A Happy Hoarder: A Very eBay Christmas to YOU! Care, Repair, and Accessorizing Collectible Santas

Joseph, The Gift Giver. A Very Special Santa Claus Redux and A Very Special Story

I just love this Santa! Although, I really don't call him "Santa" I call him "Joseph, The Gift Giver" because every time I look at his sweet face, I think of Paul Simon's "Under African Skies"

Joseph's Face was black as night

The pale yellow moon shown in his eyes

His path was marked

By the stars in the Southern Hemisphere

And he walked his days

Under African Skies

Still, I consider this figure to be a wonderful representative of Primitive, Folk Art, and/or Black Americana Art instead of African Folk Art primarily due to his vintage quilt coat. 

But I should start from the beginning.

I am a Santa collector  and crafter. I have collected over 1000 Santas and through the years have bought and sold some depending on what I was "collecting" at the time.

I even had/have some African American Santas and a couple of "Kwanzaa Claus" collectibles but this one is extra special.

I actually have very few artist originals primarily due to their cost. Most of my larger Santas are reproductions that I've happened to pick up at my version of "affordable" prices.

Regardless, I am always on the lookout for another Santa (I know, i it is a disease!) and I found "Joseph" at shopgoodwill.com. If you haven't visited their site, then check it out. If you've already caught the bidding bug, then you'll know it can get as aggressive as eBay once you're on to something you really want.

But I was fortunate, I knew that I found this Santa for a reason so bid I did! 

I have been a Santa crafter for many years (mostly gourds and cypress knees) but years ago, I crafted "dolls" and figures. Recently I found a box full of "toys" that I had collected for my figures and found these three Black/African American rag dolls and I was thinking that I should sculpt a Kwanzaa Claus or something "folk artsy" to use them with. Then I put them back in the box where I'm sure they would have stayed for years, until I happened upon this particular "Santa".

I was so thrilled when he arrived that I already had his basket of babies ready to add to him. 

He originally came with only the bear (that has some sort of antique finish that gives him a grungy look) and the tree. Something had once been glued to the base and there was a damaged spot on his vintage quilt coat where something else had once been glued.

Also, he was filthy. I did my best to blow off some of his dust with a hair dryer (on cool) and beat some of the dust off his faux fur and coat, but mostly, his "grungy" patina is part of his vintage charm.

His face composition is unknown but it is very dense and it could be carved from wood or sculpted from clay or some form of polymer material.  He does have a couple of tiny paint chips that I did not want to repair because I was trying to avoid taking to much away from his "authenticity". 

His beard is made locks of dark wool that has most likely been hot glue on. 

I really believe that he is an original sculpture. Unfortunately, he is not signed by the original artist. However, I have signed him as a "Santa Redux".

But there is more to his story.

When I got him, I went on a "HUNT" and I mean I went through boxes and boxes of miniature toys and stuff that I have collected for my Santas to find the perfect ones to go with him. I do this all the time when I have a Santa to "redux". Not just any toy will do, I have to add, subtract, rearrange, etc. It is like decorating a living room! Some things just don't fit, where other things you just have to have!

So, after about two days of digging through all my stashes in storage rooms and my studio, I came up with several ideas.

First, he is wearing a suede belt from a vintage coat. This piece actually went around a wrist to tighten the sleeve over winter gloves. I think its age and grungy "patina" as perfect for this fellow!

He is carrying a very special ornament that I "composed" from found objects to honor two very special elephants. "Shirley and Jenny".  

"In 2000, “The Urban Elephant” brought viewers the touching story of Shirley and Jenny, two crippled elephants reunited at The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee after a 22-year separation. The bonding was immediate, intense and unforgettable between the two former circus elephants."

This ornament is in honor of the Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald Tennessee where I donate money when I can to support Shirley, an elephant I've known since my childhood growing up near the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo. It is a great story you can read here! It is a tear jerker! I can't even watch the video without crying! 

I actually took the ornament from another Santa that I had added it to because I felt "Joseph" gave it much more meaning. 

Even though Shirley and Jenny are Asian Elephants, the sanctuary takes in African elephants as well. So, if someone asks you what you want for Christmas...ask them to donate on your behalf!

Also, tucked in the basket, is a tiny paper book with miniature illustrations and the poem "'Twas The Night Before Christmas". The cover is missing, so the book is turned to an illustrated page. 

He also carries a tree (original) with a star (added) made from a palm leaf (I think)and, like most of the goodies I stash away for Santas, I have no idea where it came from but it has two tiny holes where it must have once been an ornament. I also added some switches just in case.

He has two quilted blocks hanging from his old leather belt and a snowflake that is actually glued over a damaged area of his vintage quilt coat with faux fur trim.

At his feet is a wooden train, a rag doll bunny and a wooden top.

Just looking at this "Santa" fills my heart with sentiment as I think all collectible and heirloom Santas should be. If you have a "store bought" or even an artist's original, I recommend you add something special to it to make it more your own.

