Jacobson's Teddy Bear Santa Claus Collectible Redux

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! 

Anyway, I believe it is an improvement.

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.

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. 

(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.

Scandinavian Jule Nissen: A Bouquet Enterprises Timeless Collectible Santa by Jena Hall REDUX

I can't believe I could not find my before pictures of this Santa!

As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words, so since I don't have the pictures...here are my 1000 words! Just kidding! But be warned, if you are a purist, then my redux might offend you, but being a Santa crafter, you might be inspired!

I purchased this Santa "As Is" off eBay because he was "broken" and could no longer stand on his on. He also has some stains on his socks and his beard is shedding. 

As it turns out, fixing his stance only required that I reattach his two dowels that ran through his legs to support him back on to his stand. But this was no easy feat! First of all, he had enough hot glue on his feet to hold a house down in a hurricane! I don't know if this was because someone had previously tried to "fix" him or he was made this way.

So, I reattached his stand and then, instead of adding more glue to his feet, I used an empty glue gun to melt his existing glue and secured him.


But the stand was a bit beat up and I never liked the way his glue showed before I repaired him so I decided to add some batting around his feet, because being from Scandinavia, he might encounter a bit of snow during his gift giving. Still, it is completely removable.

As for the socks, well, I just pulled the pants down over them.

I stitched his bag, that was originally hanging awkwardly loose and threw him out of balance, to his back making it more sturdy and an more appealing design.

I have also added toys to his empty bag. Now, having a collection of Bouquet Enterprises Timeless Collectable Santas, I believe he might have originally had something in his bag. He looked a bit bare for their typical Santas. 

So, using floral picks attached to vintage or "vintage style" wooded ornaments (I can never tell the difference) I feel it gives him a more festive look.

Also, I removed a set of 3 bells that were looped over his belt and secured with a bit of hot glue and replaced them with this set of decorative goat bells that I've had for a long time.  I thought they'd go better with him that any of my other Santas since he comes from an area where they are typically used.

Jule Nissen comes with a tag telling his story and of julesnisse, the Scandinavian pixie from which his name is derived.

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!!! 

A little Santa with a BIG Story!

This adorable little Santa Claus is a little over six inches tall seated but comes with a fantastic story that sounds more like a Tall Tale!

He came with a lot of Santas I purchased off shopgoodwill.com. (If you haven’t visited their site: do so! But, be warned, they do not package their items very well and items may arrived damaged.) When I first picked him up, he looked more homemade than a typical mass-produced figure and when I found his tag, I realized that he definitely wasn’t one of a kind.

BUT…After reading the tag, I found that he was MADE in the USA. This is something you don’t see very often when it comes to mass-produced retail items. Even higher end designer reproductions are farmed out to China to meet consumer demands.

 

Collectable Creations, Incorporated is the partnership of two sisters, Judy Holland and Charlotte Calistro Brown from what I’ve found, sometime in the 1980’s. I am basing this on a couple of Etsy posts selling their items created during that time.

Charlotte, a former teacher, started the company with only $200 and by 1997 it had grossed $1.5 MILLION.  

Sounds like a Tall Tale to me but it's true! $200 and, I'm sure, a LOT of effort!

The sad thing is, I don’t know if the business is still open. When I called the number provided online, it turned out to be a personal number.

But this I do know, he is a cute little guy and I do like this outfit. Unfortunately, he is not the type of Santa I generally collect; at least not anymore. I am trimming down my 1000+++ Santas and I am focusing more on one of a kind (OOAK) figures or limited number reproductions.

The Santas I am selling can be found on eBay under Santas2Sell.

So, let me tell you another funny story.

For a long time, I would see OOAK on eBay listings and thought that this must be some elite group of people and I was wondering how I could join such a group! Then I found out OOAK stands for One Of A Kind. 

Good to know!

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.

Creating Unique Steiff-like Teddys for your Heirloom Santas

I'm doing a double post blog because my latest post on my other blog http://creativedazewithgeri.blogspot.com ended up pertaining to creating your own Heirloom Santa Claus Figures.

So, check out my other post!

How to Turn a Hobby Lobby Plush Bear into a Stylized Antique Steiff Bear

Santa Claus Figures Finally Laid to Rest

I’ve collected Santa Claus figures for well over twenty-five years but this year is about letting go of at least ten percent of my over one thousand Santas.

One of the saddest “letting go” is having to throw a damaged Santa away.

So, this blog is a memorial to two specific Santas. 

On a previous blog I wrote about my unfortunate experiences with eBay sellers. I received a set of three resin Santa Claus figures that I thought were Anthony Costanza designs and since the seller was so vague in their description and only provided a single photo, I had no way to be sure. 

Unfortunately, they were not properly wrapped to protect their fragility during shipping and, as a result, they arrived SHATTERED! 

A note to future shippers of fragile items: A single sheet of tissue paper is not adequate for packing. Use bubble wrap  to protect individual items and lots of peanuts as a barrier to separate them and prevent shifting during transit.

I tried to glue them back together but with all three being so similar is color and design and for the fact that some of the shards were so small, it was impossible, even for an artist such as myself.

However, during my attempt at the construction process, I found no evidence that they were designs by Anthony Costanza.

Still, I could not bear to throw them away!

So, for a year they remained in their semi-reconstructed state in the box they were shipped in, until recently, I just had no choice but to throw two of them away. The third was passable and is mixed in with my other Santas so that his damage doesn't show.

But before the other two met their final interment, I decided a photoshoot was in order.

So, in memory of these dearly departed Santas, I  dedicate this blog.