Countdown to Christmas: 46 Days Creating a Generous Bag of Toys for Your Heirloom Santa: Vintage Dolls

I derive just as much pleasure finding the perfect toys for my Santas as I do decorative my tree, or home for that matter, with meaningful trinkets.

I recently purchased a few lots of vintage baby dolls and dolls that were the appropriate proportion for the Santas I generally make. I was looking for dolls that need "TLC"because I knew my purposes were to make them look like new toys and I didn't want to change the appearance of a mint or near mint representation of our history.

Available on eBay

For example, this lot of dolls (the tallest is only 6" long) appear to need a little make-over, but I do the least bit I could in order to preserve their vintage appeal. The one on the left could use a diaper and maybe add some eyes, the smallest I would swaddle in a blanket and tie a bow around it, and largest, I would try to brush of as much dirt possible with a dry craft brush and tuck it into Santa's bag.

Available on eBay

I believe scale is important but I really feel that toys and gifts should reflect the period of the Santa or St. Nicholas figure.

In other words, I hate to see a basketball on a Bellsnickle, or a contemporary Santa with a vintage toy.

Available on eBay

You might have to glue the loose limbs in place fi you do not know who to repair the doll. This will make them rigid, but after all, they are mean to be decorative. In the case of the one with the missing limb, I think I have a doll like that and I can cast a mold. I wouldn't want to cant's molds for dolls with sleeping eyes or those that still have their hair. BU the good news is that I will giving these babies a new purpose.

I'll end with this one doll who came with a batch of dolls I purchase from Canada. The photo from the eBay post did not do her justice. 

 I'

Countdown to Christmas: 47 Days Touching Up an Already Awesome Little One of a Kind Santa.

Next to Sean Bean, I'd say Ray Winstone, another fabulous actor from the other side of the pond well known for character being killed off, that would make a great Santa Claus...or Kris Kringle.


























Just look at those crinkled eyes and rosy cheeks!

But I'm off on another tangent after seeing him BRIEFLY in the movie "Hugo"... in which he was killed off.

Speaking of cute Santas...

I purchased some Santas from a seller on eBay and this little guy was in the group.

He is only about 9" tall. His beard was rather schmooshed when I took him out of the box, and his clothes were disheveled, but I fluffed him up a bit before this photo.

His sweet little sculpted (or modified press mold) face seems to be madefrom polymer product.

 His tiny hands are from a press mold where the thumb can be on either side.

I saw that he had a tiny belt and buckle, but on closer examination, I discovered that it was the wristband from a lady's watch.

This is a very clever accessory but it doesn't reach completely around the back of this Santa's tummy. I think it would have been better to have just left the watch face on the wristband/belt versus gluing the pieces on the side.




I find a lot of ornaments that make great toys for Santa to carry. This drum was mostly likely an ornament or maybe it was a piece from a floral pick, but the hole was rather obvious.










One think I really liked about this Santa was his handmade boots that are most likely sculpted from polymer clay.

And the tiny oranges are only about a quarter of an inch, yet each one is textured and has a little dimple on the bottom.













I tiny wrapped present sits at this feet that is rather sturdy, perhaps wood? His color pallet is one of my favorites with the light green tunic/jumpsuit :) and his red and gold quilted coat. Each corner of the half inches squares is accented by a tiny gold bead.

His spray of gold twigs (are these for spanking bad children?) are lightly glittered, and his wreath (although shedding leaves and berries) is the appropriate scale.

I am always on the lookout for things to use when adding accessories to my Santas.

I chose this box with the goose, the tiny white reindeer that probably came from a vintage floral spray, but I am still not sure about the snowman.

Finally, I gave his head a little tilt and, to me, this gives him that little extra bit of personality.

HOLIDAY POINTERS:

Don't be afraid of "playing" with your Santa. add or remove items to make him more to your liking. You can always photograph him in his original attire in the event you every want to sell him.

Thread a needle! I don't really care for the look of hot glue all over everything 

Countdown to Christmas: 48 Days I Admit It! There is More to Christmas than Santa Claus

Some days I just get this feeling that there is something at Rolling Hills Ministry Thrift Shop that is meant for me. All I have to do is go search for it. 

Tuesday morning, I had a bit of time to kill and what better place than Rolling Hills, or as I call it, "New to Me". So, I was wandering the aisles with a couple of interesting items balanced in my arms. (if I get a buggy, I get a bit carried away) and I saw a shopping cart full of items any seasoned thrift shopper would envy. Beside it knelt a woman checking out stacks of dishes. I commented on her goodies, because Rolling Hills is one of those places where you can strike up conversations with total strangers, plus we're in The South...but I digress.

