Birgit grew up in a home with strong Scandinavian influences. Her grandparents were Swedish and Norwegian with a little Dutch. Her family carried on many "Old World" traditions which meant there were tomtes involved. As a child, Birgit's best friend was her sister with Down's Syndrome, Margit. They liked to play with tomtes as part of their creative imaginary life. Now in retirement, she has enjoyed drawing and being involved with these mythical characters. Birgit's desire is to continue and pass on traditions to her family. In real life, Birgit is a fiber artist with a strong connection to traditional Scandinavian fiber arts: weaving, knitting, crochet, embroidery, and quilting. Birgit lectures and teaches quilting throughout the United States. As a classically trained musician, she also enjoys teaching harp. She, along with her husband Jim (of Finnish descent), lives in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They enjoy ethnic cooking, gardening, woodworking, and music. For more information about upcoming Tomte books, you may follow Birgit on her website: www.birgitsdesigns.com. Sign up for her newsletter, the "Tomte Times," or follow Birgit on Facebook @Tomte Times. Reach Birgit at birgitsdesigns@new.rr.com