create something safe, nourishing, and completely free from toxins—something she could feel comfortable using every day.

    When we saw how her skin glowed and how confident she felt knowing she wasn’t applying harmful ingredients, we knew this was something bigger than just one product. That’s why we started Tallow Balm Co.—to create handcrafted, deeply nourishing moisturizers so everyone can experience the benefits of truly clean skincare.

    But we didn’t stop there. We dedicated ourselves to crafting the most optimal blend of ingredients, ensuring every component serves a purpose in restoring and enhancing skin health.

  • My name is Natalija—the baker behind it all I’m originally from Serbia , and I’ve been in Illinois for over a decade, where I met my husband and started our family.

    He’s actually the one who encouraged me to turn my love for baking into something more. I grew up in a home where cooking and baking beautiful, traditional meals was part of everyday life. From a young age, I loved learning how to make different pies, breads, and special holiday treats like Christmas and Easter sweet breads alongside my mom.

    After having my first child, I realized how much I wanted to continue that tradition—making homemade food a part of our daily life. That’s when my sourdough journey began.

    Today, I bake fresh every Friday for our community, offering delivery in Buffalo Grove, Highland Park, Winnetka and surrounding areas. It still amazes me how far this journey has come—and I’m so grateful you’re here to be a part of it.

Wellness Studio Sessions: Get Moving!

10am: Little Yogis with Marbear Yoga

Ages: 2.5-7 with a parent/adult

Join Marisa Lind of Marbear Yoga for a special spring themed class at Home and Gnome Fest! We’ll stretch, move, dance, and breathe in fun, energetic, and relaxing ways.  Spring themed yoga poses, games, and mindfulness activities will be followed by a special craft! Please bring a yoga mat for you and your little one if you have one (a limited number of mats will be available).

10:45am: ‘Spring Into Action’ Workout (With Anita)

Join trainer Anita, owner of Healthy and Wealthy Place and Honey House for an energizing basic body-movement workout that can be done at a faster pace to get the blood flowing and challenge yourself! (Adult-only)

11:30am Mat Pilates (Deanna, The Pilates PT)

Join The Pilates PT for a complimentary 30-minute demo class that focuses on the core. Certified instructor, Deanna, will lead you through a functional mat flow designed to improve posture, strengthen, and increase total-body mobility. This class is beginner-friendly, all you need is you and your mat. (A limited number of mats will be available).

12:30pm: Yoga (with Sasha)

Join yoga instructor Sasha for an adult-only, relaxing yoga flow session for all levels.

All sessions are complimentary; Space and mat availability are limited (first-come, first-served). Please bring your own mat if you have one.

Learn and Connect: Activities and Demos

10:30am: Kombucha brewing 101 and Q&A with ‘booch master” Michael

11am and 1:30pm: Spring storytimes with About Time Bookstore

11:15am: Spring planter demo with Mini Earth Greenhouses

11:45am: Gardening for Health with Intentional Teas

1pm: Fermenting Veggies 101 and Q&A with Kleverbelly

1:30pm: Latte Art and Coffee Q&A with Frunchroom Collective baristas

Throughout event: DIY bookmark collage with Emerald Momma’s Creations LLC

Community Fun!

11am Seed Swap Presented by Mini Earth Greenhouses

Bring your favorite seeds (or plants) for a casual community seed swap at 11am! Find something new to plant in your backyard garden or containers, meet fellow gardeners, learn and get inspired for the planting season!

12pm Sourdough bakeoff (Prize sponsors: The Joyful Gourmet and Morel and Clover)

Calling all sourdough home bakers! We’re bringing together sourdough enthusiasts for a friendly competition (and a place to share your passion!). Enter for a chance to win the “home bakers” grand prize (and bragging rights, of course)! Requirements include bringing 20-50 bite-sized samples of sourdough bread (which you baked at home) and being present for the judging.

Gnome Hunt (Presented by Crunchy Culture)

Follow @crunchyculturechi and get a board for a kid-friendly scavenger hunt activity. Visit all the vendors and exhibitors to find gnome stickers and get a prize!