The Embroidered Alpine Santa

The Artistry

Standing 5 inches tall, the S526 is perhaps the most labor-intensive design in the Bittersweet House collection. This Santa, shown standing with his sack by the chimney, features an all-over embroidery-inspired finish with a variety of hand-painted patterns that are inspired by traditional textile stitchery.

The Design

The design is a mosaic of "stitch-point" motifs, combining intricate florals with rhythmic geometric borders. While the pattern may evoke the warmth of a vintage hand-knit heirloom, it is intended to represent the richness of an embroidered tapestry robe. The painting requires a level of precision that makes each piece feel like a one-of-a-kind treasure, with the "embroidery" wrapping seamlessly around the figure.

Of Special Note:
Because of the extreme level of detail and the hours of meticulous brushwork required, this design is rarely produced. It is a showcase of the "Artist's hand," capturing a depth of texture that challenges the eye to remember it is painted chalkware and not woven thread. Each piece is individually cast from an antique mold, hand-painted, signed, numbered, and dated by Kathryn Campbell.