Usually, I do NOT glue anything on my Santas but I did have to glue the train to cover the existing glue from a missing toy, the star on the tree, and the snowflake.

Hopefully, you will be inspired by this Santa/Joseph, The Gift Giver, and find a song that fits your favorite Santa as well!

Update November 22nd, 2015:

Wow! Literally, by the grace of God I discovered a Santa on eBay that was actually the "white" version of my "Joseph".

As it turns out, both dolls (as well as many others) were crafted by a very talented Santa artist named Linda Randall during the late eighties and early nineties and I found this information from a previous eBay post:

The artist, Linda Randall handcrafts her Santa dolls, creating individually made clay faces and clothing them with genuine antique quilts.  She recognizes the importance of preserving the heritage that old quilts represent.

I also found this image of the card that came with one of her original Santa figures.

I wish I could find out more on this artist. I feel my additions to her Santa was very much in her style and I will keep my eye out for more her work.

Update November 27, 2015:

Before, when I checked the bottom of the stand and the doll for a signature by the artist, I had not seen one. Then l I read on a post of one of her other dolls that Linda Randall signed them in pencil. So, I put on my glasses, held the him under a good light, and checked the bottom. 

Sure enough, there is a signature:
Linda Randall 1 of 1 1990
The pencil was barely noticeable against the color and grain of the wood.

And my final notes on this memorable Santa.

I sold him on eBay because my collection is so out control that I am trying to let go of some of my Santas; even my favorites, because they are just getting lost in the crowd. I felt that this Santa deserved a very special place and need to go to someone who would appreciate him. 

I have crafted many Santas over the past 25 years, but giving this Santa a redux will always be very special and I'm glad I had the chance to save him.

Another update! (6/26/2016 I found this Linda Randall Santa on eBay a while back but I forgot to add it to this blog post. 
Isn't he ADORABLE!!! 

ANOTHER eBAY Mishap!

Listed as Christmas Santa 19" Signed And Numbered By Gail Griffith Hillside Folk Art Co. I jumped at the chance to add another Gail Griffith Santa to my collection!

Described as: 

HAND CRAFTED FATHER CHRISTMAS
CARRYING A CHRISTMAS GOOSE
1988
BY GAIL GRIFFITH
HILLSIDE FOLK ART COMPANY
#355
19" TALL
EXCELLENT CONDITION

Of course I wanted him!

Unfortunately, when he arrived, he wasn't in the condition that I had expected. 

His coat could be described as filthy or sooty and the seller's slightly out of focus images made it difficult to make out the stains.

NOT that there is anything wrong with that if it was indeed Gail Griffith's original design. It's just not the look I'm going for in my collection. And, had I known this, I would not have bought him in the first place because none of my other Santas have a grungy look. 

To be fair, the seller did offer me a refund and I did accept it and promptly sent him back, but still, I was so disappointed because I would have loved adding another Gail Griffith original Santa to my collection.

Thanks to eBay's buyer protection and and understanding seller, this little mishap was easily rectified.

You can see in my image how "sooty" the other Santa looks compared to my Gail Griffith Santa.

Also, I've already started adding new toys to my Santa! I originally purchased this funny little rag doll/clown at an estate sale. I added her to another Santa for a while but she was just too big. I think she fits much better with this guy...at least for now!

I'm not saying don't use eBay. I LOVE shopping one eBay! Just be wary of vague descriptions and out of focus images. And ask questions before you buy!

UPDATE!!! And you'll LOVE this!

I sent this Santa back to the seller because he did not match the description. The seller "retorted" by LYING to the eBay Resolution Center saying that I had taken the bird out of the basket and GET THIS, I had broken the foot!

First of all, there was NO bird in the basket in the photos the seller posted on their listing. 

Second, I sent a photo of what the foot looked like when I received it to the Resolution Center when I requested a refund. Of course, I have no way of verifying this, but being that they lied about the non-existent missing bird...

And third, I have nothing to gain by lying, so I don't; PERIOD.

So, buyers beware!

I have received other improperly wrapped items that have arrived broken, but I cannot recall a time when I received an item that was not as described.

Always take photos of damaged boxes before opening, and be prepared to take photos of the item before you unwrap them if you suspect damage. 

eBay allows up to 10 photos so document your case.

Brown Bag Santa Claus Cookie Molds and Preserving Salt Dough Ornaments

I have a collection of Brown Bag Cookie Molds dating back to the 1980's so it only made since that I, as an artist and crafter, would venture into making salt dough ornaments back in the mid-1990's.


Unfortunately, and in spite of my attempts to preserve them as suggested...bugs found their way into my sealed storage box and took a nibble on my Santa's toes.



That, and the heat of my attic caused them to warp.


In cleaning out my studio recently, I decided to go on a toss my adorable little salt dough Santa ornaments.

Believe me, between being a hoarder of all things creative (not to mention Santas) this was a challenge that I'd have to admit was NOT cathartic.

In order to help ease the pain of their loss, I wanted to share them with my readers along with some other pointers I've since learned about how to craft and properly store Salt Dough Ornaments.



