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Fairytale artist Petronella Grahn

Fairy tale artist Petronella Grahn (born 1970) is the creator of Pomenia, a fairy tale picture book author, fabric designer, founder of the children’s clothing brand Tinttu.com, and mother of six children.

Pomenia is a fairy tale world created in my childhood, which I’ve shared and recreated together with my children through the most wonderful bedtime stories, educational adventures, and fairy tale illustrations. Motherhood magically transformed me into a fairy tale artist, bringing the characters of Pomenia to life through storytelling and visual art. I first publicly introduced this magical world through the Tinttu.com children’s clothing brand (1999-2018). The children’s clothing line was a natural extension of the enchanting world of imagination, where children play and become the protagonists of their own stories.

The right of every child to play freely, creatively, and imaginatively is an important foundation of childhood for me, which I advocate for in everything I do. I strongly believe in the power of fairy tales and storytelling, as they invite us to play and unleash the imagination and creativity. Through fairy tales, we also learn many new skills through play, but the most important aspect is the emotional impact and the teaching of behavior and morals.

I deeply believe that all of us, especially adults, should give ourselves more permission to “let go – to be silly” in order to reconnect with our creativity and playfulness. While children still have the ability to imagine, as adults, we often lose that ability. However, the value of being able to let go, play, and imagine the impossible as possible is immeasurable.

As an advocate for the world of fairy tales and playful childhood, as a fairy tale artist, illustrator, children’s book author, founder of Tinttu.com, designer, creator of the Pomenia fairy tale world, and mother of six children, I welcome you to the adventure of Pomenia, where everyone is just the right and unique fairy creature as they should be.

-Always be your own fairy tale self.-

Psst! Follow the artist at work on Instagram.

Petronella Grahn's key achievements:

• In 1999, Petronella Grahn founded the children’s clothing brand Tinttu.com. The brand was represented in retail in Finland, Europe, and Russia, with its own stores in Vantaa, Helsinki, Lohja, and Kotka. The productions were carried out in Finland, India, China, and Europe. The operations were temporarily suspended from 2018 due to Pomenia.

• From 1999 onwards, Petronella Grahn designed and produced Fairytale Design by Petronella Grahn products (fabrics, clothes, hats, patterns, shoes, textiles, decorations, etc.).

• From 1999 to 2001, she founded and directed the activities of the family park and children’s playground Nellin in Tikkurila, Vantaa, focusing on child-centered values, the importance of creative play in child development and growth, education, family values, and pedagogy.

• In 2001, she designed the costumes and hats for the elves and performing elves at SantaPark’s home cave.

• From 2009 to 2013, she founded the summer cafe Huutjärvi Hutikan, took care of the beach renovation, operation, and maintenance. She created ceramic dishware featuring dragons and fairies.

• In 2011, she created the cover image and Christmas cards for Carean Laseri magazine.

• From 2010 to 2011, she designed, implemented, and created mural paintings for the children’s center playground “Hupsistella” in Mikkelin shopping center Stell.

• In 2011, she painted a 3.5 m x 5 m Christmas window painting for Sokos and decorated the main Christmas window.

• In 2013, she designed, decorated, and created a mural painting “Satulinna” for the children’s playground at Kotka’s Seurahuone.

• From 2013 to 2014, she collaborated with Karto Oy on licensed products (cards, posters, gift boxes, wrapping paper, table settings, stickers, etc.).

• From 2014 to 2022, she created approximately 500 fairy tale paintings and drawings.

• In 2014, she won the Trube packaging design competition and a trip to France.

• In 2014, she was involved in the premiere of Kymi Sinfonietta’s “Hilla and Liisi” – a music fairy tale, working on the illustrations, stage design, and costumes. The project featured Mari Kätkä, Ulla Piispanen, and Tuomas Kesälä.

• In 2015, she wrote, illustrated, published, sold, and marketed the fairy tale book “Fairy Dust Magic.”

• In 2015, she created the cover and poster image for the Finnish Childcare Association.

• In 2015, she illustrated the music book “Let’s Go on a Music Journey” by Luri Luokkala and Marika Luokkala.

