Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Santa Number 21

My twenty-first paper mache Santa looks more like an old-fashioned Belsnickle to me than any of my other Santas.


He was sculpted over a water bottle with paper mache. Other "ingredients" include paper clay, fabric, linen cord and acrylic paints and mediums. He is just over 10" tall.
 

He wears a barn red hooded cloak trimmed with white. This Santa obviously is from leaner times, when he and Mrs. Claus had to make do. His cloak and bag are patched.

I love the colors of his patches and his mittens. His pointy-toed boots were made seperately and attached securly with wooden dowels and glue. They were sewn from muslin and stuffed with paper mache, then painted. A little unorthodox, but I like to experiment. I doubt that I would stuff anything larger with paper mache, though, as it's a rather messy way to go.

My talented and handsome 11-year old grandson, Devon has been visiting for the past 12 days. We had a lot of fun together, making things, bar-b-qing (on the ground), shopping, etc. He left this afternoon to stay with his Grandpa. While he was here he wanted me to teach him to make an alien. We also made a batch of porcelain clay for him to work with, and take to his Grandpa's house in case he doesn't have anything to do. Although, that's probably not going to be an issue. There are horses and dogs there, and lots of activities with his Grandpa. Here's a photo of him holding the alien (named Diablo) that he made:

I'll miss him, but hopefully he'll be back to my house again this summer before he has to fly back to California.
Thanks for stopping by,
Maggie

10 comments:

Hill Top Post said...

He is awesome...love the old Belsnickle look you have given him. What a fun way to spend time with your grandson.

Crystal said...

Love you belsnickle Santa and your grandson's alien looks pretty cool! You are a paper mache genius! :-)

maddyrose said...

I love this Belsnickle but you knew I would, didn't you? I would have never thought of sewing boots out of cloth and then stuffing them with PMC. Brilliant idea.
I'm sorry I couldn't make the trip out to see Devin while he was visiting. He certainly has inherited some of your artistic talent. His alien is quite good. xoxox

OmaLindasOldeBaggsandStuftShirts said...

Great Old World Santa...and the shoes would indeed be a mess but what an ingenius use of mixed media.
Now as to the alien....how cool. And how cool that a grand has inherited your love of "doing". That is the highest compliment a grand can give to us....I want to do what you do.
XOXO Linda

Lee Pierce said...

Your Santa is wonderful! You give such attention to detail - making it extra special, Maggie.
I think the alien is cool, too! :D I love it when the kids get interested in creating.

CarolynnzArt said...

Hi Maggie! Lovely work! Your Santas are incredible!

How nice to visit with your grandson for such a long period of time. He is talented, too, isn't he? Must run in the family!

sending blessings, carolynn

Anonymous said...

I love your Belsnickle! His clothing is so sweet. What a wonderful gift to share with your grandson. He is so very lucky.

Country Creations By Denise said...

Hi Maggie, Thanks so much for joining my blog!! Love your Belsnickle Santa beautiful work!!!
Denise

Marlene said...

The Santas awesome! That is really a good picture of Devin.
PS: Still not sure if we are coming home tomorrow or Tuesday. The weather here has been great!

Heather said...

ok I am ready for Christmas! Great santa...and what agreat alien by your grandson! Love the talent. It would be fun to have a lesson from you i bet!