She responded to my comment by looking up at me with a big smile and proceeded to show me some of her goodies, but more important, upon meeting her, I knew she was that SOMETHING I was meant to find at Rolling Hills that day. 

Barbara and I are kindred spirits!

She told me her purpose for buying a buggy full of baskets, pieces of china, and other decorative items she had so carefully, and thoughtfully collected. She creates gift baskets to sell with the proceeds going to help her disabled son.

These aren't just any baskets, Barbara Ellis Durbin creates one of kind baskets that tell a story where the receiver is instantly transformed into the main character of their own romance novel. 

 Even though I find a lot of great things at Thrift Shops, many of Barbara's items appear to be from higher end antique stores and estates sales.

She also creates these instant vignettes just waiting on a table or shelf for which to be displayed. 

She told me she spends hours selecting the right combination of treasures and treats, but her "labor" is that of love and it really shows.

All of her work is securely shrink wrapped, but done so with elegance. Who knew shrink wrap and elegance could appear in the same sentence!

I could go on and on, but I'll let her photos tell the story.

Barbara's baskets can be found at

Vintage Bee

100 Main

Jonesboro, LA

And aren't we in luck!

They are having an open house Sunday afternoon on November 9!

But if you can't make it, you can always ask her if she ships. Imagine receiving one of these in the mail and taking a few moments (or hours) to enjoy the contents.

And remember, it may not be new, but it is new to you!

Countdown to Christmas: 49 Days Breakfast with Barry Belcher! This and a cup of coffee (or two) will jump start your creativity.

If you haven't met Barry Belcher, it is time you do!

I came across one Barry's videos on YouTube while searching the web for ideas others have shared on decorating for the holidays.  I spent the next hour watching video after video.

Originally, I was waiting to add him to my blog on December 1st, but since his "vlog" includes some clever decorating ideas for Thanksgiving, I thought I'd get you hooked on him as soon as possible.

Prepared to be entertained!

My friend, Karen, and I share a philosophy, "The smaller the budget, the greater the creativity."

I feel Barry is a kindred spirit.

As I ATTEMPT to prepare for the "Santa" season, I am still working on swapping out Halloween with Thanksgiving decor.

I just love these foam plastic Jack-O-Lanterns and have added to my collection over the past few years.  Usually, the bases are draped with burlap, black tulle and spider webs. My son decorated this year and didn't want to put forth that extra bit of effort.

photo coming soon...it is pouring down rain today.

Makes me wonder why I bother.

Halloween 2009 

Twinkle lights tucked beneath the tulle helps light the way for Trick-or-Treaters and the Jack-O-Lanterns' individual bulbs are replaced with battery operated tea lights because I don't want to do the whole octopus thing with the cords.

photo coming soon, it is pouring down rain today.

So, once Halloween is over, a quick about face, and now we are ready for "Turkey" Day!

photo coming soon...it is pouring down rain today!

Steph McCrombie, Photographer

HOLIDAY POINTER:

Occasionally, I pick up a Jack-O-Lantern from a thrift shop or garage sale that I already have. No problem, just a few well placed slices with an Exact-O knife and Voila, I have a new expression.

photo coming soon...it is pouring down rain today!

Countdown to Christmas: 50 Days Sean Bean as Santa Claus? Well, at least we know he won't get killed off...or will he?

Sorry folks, it's not a new major motion picture...it's just a meme. But I'd be glad to take a meeting with a film exec and discuss my ideas.

Sean Bean has played some iconic characters like Zeus (Percy Jackson), Boromir (Lord of the Rings), Caesar (Is this the Shakespeare version? I haven't seen it yet), and of course, Mellors "Aye, I Luve Ya" in Lady Chatterly's Lover.

So, why not cast him as Santa Claus, St. Nicholas, or Father Christmas?

Although I don't really see Sean Bean as the Kris Kringle type, he could definitely portray one of the more nobler gift givers.

But how does one go from John Ryder (The Hitcher) to Belsnickle? Hmmmm

Anyway...

During my countdown to Christmas, I will be making "Ned" evolve into a more festive character...one who will surely keep his head about him during the holiday season.

Steph McCrombie, Photographer

HOLIDAY POINTER:

Follow Gus (and Travis) on Instagram @ifitwags

Countdown to Christmas: 51 Days Santas I Don't Collect

I know that it's hard for you to believe that with over 1000 Santa Claus figures and ornaments in my collection, there are some artists I do not collect.

Lynn Haney was one of the first Santa Claus figure artists whose work I could identify immediately. His smooth skinned and practically expressionless Santas do have a haunting beauty. His emphasis on detail creates the type of Santa Claus that I admire, but even his reproductions are too expensive for me to collect.

However, this post on eBay makes purchasing an instant collection for less than what one can cost is rather tempting.

