Into the Woods Again...

I told you I have had this 'Northwoods' concept in my head this year.  A few weeks ago I showed you a collection of snowmen I created with that theme.  Today, let's look at some Santas.

WHITE CHRISTMAS

 

I love the idea of a white Santa.  There is something very old world about them.  I sculpted this one from a pearly white polymer clay, and gave him a brown belt and boots and green mittens, all sculpted from clay.  I used an assortment of brads for his buttons, belt buckle and the buttons on his boots.  His face is sculpted from clay, with hand-painted green eyes.  I used a super soft and wonderful bit of natural kid mohair for his hair and beard.  The cloak and hood are cut from luscious ivory wool and trimmed with real rabbit fur.  The cloak seemed a little plain at first, so I dug around in my extensive stash of 'stuff' and found that ivory flower trim. It was the PERFECT color and it gives the illusion of hand embroidery on the cloak.  LOVE IT!  A sisal tree and a little sprig of enamel holly finish off this lovely St. Nick.  Oh, the clay base is covered in vintage mica flakes. 

 

(White Christmas is no longer available.)

SNOWFLAKE SANTA

 

This is Santa on a more casual day.  He is wearing pine green pants and mittens and a red sweater with a snowflake on the front.  Who doesn't love a snowflake sweater on a cold winter's day?  I cut tiny bits of clay to create the snowflake pattern.  His brown clay boots are trimmed with tiny brads and natural cotton chenille.  His face is hand-sculpted, of course, with hand-painted green eyes.  I used more of the kid mohair for his hair and beard, and topped his head with a little pine green houndstooth wool hat, trimmed with a bronze bell and a little bit of greenery.  Santa has gathered a bunch of pine cones, berries and greenery to decorate his holiday table.  This piece is dusted with a bit of vintage mica flakes.  I had 'finished' this Santa, but thought he needed a little something more.  The turtleneck sweater made it seem like his head was sort of floating too much, so a cut a scarf from ivory wool.  I think it fixed the problem nicely.

 

(Snowflake Santa is available in my etsy shop.)

GATHERING CHRISTMAS

 

This Santa sort of straddles the line between the traditional red-dressed Santa and an old-world style Santa.  He has a bit of vintage quality to him, I think.  I sculpted his red toggle coat, green pants and mittens and tall brown boots from clay.  Once again, I used tiny brads for buttons on his coat and boots.  His hand-sculpted face is covered in a kid mohair beard.  (I just love how these mohair beards look so real!)  I sewed a little hat out of deep red houndstooth wool, and used a few scraps of the same wool for his boot toppers.  Genuine rabbit fur trims his coat and hat.  He is carrying a bundle of cinnamon stick 'logs', a bit of greenery, some pine cones and berries.  A tiny sprig of greenery adorns his hat.  I gave him a dusting of vintage mica flakes and a bit of fine Japanese glass glitter for sparkle. 

 

(Gathering Christmas is no longer available either!)

 

NORTHWOODS NICK

 

Here is the St. Nick that started this whole series!  He is similarly dressed in a red toggle coat and green pants, a houndstooth cap and socks and rabbit fur trim.  (For the record, rabbit fur is very tricky to work with, and it makes a HUGE mess, but I think it is worth it.  It really adds a nice touch to these outdoorsy Santas.)  The same mohair is used for his beard.  Nick carries a miniature Christmas tree in one arm, and a bouquet of greenery, berries and pine cones in the other.  A little white bird is nestled among the pine cones.  More mica flakes give the illusion he is walking through the snowy woods. 

 

(I actually am keeping this piece.  I made another very similar one, but it is also sold.)

 

 

I have really enjoyed creating these Northwoods Santas, so I am sure there will be more coming in the future.  Not this year, however, because I still have a ton of orders to get finished!  Better get after it. 

 

Oh, and I'm sorry that I'm showing things that are not available.  I'm not trying to tease you, honest!  I just want to show you the best of the best of my work, and these are certainly in that category.  I am honored that they have found themselves new homes with people who love them as much as I do!

 

Have a wonderful day!

Lisa

 





Peppermint and Pfatt

Pfatt Marketplace will be updating today, so I thought I would give you at peek at what I have available over there for this month.  Each of these pieces is only available on Pfatt Marketplace.  None will be listed in my etsy shop this year.