• From 2016 to 2017, she created the magical world of Pomenia in literary and visual arts form.

• From 2015 to 2018, she worked on digitizing Pomenia, creating maps and graphical designs for the characters.

• In 2016, she tested 2D animation in collaboration with a game company for the digital world of Pomenia.

• In 2016, she created the Pomenia Mindfulness Fairy Tale Adventure board game.

• From 2011 to 2020, she painted 120 canvas storyboards and held art exhibitions “In the World of Fairy Tales, I Am Happy” in 2013 in Kotka and “I Dream” in 2015 at the Espoo Main Library.

• From 2013 to 2014, she created mural paintings and decorations for 4 Vekkuli Oy kindergartens.

• From 2016 to 2018, she developed the Pomenia fairy tale mobile game book to the alpha phase.

• In 2016, she created a 250 m2 mural painting and decoration for the Taikametsä kindergarten.

• From 2016 to 2018, she created the sound world of Pomenia (fairy tale characters) and the theme song, with music created by Mika Tourunen and lyrics by Petronella Grahn.

• From 2017 to 2020, she had a fabric license agreement with Ommellinen Oy under the brand Design by Fairytale Artist Petronella Grahn.

• From 2018 to 2019, she developed the first Pomenia Fairy Tale Yoga and Adventure Activity Cards, working with early education professionals.

• In 2018, she designed a 3D augmented reality adventure park for Pomenia.

• From 2018 to 2019, Pomenia twice reached the top of the Startup 100Finland list.

• From 2019 to 2023, she introduced Pomenia’s pedagogical materials and children’s books to the Finnish market.

• In 2019, she received a cultural scholarship from the municipality of Pyhtää.

• Since 2019, she has been marketing, mediating, and branding the magical world of Pomenia.

• In 2019, she developed the visual and marketing identity for Pyhtää’s “Little Fox” for children and youths for the municipality of Pyhtää.

• In 2019, she signed an eight-year agreement for publishing and pedagogical material with the Finnish children’s book publisher Kumma Kustannus.

• In 2020, the first part of the Pomenia book trilogy, “The Great Adventure of the Magical World” and “The Secret of the Magic Dust,” were published, quickly rising to the top of the “What Finland Reads” list (11/2020).

• Since 2020, she has been developing the Pomenia website and online store Pomenia Shop, creating and launching the IP brand map and visualization.

• Since 2020, the main story is being adapted into an animated series and movie for global distribution by a European production company, with Bafta awarded Dave Mousley as the lead producer.

• In 2021, she signed a children’s and adults’ clothing collection license agreement with Design by Fairytale Artist Petronella Grahn EHTA by Dream Circus.

• In 2021, BonnierRights Ltd. signed an agency agreement for the translation rights of Pomenia books.

• From 2021 to 2022, she collaborated with various partners on testing Pomenia products in kindergartens.

• In 2021, the Pomenia Creative Bible was created by Vanessa Chapman and Petronella Grahn.

• In 2022, the Pomenia fairy tale ballet was performed on the stage of the Oulu National Theater. The music was composed by Rolf Gustavson and Mika Tourula, executed by ballet school Sinikello, Päivi Koskela, with stage design and graphic backgrounds by Petronella Grahn.

• In 2023, she launched the “Fairy Tales and Adventures” interior design in collaboration with a Finnish production license partner. To be released in 2024.

• In 2023, she published the fairy tale book “Ruttu Rusinalle ei ryttyillä” in May 2023.

