If it’s not Santa Claus then it’s St. Nicholas, Besnickel, Juoulupukki or Jultomten. Every Christian country has their own version of Jolly Old St. Nick, from the kind and loving old elf to the more sinister Knetch Ruprecht from the Black Forest. Exploring the characters and the history behind them has been a big part of my art over the last 20 years, and I still love making a few new ones every Christmas for my Santa collectors. Six new characters were created this year. Two were done as commissions where I used the customer’s old fur coat. Her name which was embroidered in the lining was used to create Santa’s sack of toys. They all stand approximately 26-28″ tall and I used recycled and vintage furs and fabrics. Some of the accessories are found objects and some are hand-crafted.

One is still available: Belsnickel Checking His List.

Below are the others who have gone to good homes.  St. Nicholas, Victorian Father Christmas, Buller Clos, Jultomten and St. Nick.