I have sort of a peppermint theme happening here:

PEPPERMINT NICK

 

I wanted to do a few Santas that were not what you expect Santa to look like.  He doesn't wear that fur-trimmed red suit every day!  This time he is wearing a red and white striped shirt with bright green pants.  (I know they don't look that bright in the picture, which is a little dark.)  His black clay boots are trimmed in red chenille and little gold brads.  A red stud buckles his belt and his collar is made from crepe paper.  I sculpted his face with a trim white beard.  His traditional hat is hand-sewn from red wool felt and trimmed with white fluffy chenille and a little holly button.  He is holding a large peppermint candy tied with a green organza ribbon.  Glass glitter covers his base.  It sort of looks like sugar, doesn't it?

KRINGLE CANE

 

This Kris Kringle is wearing a white shirt and green pants, striped stockings and black boots, all sculpted from clay.  I made a vest and matching hat from deep red velvet and trimmed the hat with white chenille and a little gold bell.  A green crepe paper collar finishes the look.  He is holding a big acrylic candy cane that is as tall as he is!  Either that's one big candy cane, or he's one tiny elf, I'm not sure which!

 

HAVE A COOKIE

 

I love making elves!  They always look so fun!  She is dressed in a green polka dot body suit and a little red pleated fabric skirt.  Hidden from view is her black ribbon belt.  Her little black boots have pointy toes and are trimmed with white chenille.  Her collar is crepe paper.  I love her quirky little smile and her pointed elf ears!  She has a lot of unruly light brown curls made from curly wool roving.  I hand-sewed her hat from green felt and trimmed it with tiny pompom fringe, a little red bow and a silver bell.  She is carrying a tray of freshly baked gingerbread cookies. 

 

*********************************************

This elf is no longer available, but I thought I would show it to you because he is the companion piece to the girl.  He wears a similar outfit, and is carrying two chenille candy canes and little holly-trimmed gingerbread man.

 

 

 

I hope you will all head over to Pfatt Marketplace this afternoon (it updates at about 11:00 Central time) and check out all the wonderful, original art offered by all of the very talented artists represented there.  I still feel very honored to have my work shown on the same website as many of them! 

 

Off to work....(I wish I had those two elves up there busily finishing my orders!)

Lisa

 

 

More Ornaments

December is upon us, and it's about three weeks to Christmas!  Time is zipping by and I am beginning to panic!  I don't know why.  Things always tend to get done, somehow, but when your to-do list is as long as your arm it gets a little bit stressful!  How, exactly, does Santa manage? 

I thought I better show you a couple more of the 2013 Limited Edition Ornaments today.  I'm sure you all have your trees up and decorated by now, but these ornaments also make wonderful gifts!  I still have these designs available in my etsy shop.

JOY

 

Some people like Santa.  Some people like snowmen.  Some people like both!  This ornament has a little bit of everything!  Candy cane-striped letters, a snowflake with a Frosty face in the middle, bows and holly, and a tiny Santa hanging from the side of the Y.  Christmas Joy for everyone! 

DECK THE HALLS

 

This jolly Santa is set against a glittered bright blue background.  Holly and a classic ball ornament complete the scene.  I used teeny-tiny pieces of clay to create the holly garland trim on his hat and coat.  It adds just a little 'something' to the design. 

 

 

I hope you all had a blessed Thanksgiving and are greeting the Christmas season with hope and joy!  I love this time of year, even if my to-do list makes my head spin!  Speaking of which.....I better go get a few things crossed off!

 

Lisa



Santa and Elves

Time to show you a few more of my 2013 Limited Edition Christmas Ornaments.  How about Santa and a couple of elves?

Ho! Ho! Ho!

 

This is actually one of my more simple designs.  I feel I need to have a wide range of ornament designs in my collection.  While I love the ones I make that have lots of tiny pieces and minute details, those are more labor intensive, and therefore more expensive.  Buyers might appreciate them, but they might not be within their budget.  So each year I design a few ornaments that I can produce more quickly and sell for a little less money.  This Santa fits that bill.

 

He is dressed in his bright red suit and green mittens, holding a sign with his classic holiday greeting.  The "Ho!Ho!Ho!" is cut from very thin coils of clay.  "Merry Christmas" is handwritten in bright green ink.  A sprig of holly and the year 2013 trim his hat.  He is simple, but cute!! 

