Father Christmas I-The Schiffer Collection, Donna Gallagher

A unique collection of Antique Santas interpreted in cross stitch by Donna Gallagher. Patterns include:

• Santa on Log-Made in Germany at the beginning of the 20th century, this bisque Santa Claus is seated on a cardboard cany container log. His clothing is crepe paper with cotton battting on the hat and cuffs.
• White Belsnickle Santa-Made of papier mache, this Santa was made in Germany prior to 1917. Belsnickle was St Nicholas's impish companion who brought sugarplums to good children and switches to bad ones. The figures were usually sprinkles with glitter.
• Santa on Donkey-This early 20th century German Santa Claus rides a skin covered wood donkey. He has a papier mache face, hands and boots, a cloth coat and hat and a rabbit fur beard.
• Portly Santa-This portly Santa figure was made in 1906 as an advertisement for the National Papier Mache Works of Ohio.
• Roly-Poly Santa-Our Roly-Poly Santa Claus was made of papier mache by Schoenhut of Philadelphia and was popular in the early 20th century.