Created one at a time, each Santa starts out with a wire armature.
Robed Santas do not have legs. Next, a canvas body is created and then
an extra "body skin" of fabric is used to add shape and character.
Heads are individually sculpted using polymer clay. Hands are also
sculpted from polymer clay, and for many Santas I create replicas of
these hands in high quality resin for durability.
Only the highest quality materials are used in my Santa making
process. Glass eyes are used to give a life-like quality and eyelashes
are carefully applied by hand. I design and create the costumes using
the finest fabrics and trims which I hand select for each Santa. When I
use real fur or leather it is recycled from vintage coats. Beards and
wigs are created using mohair and other natural fibers that I hand
select, wash, and then individually apply. Props for my Santas are
both purchased and often handmade. Many times my husband assists me in
creating special props for particular Santas. Most figures stand on a
wood base.
Many of the themed Santas are created as Handsculpted Artist Editions.
While each Santa is still created by hand, and each face is an
individually sculpted original, they are similar in costume and theme
to other Santas in that Edition series. Each Santa is signed and comes
with a certificate of authenticity. Only a limited number are created in
each Edition.
One-of-A-Kind Santas are created around a specific theme usually
inspired by a unique prop or fabric. Occasionally a particular theme
might be duplicated but the end result will be unique to that Santa.
Resin Editions are Santas that I hand cast in resin from my original
sculptures. In this process, I make my own molds and cast my own resin.
These Santas are generally 12 to 16 inches tall and have hand-painted eyes.
The bodies and costumes are individually created similar to my other
Santas.
Since each Santa is created by hand and takes up to a week to complete,
only a limited number of Santas are created each year. Each Santa is
signed and comes with a certificate of authenticity.
I have dedicated myself to developing my own style of Santas, each
with a unique character and theme. I create each Santa with the intent
that it will become a collectible heirloom proudly displayed and
admired for many years to come.