 

Ho!Ho!Ho! is still available in my etsy shop and also at Pfatt Marketplace.

 

Elvin

 

This adorable little elf is another example of one of my more simple designs.  He is dressed in a green and red elf suit, trimmed with white.  I used red striped baker's twine to tie a little silver jingle bell to the tip of his hat.  I love his pointy ears and his big, mischievous grin!  Has he been naughty or nice?

 

You can find Elvin in my etsy shop.

 

Peppermint Patty

 

One of my favorites this season!  She has quite a bit more detail than the Santa and the first elf.  She is dressed in classic red and green, with striped stockings and holly on her hat.  She is holding a big candy cane and a disc edged in candy-cane stripes.  Nothing is painted on this ornament except for the tiny white dots in her eyes. 

 

Peppermint Patty has been sold out already, but I wanted to show her to you anyway.  I think she is really adorable!

 

 

I  actually finished up the remainder of the 2013 collection last week!  YAY!!  Normally it's a scramble right before Christmas to finish up and have enough ornaments to give to my family.  This year it's done early!  YAY!!  (did I already say YAY! ??)  Unless I have a huge selling run at A Piece of Lisa on etsy, or at my final show, I should be OK for the year and not have to add another design or two.  (My family would NOT be happy if they missed out on their ornaments this year!)

 

The ornaments may be finished, but there is still a lot of other work to do in the studio, so I best be off to do it!!  Have a great day!

Lisa

 



Behind Schedule a Little Bit

I fully intended to get here with this news last week.  November 1st was a good day for me!

First of all, November 1st is always a good day for me, because that is the anniversary of the day I married my very best friend!  This year David and I celebrated 27 years of marriage.  YAY!!  (I use the term celebrate loosely here.  David took the day off work, but I spent all day on last minute preparations for my craft show the following day.  That evening we set up my display.  It was after 8:00pm before we enjoyed our "romantic" dinner of McDonald's!  LOL!!  We were tired and starving....I was about ready to chew off my own arm!  We will make up for it with a nice dinner another time!)  In some ways it is hard to believe it's been 27 years, and yet, I feel like it's been forever.  We've had a good run so far, and I anticipate many many more wonderful years ahead!

Secondly, and more relevant to my blog, November 1st the newest issue of Art Doll Quarterly hit the newsstands!  I am THRILLED once again to say that my work is featured in the Show and Tell Section.  While this is the third time my work has appeared in this fabulous publication, it never ceases to amaze me to see it on the pages alongside such talented artists!  It is very validating, to say the least!

So, here are the two Santas they chose for this issue.  I created these pieces last year, and blogged about them here.  Since you have to submit entries for the Winter Issue in June, I sent in pieces I had on hand because I didn't have time to create something brand new for this year. 

Santa's Sack of Sweets

 

Dressed in a classic red suit trimmed with tinsel-flecked chenille, this Santa carries a hand-sewn grey wool felt bag adorned with a felt poinsettia and filled with 3 tiny clay candy canes.

Stocking Stuffer

 

This jolly Santa is dressed in a red suit with white chenille trim and a black ribbon belt with a gemstone buckle.  He carries a little teddy bear made from clay and a stocking hand-sewn from red wool felt and trimmed with white mini pompom fringe and a glittered Christmas tree.  Two tiny candy canes fill the stocking.

 

 

If you are interested in purchasing this magazine, here is what to look for:

 

 

You can find it at Barnes and Noble or at stampington.com

 

In the coming days I will begin showing you the fun Christmas figurines I have been working so hard on, as well as my limited edition Christmas ornaments. 

 

Hope you all had a frightfully fun Halloween!  I anticipated more trick or treaters than we had.  Which means that I have waaay too much candy left over.  Which means I'm eating waaay too much candy these days!  EEK!! 

Lisa

 



 





MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Sorry, no Friday Favorite today.  After a whirlwind work season, I've decided to take a little break and unwind.  I'll be spending Christmas with my family, and I can't wait! 

I'm not sending you to an etsy shop today.  Quite honestly, it's getting a little late for holiday shopping on etsy, right?  And, of course, you should all be well prepared for Christmas by now, right?  (She says sheepishly, because she is NOT ready.  Not quite yet.  Oh, my shopping is done. But there are still several things to tick off my to-do list.) 