16 Lynn Haney Santas 1992-2004 Many Retired

Perhaps it is because I enjoy a variety of faces and expressions that I would rather have ten $20 Santas versus one $200, and if/when I have $200 to spend on Santas, I usually go for quantity. There is something about a buffet layered with a varied of different Santas that appeals to me more than one centerpiece Santa.

Marmee & Company

I realize this stems from my collection of holiday magazine images that illustrate less is less and more, well it's MORE!

Byer's Santa Claus and Caroling figures are another series of collectibles with a very distinctive look. They are cute and more affordable than the Lynn Haney Santas but they never were my thing. However, if one just happens to show up at Rolling Hills or another of my favorite thrift shops, I think I could squeeze him in.

Retired Byers Carolers and Santas

Steph McCrombie, Photographer

HOLIDAY POINTERS:

When storing your cherished collectible figures, toss some cedar balls, blocks or a pleasantly scented bugdeterrent sachet in the box along with them.

NEVER mix fragile ornaments with heavy resin pieces. I generally don't wrap every ornament as if I am shipping them across the country but I do have divided boxes where I sort out heavy, light, breakable and fabric. 

I usually buy fresh white tissue at the after Christmas sale and use it for my large pieces. I wrap my ornaments in deli wrap. It comes in different sizes and is very handy in its pop-up dispenser. And finally, LABEL every box! And stack them heaviest to lightest. This way I can carry manage the lighter boxes and let my husband or son's bring up the heavy ones.

Countdown to Christmas: 52 Days Santa Collectors dot Com

When you have time...LOTS of time, check out Santacollectors.com.

Angie McKaig has created a very entertaining and educational site that any fan of the jolly man is going to want to add to their favorites.

Anyway, in attempt to give credit to both Kati, the artist of these beautiful one of a kind Santas, and Angie, whose affection for collectible Santas and her diligence in spreading the word about her favorites, I have included links to both sites.

santaworld.com

Picnic with Santa

Each of Kati's Santas figures is telling a story of his own. Her attention to detail and choices of accessories are as unique as each of the Santas she creates.

Doesn't this Santa (no longer available) bring to mind the little ditty "Teddy Bears Picnic"?

Steph McCrombie, Photographer

HOLIDAY POINTERS: When dusting Santa sculptures such as these, start by using a soft bristle clean craft paint brush or make-up brush to gently brush away dust from the hard surfaces. Then I suggest you wrap them snugly in tulle or a laundry bag with the pull cords, and fasten the "bag" securely. Use your vacuum's dusting brush and, if possible, adjust your vacuum to low. Do this ONLY when absolutely necessary and avoid "tugging" on the beard and real fur.



If you are displaying Heirloom Santas and decorations year round, invest in a glass front cabinet placed away from direct sunlight.

Due to lack of space in my recent home, I am down to two cabinets: my main cabinet houses mostly chalk ware Santas, some Valiant court, some by other artists, but mostly those I painted. And the second is really my china cabinet.

Countdown to Christmas: 53 Days So Much To Do

Wow!

There is nothing like trying to start a new blog goal and waking up to the busiest day you can imagine. Today was both Louisiana Tech's and Ruston High's homecoming and I had company all day. So here it is, way past my bedtime, and I am just now getting to my post.

I have a rather large to do list between now and Christmas Day, but don't we all.

The first thing I need to do is figure out how to add a countdown to my blog.  Technology can get a bit overwhelming this late at night.

Usually this time of year I am well into learning a new Christmas musical program or trying to recall all the words (and notes) to Handel's Messiah. Unfortunately, I've had to give up singing. One to many bouts with bronchitis has really affected those high, long notes. This still leaves a big empty place in my heart when I realize the "daze" between Halloween and New Years can really fly by without significant events like your elementary school age child's holiday recital or the annual visit to see Santa and have a photo taken with him. 

But I digress...

So, tomorrow, not only do I have to dust the Santas that I keep up all year long, but I have to put away all the Halloween and non-Santas and prepare for my holiday decorating which includes a short stint on the mantle, buffet, and dining table for the turkeys and pilgrims.

Steph McCrombie, Photographer

HOLIDAY POINTER: One trick I like to do while decorating my home for the holidays is as I unpack a box of Santas or other holiday decor, I repack that box with my regular decorations and attach a note of what is inside.

Now, I use the term "regular" loosely. I love to change out my decor. There was a time when I would change out my decorations monthly.

My Santa crafting challenge of the day was to find vintage or vintage style brooches to add to all the Santas I either make or remake.

eBay proved more fruitful than my local thrift stores today, but I'll be keeping my eye out for the perfect bling for each of my Santas to give them my own little signature.