My winter theme for 2021-22 is snowmen, snowflakes, sleighs and sleds. These are the decorations that I will be donning inside mostly. The last day of the flea market I hunted for these items all over and didn't find anything until I was about to give up and leave. On our last roundabout a vendor had loads of tubs and tables full of seasonal decor for the holidays. I was so tickled as I dug deep into the bins and squealed at each treasure that I found that went with my theme. The vendor came back and sat at the end of his trailer and said that I was the first one to actually do some digging. He then warned others that they better get their picks before I came around. Anyway I found the most adorable piece and it only dawned on me last night why. Take a look. When I pulled it out of the bag the reindeer were missing some of their antlers so I picked some twigs and glued them on. I'm sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to see what your comments are.
I searched my mind as to what it was and I came up with folk art. They feature it sometimes on Antique Roadshow on PBS. https://www.internationalfolkart.org/learn/what-is-folk-art.html Generally, folk art is ART that: May be decorative or utilitarian May be used every day or reserved for high ceremonies Is handmade; it may include handmade elements, as well as new, synthetic, or recycled components May be made for use within a community of practice or it may be produced for sale as a form of income and empowerment May be learned formally or informally; folk art may also be self-taught May include intangible forms of expressive culture like dance, song, poetry, and foodways Is traditional; it reflects shared cultural aesthetics and social issues. It is recognized that, as traditions are dynamic, traditional folk art may change over time and may include innovations in tradition. Is of, by, and for the people; all people, inclusive of class, status, culture, community, ethnicity, gender, and religion
Just way too cool Von! What a find! Is it marked where and who made it or is it a handmade piece? The twig antlers are perfect.
It is a folk art piece made in May 1994 but no individual name present though on the attached tag it says 'Handcrafted Signed Folk Art Santa and Reindeers.' Springhouse Antiques and Gifts, Centerville, Ohio.
Back in my Santa-collecting days, I would have wrestled you to the ground for that piece, Von. I LOVE it!!!
A funny story . My granddaughters, 4 almost 5, 5, 6 and 7, were all over it until they looked into Santa's eyes. They said he was scarry and stepped away. I didn't notice that they were actually black. I looked and wondered if the eyes were ever there.
You can go to Walmart or Michaels and get some big Googly eyes and put them there. Sandy Claus is watchin' you.
The sleigh portion of my theme for this year. I just thought of some pears that I can stick on the tree.