Here are a couple of my Santas, coming to wish you a Merry Christmas, and bringing little gifts.  I hope you love them as much as I do!

Stocking Stuffer Santa

 

Santa's Sweet Sack

 

Christmas is a time for celebration and for looking back on the year and counting your blessings.  I am so blessed to be able to do what I love, every single day of my life, and to be able to share my work with all of you.  I'm so happy you all take the time to read my little blog and to visit my etsy shop.  I'm looking forward to bringing you lots of new whimsical creations next year!

 

Have a very Merry Christmas and I wish you all the very best for 2013!

With love

Lisa

 



The Last Two

Well, since Christmas is now LESS THAN A WEEK AWAY (gulp!) I am going to share the final two designs from my 2012 Limited Edition Christmas ornament collection. 

Stocking Stuffer

 

Santa in his bright red suit is set against a blue metallic night sky with tiny snowflakes falling gently around him.  He is filling a green stocking with a darling little teddy bear and a candy cane. 

 

A Joyful Noise

 

A pair of children are bundled against the cold winter's night with snowflakes falling around them.  A cute little dog has joined them in their joyful carol. 

 

Both of these ornaments are still available in my etsy shop. 

 

I hope you are all a lot closer to being ready for Christmas than I am.  I'm getting there.....slowly but surely!  I can't wait to spend some time with my family. 

 

Lisa 

 

 



Friday Favorite--Rustic Road Studio

I'm sorry I didn't take you to a shop last Friday.  The week just got away from me.  But I'm back today with a wonderful, seasonally appropriate shop.

Rustic Road Studio is full of beautifully hand-carved Santas. The attention to detail is amazing.  The faces are exquisite.  The details in the clothing are wonderful.  The colors are perfect.  Each of these Santas has a charming personality all its own.  It's hard to choose which one is my favorite, because Erik does such wonderful work.  But here are a few that I love:

Santa in Green Robe with Walking Stick

 

Traditional Santa

 

Santa Holding a Sack

 

Santa in a Snowbank

 

Slim Santa

 

Santa in a Red Robe with Walking Stick

 

I will admit, I'm a sucker for a Santa.  My house is full of them right now.  I'm very particular about my Santas now that I have so many.  These certainly would make the cut!  I would LOVE to have one of these in my collection!

 

I hope you enjoyed our visit to Rustic Road Studio, and I hope you will go have a look at the rest of Erik's exquisite work.  Which one is your favorite?

 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Lisa

 

 

 

 

A Different Take on Two Favorites

I've mentioned before that sometimes it's difficult coming up with fresh ways to make the holiday's most iconic characters---Frosty the Snowman and Santa Claus.  Here are two ornaments that I think fit that criteria.  Yes, they are Frosty and Santa, but in an unexpected way.

 

Celebrate Winter

 

This is Frosty's most favorite time of year, and he loves to celebrate the season.  He's off to a holiday party, wearing a polka dot party hat and a ruffled collar made from lime green, bright green and red metallic clay.  Doesn't he look festive?

 

Angular Elf

 

Someone asked me why I called this one an elf and not Santa.  Well, Santa is a 'right jolly old elf'.  This Santa is short and wide and a little bit angular---sort of a modern take on a traditional motif.  He wears a bright red suit trimmed with white, with little triangle toggle buttons.  He has lime green mittens that match the sprig of holly on his hat.  Even his beard is a little bit pointy.  An angular piece of clay has the year and another spring of holly cut from tiny pieces of clay.  A shiny silver jingle bell finishes off this adorable elf. 

 

You can find either of these whimsical ornaments in my etsy shop.  They are also available here, on my Pfatt Marketplace page, during the month of December.  Pfatt Marketplace updated on Monday, with each artist offering new creations.  If you haven't checked out this awesome site I encourage you to do so.  The artists represented are wonderfully talented.  I feel honored to be among them.

 

I hope these two unusual ornaments put a smile on your face!

Lisa

 

Here is a look at one more ornament.  A little bit more traditional version of Santa.  Sadly, this one is no longer available.  It joins the list of retirees for 2012. 