First, I went with a very basic recipe for Salt Dough Ornaments. There are dozens of variations but I used one like this one available on cooks.com:

SALT DOUGH ORNAMENTS

1 c. all-purpose flour 1/2 c. salt About 1/3 c. water Mix the salt and flour together in a bowl. Add the water a little at a time. Squeeze the dough with your hands until it is smooth. Roll out dough using rolling pin (on a floured surface). Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters. Let air dry on aluminum foil covered cookie sheet for 24 hours. Or bake in 225 degree oven about 5 minutes. Watch closely - do not burn ornaments.Be sure to put a hole at the top of each ornament before baking, so you can hang them on Christmas tree. May paint or use markers to decorate. May coat with clear shellac or nail polish to preserve ornaments.

When using the Brown Bag Cookie Molds, you will need to coat them. I used a product like Pam.

The directions say to let dry OR bake...I did both.

I actually used acrylic paints, an antiquing gel, and finished it off with a spray varnish. 

I can see the benefit of the use of watercolors to give the ornaments a more translucent wash of color versus the opacity of the acrylic paints.

According to some of the articles I've read, the varnish should deter insects. These ornaments were about twenty years old before something nibbled on them. 

I stored them wrapped in tissue paper and I believe the "air tight" container my have attracted too much humidity which caused the eventual warping.

My Cypress Knee Santa Collection

Today I finally let go of my entire Cypress Knee Santa collection in one fell swoop. 

I sold them on Craigslist believe it or not! 

And the person that wanted them sent me a message that his aunt was coming by to pick them up and, believe or not, his aunt turned out to be a dear friend of mine that I have lost track of lately.

WOW! Small world indeed. 

Some of my Cypress Knee Santas I have had for at least 16 years because they pre-dated my move back home to Ruston, LA. 

One of these Santas, the one with the quilt and the large tree, was painted by Patsy Price, an artist I wrote about in another post. 

After they left my house tucked away in a brown paper bag with a cute raffia bow that I had added just to make it special, I realized that the only photo I had of them had been taken with my cell phone! 

So these are the only images I have unless a few were tucked in an arrangements of Santas that I just happened to photograph over the years.

Anyway...

Letting go is sad but necessary as I have a serious hoarding problem and Santas seem to top my list of must haves and must hoards.

I am curious about why I tend to hoard Santas and if there is really something deeply disturbing in my psyche or if it is just that I enjoy being surrounded by faces.

I welcome your analysis, professional or otherwise.

Santa Claus and Snowman Gourds by Pasty Price of Ruston, Lousiana

Patsy Price is a gourd artist from Ruston, LA who has produced a great number of gourds in all different styles using dyes, paints, and pine straw weaving. She also crafted dozens of holiday themed gourds including these Santas & Snowmen. 

I actually know Mrs. Price personally having gone to school with her son and daughter. I also volunteered with the North Central Louisiana Arts Council (NCLAC) Art Gallery at the Dixie Theater where  both our gourds were also on display.

Patsy Price did not sign nor date all of her work, in fact, only one of these gourds is initialed, but these are all examples of her style over the many years she was producing gourd art.

Most, if not all of these gourds were painted in 2004. I believe she participated in Ruston's Annual Holiday Arts Tour that year as do many artists in our area.  She also was a vendor at Ruston's Annual Peach Festival Craft show.

From the largest Santa (13.5" tall and 27.75" around) to the smallest Santa (7.5" tall and 18.75" around) these large gourds make quite a decorative holiday statement on a buffet or table scape.

Plus, I like that the snowmen can be turned around if you just want to see the trees.

Where I painted very detailed and complicated gourds and cypress knees, Mrs. Price was able to capture a clever expression with simplistic style.

As a gourd artist, I know the joy of working with this medium and as a collector, I have enjoyed having her Santas and Snowmen in my collection.

Finding New Homes for Favorite Santas

One of the hardest things I have to do in sorting through my Santas is to let go of some of my artist's originals.

This particular Santa was featured in on of my previous Countdown to Christmas 47 Days...

Basically, I took a Santa figure that I believe is an original even though it is not signed or has a maker's mark of any kind, and I have added a few more goodies to his already crafty load.

He has the sweetest sculpted face and his beard, made from lambs hair, adds to his unique, one-of-a-kind appearance.

He wears coat of tiny quilted squares embellished with tiny gold-toned beads.

The very detailed bag of oranges were already part of this Santa's haul, but I added the goose ornament meant to look like a box. Unfortunately, it is an older ornament and the decoupaged lid is a slightly delaminated. 

I added the vintage white reindeer to his wreath.

I added the vintage chenille Santa because he just looked so perfect with this Santa.

One of the reason's I believe this is an artist original is because of this belt. It is actually a watch band. I don't believe you'd find that sort of detail on a mass produced figure.

At one point (in the previous blog post) I had a small snowman ornament sitting on his stand but I decided it looked too crowded...imagine that!

So, now I am selling him on eBay to make room in my china cabinet.

He will be missed, but I have this post to remember him by.