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About Krinkles by Patience Brewster from Department 56 Christmas Valentines
Easter Halloween Birthday Krinkles by Patience Brewster from Department 56
Christmas Valentines Easter Halloween Birthday Boxed Note Greeting Cards Prints
The Fantastic World of Patience Brewster by Barbara Knox When Patience Brewster
decided to switch careers mid-stream, the rest of us were rewarded with the most
intriguing bunch of Christmas characters this side of a Tim Burton movie. Moon
fairies, cactus cowboys, alligators in high heels … these are the Christmas
imaginings of Brewster, who grew up in the oh, so traditional town of Plymouth,
Massachusetts. Six years ago, this award-winning illustrator (known for such
children’s books as The Merbaby and Too Many Puppies) decided to try her hand at
something new. Today, from her studio in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New
York, Brewster sketches the whimsical characters that are later brought to life
by Department 56 as ornaments, candle holders, tree toppers and display figures
… all with a twist. Brewster’s flair for color and style are apparent. Crisp,
luminous colors bring her pieces to life, while light, wispy trims like feathers
and gossamer fine fringe give her creations a lighter-than-air feeling. “I like
levity,” explains Brewster. “Not just the levity that exists in humor, but in
things that tread lightly on this earth. When the hair is blowing and the
feathers are ruffled and flying, that puts a bit of levity and delicacy and
magic into the pieces. ”Brewster’s vision of Christmas is decidedly infectious.
Her creations beg to be touched, picked up, examined, exclaimed over. “I started
out trying to project the emotions of the season—anticipation, excitement,
tradition through this world of characters that existed in my head,” explains
Brewster. “It was a fantastic surprise to me when I discovered that other people
could relate to them, too.” Her own Christmas decorating incorporates not just
her products, but other traditional pieces she loves. “I don’t love themed trees
that are too planned out. I think the best trees are filled with things people
really love. Christmas trees should have plenty of personality. ”This year,
Brewster’s own holiday house will also feature her new furniture pieces and her
whimsical, highly detailed lighted Krinkles Kottages. The tables sport gangly
striped legs decked out in gold high-heeled shoes while the kottages feature
elongated arms and legs. “Sure, form and function is important,” laughs
Brewster, “but I just didn’t see why these products couldn’t be fun, too, so...”
She plans to use one of the new tables for her Christmas buffet. “Then it’s
going out on the front porch where it will sit all year long and showcase other
things I love.” Some Krinkles Kottages, perhaps? What’s ahead for Brewster?
She’s currently at work on collections of dogs, birds and “traditional things
like cranberries and popcorn.” But, in true Brewster style, look for them to be
just a little bit twisted! Krinkles by Patience Brewster from Department 56
Christmas Valentines Easter Halloween Birthday Boxed Note Greeting Cards Prints.