Pomenia's educational materials and children's books published in the Finnish market:

  • “Fairy Dust” storybook 2015
  • Story Yoga 2018
  • Adventure Cards 2018
  • “Pomenia: The Great Adventure of the Magic World” storybook Part 1/2020
  • “The Secret of Fairy Dust” storybook 2020
  • Emotional Skill Cards 2020
  • Emotional Skill Board Game 2020
  • Story Yoga Cards 2020
  • “Pomenia: The Magic World in Danger” storybook Part 2/2021
  • “Pomenia: The Hidden Secret of the Magic World” storybook Part 3/2021
  • “Sisu the Hero” storybook 2021
  • Courage Skill Cards 2021
  • Adventure Action Cards 2022
  • Fairy Dust Game Cards 2023
  • Pomenia Emotional Memory Game 2023
  • “Ruttu Rusinalle Doesn’t Wrinkle” storybook 2023

Mural wall paintings:

  • 2001 “Secret”, Daycare Vekkuli, Kotka
  • 2003 mural “Fairytale Castle”, Tikkurila Medical Center Mehiläinen.
  • 2003-2006 Wall paintings for birthday rooms and centers of children’s activity parks HopLop (Vantaa, Turku, Tampere, Espoo, Riihimäki, Joensuu). Design of birthday room furniture.
  • 2009 Mural “Let’s Adventure!” for Pyhtää Purola Svenska Skolen’s dining hall.
  • 2011 Mural “Secret Fairyland”, 280 m2, for Kotka Children’s Hospital.
  • 2011 Mural “Magic Castle” for Jorvi Children’s Hospital ward L1.
  • 2012-2014 Wall paintings for four units (Vekkuli, Kikiva, Mukava, and Sukkela) of Daycare chain Vekkuli, Kotka.
  • 2014 Mural “Heart Tree” for Pyhtää main health center’s lobby.
  • 2014 Mural “Purple Dragon and Troll” for Jorvi Children’s Hospital ward L3.
  • 2015 Environmental art piece “Dragon Sisu’s Alphabet Carpet” for Pyhtää main library.
  • 2015 Fairy tale mural in Rehndahl forest, Kirkkonummi.
  • 2015 Environmental art piece “Sisu and Salamander” rock paintings. Rehndahl, Kirkkonummi.
  • 2015 Wall paintings for pre-school facilities of Huutjärvi school, Pyhtää, “Fairy tale and Adventure”.
  • 2016 Mural for “Finland’s Most Beautiful Daycare”, Daycare Aalto, Helsinki.
  • 2016 Mural (250 m2) and interior design for Daycare Taikametsä.
  • 2020 Mural for Kotka main library, “Dragon Sisu and Fairy Goldilocks”.
  • 2022 Mural for Oulu Haukipudas Wellness Center, “Secret Fairy Forest”.
  • 2023 “Adventure Begins”, Pyhtää library.
  • 2023 “Beneath the Oak Tree”, Hyvinkää children’s library.
  • 2023 “Fairy Tale and Adventure”, Kihniö comprehensive school.
  • 2023 “Fairy-tale Children of Saimaa Archipelago”, Sulkava comprehensive school and entrepreneurship high school. Additionally, numerous private homes and daycare centers.

Published paintings and art exhibitions:

Art Exhibitions: “In the World of Fairy Tales, I am Happy”, Kotka Main Library 2013 “Dreamland of Fairy Tales”, Espoo Sello Library 2014 “In the World of Fairy Tales, I am Happy” Part 2. Gallery ArtStory, Porvoo 2017

