The Portsmouth Fairy House Tour features creations made by local schoolchildren, artists, florists, and business owners each year. The sophistication of each design is secondary to each entrant's ability to create something that exists in harmony with nature and sparks the imagination. Below is a short history of the fairy house and a guide to get started on your creation!
Fairy houses are small structures for fairies and nature's friends to visit. They are made out of natural materials such as sticks, bark, dry grasses, pebbles, shells, feathers, seaweed, pinecones and nuts. Ranging from rustic to intricate, these whimsical habitats can be built by individuals or groups of all ages with an interest in nature and a desire to develop their creativity, joy and pride in sharing their work.
Originally started on islands off the coast of New England, fairy house building has spread throughout the country thanks to Tracy Kane, a resident of Lee, NH and the author of the Fairy Houses® series of books. Read her series to learn more about the principles and beauty of fairy houses.
Schoolchildren of all ages are welcome to submit a fairy house for display. Houses must be brought to the Strawbery Banke Museum on Friday, September 20th between the hours of 9am and 12pm.
AGES: We encourage adults and children under 12 to work together on a fairy house submission. Children over 12 are invited to submit a fairy house on their own. Advance registration is not required.
MATERIALS: All fairy houses must appear to be made entirely of natural components - dry grasses, leaves, sticks, pebbles, shells, fallen bark, milkweed pods, acorns, berries, gourds, miniature pumpkins, and pine cones are a few examples. Hot glue, acrylic spray, natural twine and other man-made items can be used but must be completely concealed by natural elements. No artificial flowers, glass beads or plastic elements should be used.
BASES: Platforms or man-made support materials can be used, but must be concealed with natural materials.
SIZE: Houses of any size and theme are welcome.
THEMES: We encourage you to be as creative as you wish, however, we do ask that your fairy houses not include political commentary or themes that are not appropriate for a young audience.