The Gnome Project has a way of moving in patterns you only notice after a long stretch of not trying to notice too much.

Things feel slow on the surface and then, once everything is gathered, the full picture is clearer than expected.

I recently sent out the detailed 2025 wrap-up to the mailing list recipients — a full account of the year’s field releases, map activity, long-haul travelers, and the quieter shifts happening behind the scenes. What follows here is the shorter version.

A Few Highlights from 2025

Field Releases

Fifty-two full-size gnomes made it into the world this year, with eight more cast and waiting for finishing touches. The QR submission system held steady, and a late-season upgrade made it easier to tell when a gnome was still being found, even when movement slowed.

The Minis

The Studio Edition Minis took on more importance than expected. They’re not field gnomes, but they support the field work directly. When a Mini Edition reaches its milestone, the next full-size Version 2 mold begins. As of now, Zephyr V2 is at 13 of 20, with Victor V2 next in line.

Movement Patterns

A few gnomes made serious distance this year — across states, across coastlines, and in a couple of cases across an ocean. Others stayed local but moved through a surprising number of hands. The full map tells the story better than anything else.

The Wall of Fame

This was the first year with a proper archive of finders and placements. It remains the clearest record of how the project actually works: inconsistently, unexpectedly, and with more participation than most people assume. You can check out the Wall of Fame here.

Want a deeper dive in the future?

If you’d like to receive the detailed updates going forward, sign up for the mailing list through the link below. I keep the pace slow and the volume low; it’s mostly for people who want the deeper version of the project.

The link to sign up for the email list is at the bottom of this ABOUT page.