Another Santa in my "Heirloom Santa" redux collection.
Rarely does a mass-produced Santa Claus Figure escape my altering it in some way, and this one was no exception.
Generally, I like to add at least 3 things to my store bought Santas. Usually, I add a wreath or tree and a couple of toys. However, I encourage ALL Santa collectors to add LOTS of toys and accessories like a sleigh, miniature rocking horses, tiny vintage toys, etc., to make their Santa more of a one of a kind collectable, or what I like to call "Heirloom Santas".
All of this Santa's original parts are still with him (with the exception of a small bell that fell off his belt and is now missing...I took the other one and added it to the wreath), however, I took off his jute rope belt because I felt it took away from his beautiful winter white suit. It is now tied around his staff to hold on the wreath I added.
I also removed his mittens that were hanging from his staff and actually put them ON the Santa. I feel that if you are dressed for winter weather you really SHOULD be wearing your mittens!
He is around 15-16" tall and has a Tibetan Lambs wool/hair pelt that is the best material for a beautiful Santa beard. His felted wool or polyester coat is trimmed with faux fur. He is attached to his composite stand that is covered with moss which tends to shed. He has his original Jacobson's box with a gift receipt (dated 1997) attached to the inside of the lid.
Rarely does a mass-produced Santa Claus Figure escape my altering it in some way, and this one was no exception. 
Generally, I like to add at least 3 things to my store bought Santas. Usually, I add a wreath or tree and a couple of toys. However, I encourage ALL Santa collectors to add LOTS of toys and accessories like a sleigh, miniature rocking horses, tiny vintage toys, etc., to make their Santa more of a one of a kind collectable, or what I like to call "Heirloom Santas".All of this Santa's original parts are still with him (with the exception of a small bell that fell off his belt and is now missing...I took the other one and added it to the wreath), however, I took off his jute rope belt because I felt it took away from his beautiful winter white suit. It is now tied around his staff to hold on the wreath I added.
I also added a vintage doll and a vintage toy soldier. Both ornaments are from the 70s or 80s.
But the permanent addition I did to this Santa was to repaint his face. He was VERY orange and his eyes seemed so lifeless (see pic) that I added more pinks to rosy-up his cheeks and nose, and repainted his eyes to a light blue.It is said that when you look at someone and your pupils dilate, it means "love" so I always paint my Santa's eyes wth dilated pupils. I have been a Santa Artist for 24 years and by adding my special touch, it makes this Santa more special to me and hopefully to the person who finds him perfect for their home.
(From Wikipedia)
Jacobson's was an American regional department store chain. Based in Jackson, Michigan, the chain operated primarily in Michigan and Florida, but also had stores in Ohio, Indiana,Kentucky and Kansas. Jacobson's focused on apparel, fine jewelry and home furnishings. The chain entered bankruptcy in early 2002 after 134 years of service. One store in Winter Park, Florida was re-established as Jacobson's in 2004, but closed on December 21, 2011.
