Details Page

Elizabeth adds a variety of themes and accessories to each Father Christmas
She also does custom work using your grandmothers coat or toys
Each one-of-a-kind head is individually designed and sculpted,
developing the age and personality of each. Most Father Christmases have a kindly, aged face earned by many years and experiences.
The following is a description of the possible details that may or may not be a part of each Old World Father Christmas. These items help individualize each one and add to their personality and charm. Some may possibly be included at request with a special commission order depending upon availability.
Beards and hair- These are made of carded wool from a fleece that I purchased from a sheep farmer. Once selected and washed, it crowns Father Christmases head and chins, giving them their signature character and charm.
         
Their hands may sometimes hold a list of requests. Hands show the weathered and worn look that perhaps an Old World Father Christmas would have developed after his many years. Depending on what the Father Christmas holds, he may also wear mittens on his hands. Most of those who carry lanterns wear mittens.
         
La Befana, his female gift bearer counterpart follows similar lines. The children that may accompany some of the Father Christmases, look up at him in wide eyed awe.
     
Lanterns- These are varied in size and color. They most always are electric with a small flickering flame bulb.. These add to the over all Old World appearance and further enhance their personalities.
     
Packs or sacks with toys- these are not usually included with most Father Christmases but may be added with special commission orders. They have included along with a variety of toys and brown paper packages, a bag of coal and bundle of sticks for the "bad boys and girls" and a sack with apples or oranges. The packs may be in the form of a basket strapped to their back. Bags may be made of a variety of fabrics. Some will enhance a theme from woodland to whimsical.
 
Costumes when possible, these are designed and created of vintage fabric or used clothing to help establish their over all look. Most are trimmed with real, recycled fur pieces, unless otherwise stated. Older trim and buttons are used as possible. The best effort is given, even when using newer trims etc., to give the Father Christmases their "old world" look, adding to their charm. Just as there are never two faces exactly alike, so there are never two costumes completely alike. Thus reproducing them in most cases is not possible. In special commission pieces, like the pictured 1800's opera coat,an item with family significance was used. This enables people to see and appreciate these pieces more easily than when stored in an attic or cedar chest. Grandma's fur coat, wedding gowns or special occasion gowns have been used. As well as, one of Grandpas' ties for a waistcoat, his sport coat for the coat or trousers. Other family heirlooms pieces, such as lace, trims, buttons,etc. may be incorporated upon request, as can some toys depending on their scale.
 
Father Christmas may hold a toy, tree, doll or have a theme where he has a fishing pole or maybe skis.
 
 
 

Shipping and handling will be individually determined for each piece depending on its destination and shipping priorities.
Web Site Designed by shirleywright.com - last updated 7/08/01 - shirley@shirleywright.com