 

Father Christmas

 

Dressed in a long, red coat with white 'fur' edged in teeny-tiny holly leaves, Father Christmas is on his way to deliver a few toys.  A doll, a toy soldier, a tiny wrapped present and a candy cane stuff his pouch.  He is carrying a walking stick with a candle lantern on top.  I loved this one!  



 

 





 



Three More Ornaments

Can you believe that Christmas is just THREE WEEKS AWAY??  I find that amazing!  It always seems to creep up on me!  I'm hoping you are all in better shape with your holiday preparations than I am!  I'm so behind, but eventually it will get done.  It always does....

Since the holiday is quickly approaching, I want to show you a few more of my limited edition ornaments today.  Each of these is still available in my etsy shop.

I like to give my ornaments titles, and I love a silly play on words.  These three each have a bit of whimsy to their names.

Willie Melt

A cute little skinny snowman, with tree branch arms, a sporty green vest, a navy scarf and little red earmuffs. He's got a really long carrot nose and he's holding a silver star with the year.

Will he melt?  Probably.

 

Snowfall

This must be one TINY Santa if he's holding on to a snowflake!  This jolly old elf is dressed in a bright red suit with holly and teeny candy canes in his pocket.  He's holding a little teddy bear in his other hand.  A real jingle bell hangs from the year.

 

Snow-Ho-Ho!

Is it a Santa?  Is it a Snowman?  It's both!  Snow-Ho-Ho features the best of both iconic Christmas icons....a bright red Santa suit and a carrot nose.  He's hugging a tiny teddy bear and a silver star with the year and a white jingle bell hangs from his other mitten.

 

I wish you all a season full of whimsy!

Lisa



 

 

 

 

Naughty or Nice?

He's making a list.  Checking it twice.  Gonna find out who's naughty or nice. 

Making His List

 

It's time for Santa to make his list and pack up his sleigh.  He's thinking very hard about who goes on the nice list.  He doesn't want to make any mistakes and leave someone out on Christmas morning.

 

 

Santa is hand sculpted from polymer clay, wearing a bright red suit.  He is holding a long paper scroll, handwritten with a list of names.  Do you think your name is on it? 

 

 

I used a sprig of artificial holly to make Santa's quill pen.  The base is dusted with fine Japanese glass glitter. 

 

You can find this adorable Santa here in my etsy shop.  He would love to come spend the holidays with you!

 

Christmas is getting closer.  It's amazing to me that December is just days away!  My list of things to do is nearly as long as this Santa's!  Somehow, it always gets done.....or at least the most important stuff does.

 

I'm off to work!  Have a happy day!

Lisa

 









Retirees

I've been a little slow getting my ornaments shown here.  Sometimes an ornament edition sells out much more quickly than I anticipate.  What is it about some designs over others?  I'll never quite figure it out!  I always try to predict which designs are going to be the first to go.  Occasionally I will get it right.  Most of the time, not so much.

I was right about this one though.  I knew it would be a popular design.  It is one of my very favorites this year.

Winter Wonderland

 

Elves are usually pretty popular, so I wasn't too surprised that this one got snatched up early.

 

Lighting Up Christmas

 

I wasn't so sure about this one, but there is something about a Santa dressed in white that intrigues my collectors.  Yep, this one is sold out too!

 

White Christmas

 

These three might be all gone for the year, but I still have plenty of others available.  Like this really cute snowman:

 

Bringing Christmas Cheer

 

This chubby little fellow is dressed in a bight blue scarf, green mittens and a squatty black top hat.  His gift to you is a pretty present and a yummy peppermint candy cane.  He would love to spend Christmas on your tree!

 

You can find Bringing Christmas Cheer and many other limited editions in my etsy shop.  Hurry though!  You don't want to miss out on your favorite!

 

Have a great day!

Lisa





 

Tiny Tree Santa

My Pfatt Marketplace site updated over the weekend.  I have some really cute stuff available, and some of it is only available on Pfatt.  I was THRILLED when in less than an hour after updating I had an order for two of my limited edition ornaments.  YAY!!  I'm so pleased to be on this wonderful website.  I hope you have taken time to go check out not only my page, but the pages of all the other wonderful folk artists they feature.

This Tiny Tree Santa is one of the items I listed this month.  He's got a quirky little expression on his face and he's dressed in a bright red tradtional Santa suit.  He is carrying a wee little bottle brush tree and a couple of jolly jingle bells. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hope you'll take a stroll over to Pfatt and see what else I have offered this month. 

