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Tree Ornaments - Pipka Santas - Snow Children - Black Forest Collection - Peggy Abrams |
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Gabriela Christoff - Glitterazzi - Mattarusky - Other Ornaments |
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The Black Forest Collection |
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It is probably not wise for me to do
internet searches because it's likely I will find things that just seem
to get me into more trouble. :o) One evening, I typed the
word "Belsnickle" into a Google search, and a web page for The
Black Forest Collection appeared. A tour of the site, and I knew
that something was speaking to me.
The Black Forest Collection is the creation of an artist named Kimberley from Massachusetts. Kimberley began collecting antique chocolate molds over twenty years ago. In 1990, she began producing the first Black Forest pieces, which were sold to shops throughout New England and eventually reached a national market of over 100 retailers. Personal concerns caused her to scale back in 2000, and now she mainly sells to a very devoted group of followers through eBay. To get a better sense of this artist, I've cut and pasted a portion of a message to me from her: "I handle all the pieces, start to finish. From casting, preparing, designing, painting, making feather trees, finishing, glittering, signing. I do feel there is a part of myself reflected in each Santa's expression. I get a feeling for each and every piece I sit down with at my painting table and I think that is what my customers see. I am always so inspired by the kind words and comments of my customers. So that is what you see as well. It's a creative cycle!" I am, first and foremost, a Santa collector, and I have increasingly been turning to the Old World look and charm of Belsnickles. And, I want to always support artists such as Kimberley and Elaine Roesle, who pursue their craft through cottage industries, with art that is produced in America. The Black Forest collection proudly announces that each piece is "made in New England." I hope you enjoy this new collectible interest of mine. More information about the collection is available at www.blackforestcollection.com. |
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| If you are wondering what
size these pieces are, the largest piece so far in my collection is
about 7". Most are about 5", so these are often little
fellas. Other pieces can be as large as 13" or as small as
under 3".
I've created a gallery of images of my still small but growing members of the Black Forest Collection. Click on the link below each photo to access larger, more detailed images of each piece. |
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Black Forest Collection Gallery |
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