  1. “Happy Birthday Leppis Peppis”, 51cm x 63 cm, A3, drawing, paper, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2013
  2. “Heart Tree”, 58cm x 69cm, A3, drawing, paper, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2013
  3. “Sisu and Mr. Mouse’s Winter Fun”, 63cm x 51cm, A3, paper, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2014
  4. “Spring is Here”, 51cm x 63cm, A3, paper, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2014
  5. “Fairy Tale Cabinet”, 34cm x 44cm, A4, paper, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2011
  6. “My Friend”, 45cm x 37cm, CANVAS, acrylic-mixed technique, 2014
  7. “Cherry Fairy”, 53cm x 63cm, A3, paper, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2011
  8. “Hush-a-bye”, 50cm x 42cm, paper, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2013
  9. “True Princess”, 61cm x 51cm, A3, paper, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2011
  10. “Pink, Purple, Violet”, 58cm x 48cm, paper, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2013
  11. “To Feather Islands”, 48cm x 45cm, CANVAS, acrylic-mixed technique, 2014
  12. “Adventures in Books”, 51cm x 63cm, A3, paper, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2014
  13. “Magic Night”, 53cm x 65cm, A3, paper, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2014
  14. “Studying”, 51cm x 63cm, A3, paper, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2014
  15. “Sunbathing with Puppies”, 51cm x 63cm, A3, paper, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2014
  16. “Drummer”, 39cm x 39cm, paper, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2015
  17. “First Snow”, 55cm x 67cm, A3, paper, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2013
  18. “Fairy Forest Picnic”, 51cm x 63cm, A3, paper, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2014
  19. “July”, 73cm x 63cm, A2, paper, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2011
  20. “Enchanted Fairy Cabinet”, 54.5cm x 71cm, paper, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2011
  21. “Freedom”, 65.5cm x 54cm, paper, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2013
  22. “More Snow”, 63.5cm x 51cm, A3, paper, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2013
  23. “Here I Stand Guard”, 61cm x 51cm, paper, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2013
  24. “Swinging in Summer”, 51.5cm x 63.5cm, paper, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2014
  25. “Summer, Summer”, 88cm x 74cm, CANVAS, acrylic-mixed technique, 2015
  26. “Owl Isabella-Flower Hat Lady”, 85cm x 83cm, CANVAS, acrylic-mixed technique, 2014
  27. “Sutsisatsi”, 67cm x 56.5cm, paper, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2013
  28. “Forever and After”, 41cm x 46cm, CANVAS, acrylic-mixed technique, 2013
  29. “Dreaming Blue”, 55cm x 80cm, CANVAS, acrylic-mixed technique, 2012
  30. “Good Night!”, 52cm x 59cm, CANVAS, acrylic-mixed technique, 2012
  31. “I Love”, 81cm x 80cm, CANVAS, acrylic-mixed technique, 2012
  32. “Tiny One”, 27cm x 37cm, CANVAS, acrylic-mixed technique, 2014
  33. “Snow Falls”, 39cm x 46cm, CANVAS, acrylic-mixed technique, 2013
  34. “Forever”, 69cm x 58cm, CANVAS, acrylic-mixed technique, 2014
  35. “Dreaming Blue”, 44cm x 46cm, CANVAS, acrylic-mixed technique, 2012
  36. “Magic Castle”, 79cm x 79cm, CANVAS, acrylic-mixed technique, 2014
  37. “Christmas Carols”, paper 38cm x 43cm, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2014
  38. “Bedtime Story”, paper 56.5cm x 67cm, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2013
  39. “Thumb Up”, paper 65cm x 54cm, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2013
  40. “Peekaboo!”, CANVAS 88cm x 78cm, acrylic-mixed technique, 2015
  41. “Fairy Dance”, paper 64cm x 81cm, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2014
  42. “Sometimes I Can’t”, paper 43cm x 53cm, charcoal-sepia-watercolor-mixed technique, 2013
  43. “Bye-bye”, paper 36cm x 42cm, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2015
  44. “Responsibility Makes Us Care”, paper 43cm x 55cm, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2011
  45. “Sirlimpsis”, paper 54cm x 66cm, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2011
  46. “November”, paper 49cm x 44cm, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2013
  47. “My Little One”, paper 53cm x 66cm, charcoal-sepia-mixed technique, 2013
  48. “Summerday”, paper 71cm x 54cm, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2011
  49. “Fooling Around”, paper 56cm x 67cm, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2013
  50. “My Little One”, paper 53cm x 66cm, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2013
  51. “King”, paper 56cm x 66cm, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2013
  52. “Bunny Girl”, paper 66cm x 56cm, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2013
  53. “Best Day Ever!”, paper 66cm x 56cm, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2013
  54. “Heart Tree and Trumpeter”, paper 82cm x 64cm, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2013
  55. “I Wanna Be With You”, paper 66cm x 56cm, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2011
  56. “Fairy’s Summer Day”, paper 89cm x 72cm, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2013
  57. “Autumn Can Come Now”, paper 42cm x 50cm, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2014
  58. “Flying, Rushing”, CANVAS 46cm x 35cm, acrylic-mixed technique, 2014
  59. “Leppis Peppis Dances”, CANVAS 39cm x 48cm, acrylic-mixed technique, 2014
  60. “Good to Be in Moonlight”, paper 55cm x 66cm, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2013
  61. “Lounging”, paper 53cm x 65cm, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2012
  62. “Ready, Set, Go Now!”, paper 42cm x 67cm, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2013
  63. “Fairy Castle”, paper 61cm x 51cm, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2013
  64. “Hug”, paper 55cm x 66cm, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2013
  65. “Sutsisatsi”, paper 56cm x 67cm, charcoal-sepia-mixed technique, 2013
  66. “Windy at the Top!”, paper 56cm x 67cm, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2011
  67. “Salamander’s Secret”, paper 69cm x 52cm, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2011
  68. “Happy Fellow”, paper 42cm x 42cm, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2013
  69. “Heart Tree”, paper 51cm x 63cm, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2013
  70. “Autumn”, paper 51cm x 63cm, watercolor-acrylic-mixed technique, 2014
  71. “I’m Flying”, CANVAS 61cm x 72cm, acrylic-mixed technique, 2013
  72. “I Will Protect You From Everything”, CANVAS 103cm x 137cm, acrylic-mixed technique, 2013
  73. “Let’s Go to Sleep, Shall We?”, 6 pcs, CANVAS 40cm x 40cm, acrylic-mixed technique, 2107
  74. “Butterfly and Fox”, CANVAS, 60cm x 70cm, acrylic-mixed technique, 2017
  75. “Home Nest”, digital painting, 2017
  76. “For You, A Million Times Over”, watercolour&digital painting, 2016
  77. “Ghosts of All Kinds”, paper, A3, watercolour, 2013 “and the tree was very very very beautiful.”, digital painting, 2017
  78. “Moonlight Shadow”, acrylic mixed technique, 85cm x 63cm, 2017
  79. “In the Flower Meadow”, 110cm x 80cm, canvas, acrylic mixed technique, 2016
  80. “Happiness for Some, Summer for All”, CANVAS, 90cm x 30cm, acrylic-mixed technique, 2013 “June’s Fairy Boy”, paper, A3, acrylic-mixed technique, 2016 “My Sun”, CANVAS, 100cm x 40cm, acrylic-mixed technique, 2013 “Fairy’s Magic Winter”, watercolour-digital painting, 2016 “Beauty Sleep” paper, A3, pencil drawing, sepia, 2013-2015