 

Have a good day!

Lisa

 



 

 



Goldilocks and the Three Bears Santa Claus

I have a thing for Santas.  I LOVE them!  I have an extensive collection of them.  Some handmade.  Some not handmade.  When I make a Santa it's sometimes very hard to part with him.  I want to keep them all, but David keeps reminding me that I can't keep EVERYTHING.  The point of my work is to allow it to bring joy to others, right?  Right. 

Well, here's one of my Santas from this year's collection, and I must say, he's going to be hard to let go.  I think he's adorable!  But I'll let you decide for yourself.

 

I call this piece Goldilocks and the Three Bears.  I wanted to make a Santa holding some toys.  I often make little bears, and suddenly the idea of Goldilocks and the Three Bears popped into my head.  Yes, let's make them as toys!  Some little girl is going to be awfully excited to find those under her tree!

 

 

 

Many of my art dolls are sculpted from clay and then embellished with other materials.  This Santa, however, is nearly entirely clay.  The only extra doo-dads I added to him are the red Swarovski crystals that adorn the holly leaves on his coat and hat.  And I painted his eyes.  And glittered the base.  Everything else is clay.  The tiny little bows around the bears' necks to the eyebrows on Santa's face.  His beard is made from little coils of clay.  The trim on his bright red suit is clay that has been detailed with a needle to look like fur.

 

 

I love all the little details on this figurine.  It's the details that give a piece it's personality.

 

I'd love to hear what you think!  Please leave comments below.

Lisa

 









Christmas!

OK.  Halloween is over.  I feel I can now officially start introducing my Christmas work.  I hated to push it, bringing it up before Halloween.  It's bad enough that Thanksgiving gets shoved aside.  But now that the spooks have all gone home for the night, I think it's high time to start showing you all the wonderful holiday creations that I have been working on all summer.  (Christmas starts in July around here....I know you fellow artists and crafters know what I'm talking about.)

Since 1990 I have designed over 400 different Christmas ornaments, and handcrafted each one individually by hand from polymer clay in limited editions of five.   Exactly how many different ways can you make a Santa or a snowman?  Sometimes I wonder if the creative well is going to run dry, but somehow I always seem to come up with something new.  I honestly don't know how it happens, but I am eternally grateful that it does. 

I will be introducing my ornaments one at a time over the course of the coming weeks.  All of them are currently available in my etsy shop, so you can go browse them at any time.  So here goes....

Loading Up

 

I'm starting with one of my very favorites this year, Loading Up.  I have a thing for tiny little details, and this ornament is full of them.  Santa is getting ready for his big night, packing up his big leather bag and checking his list to make sure he's got everything.  What a disaster it would be if he left someone out!! 

 

 

This ornament has HUNDREDS of itsy-bitsy pieces of clay.  Every one of those little toys has been hand cut from colored polymer clay.  I draw the little details in with a needle tool, and I add the tiniest drop of paint to highlight the eyes.  The titles on the books and the list of 'names' are written on with a permanent marker.  Otherwise, every different color you see is a wee bit of clay. 

 

This bag is FULL of toys:  Raggedy Ann, a curly headed doll, a toy soldier, a teddy bear, two books, a car, a dollhouse, drum, football, a baseball and glove, a little pink bunny, some candy canes and a few wrapped surprises.  I love all the little details in this piece.  It is a very labor intensive ornament, but it truly is a labor of love. 

 

I've sold my ornaments to hundreds of people across the Midwest.  I have many very loyal collectors who I appreciate more than I could ever say.  These wonderful people along with my family have kept me motivated all these years to come up with new ideas and fresh ways to make a Santa.  I'm so thrilled to be able to share my work with a larger audience this year, and I hope that I will gain a few new collectors along the way.  But I will always remember where I started....with a few ornaments on a tiny tree at a little local craft show.  So many thanks to those of you who have been with me from the beginning.....you know who you are! :D

 

Have a wonderful day!

Lisa

 

PS--My ornaments are still produced in limited editions of five. I still create each one individually by hand.  They are signed, numbered and dated and come with a signed certificate of authenticity.  Until this year they have been sold under the name The Art Market.  Now they truly are A Piece of Lisa.