Read more about Petronella Grahn's work as a fairy tale artist:

Petronella Grahn told her children educational fairy tales. Now, they are becoming a brand developed by an international top team. Iltalehti, October 24, 2020. Käämä, Ruttu, and the rest of the Pomenia folks – a must-get-to-know. Optimism and energy, August 22, 2020. Petronella Grahn has been creating the fairy tale world of Pomenia for over 20 years. Now, the first fairy tale books are for sale, and there’s also an international animation series on the way. Duunitori, August 29, 2020. A mother slipped clever messages into the bedtime stories she invented and raised six children with their help. Yle, August 30, 2020. Fairy tale artist Petronella Grahn continued to believe in the Pomenia fairy tale world she created. Radio Suomi Kotka, August 20, 2020. Fairy tale characters now adventure in the main library’s fairy tale room, October 2020, Kymen Sanomat. The world always needs fairy tales, PK Ankkuri, December 9, 2020. It all started with a dragon hat – Kolster, March 4, 2021. Pomenia fairy tale ballet conquers, April 2022, Kaleva. The artist conjured a captivating fairy tale wall in the maternity clinic, April 2022, Mun Oulu. Learning and strength from the world of fairy tales for everyday life, April 2022, Rantapohja. The fairy tale artist donates fox hats to all newborns in Pyhtää, Kymen Sanomat, October 2022. Fairy tale characters created by Petronella Grahn conquer across borders, Kolster, January 2023. Hobbies turned into a job, Ankkuri, March 2023.

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