The following are examples of the hundreds of these carvings representing the gift givers of Christmas. Each one has a deep history to the region and is based on these legends. St Nicholas is most commonly known, but Julesnisse is from the Norway region. Belsnickles are German based. Interestingly many of these legends have a sidekick or helper as well such as the terrifying German Krampus.
Here are a few of my 2015 Santa  carvings in work.  If you are interested in purchasing a Santa Carving this year  or want to go to the Santa Show this year please send me an email.  The show will be in Middletown Ohio in November.
Many visitors in the studio comment on on how my St Nicholas carvings look antique. The process is really simple. I stain the carvings with layer after layer of color to build up the richness of the color, but the thin layers allow the figure (grain) of the wood to show through. Then I coat it with a really thick layer of gel stain and wipe it off with clean soft rags. Â The photos show the process.
These are two Russian Dez Morod figures. Â The Gel Stain is applied and ready for wiping. You might have guessed this is a messy process to say the least.
This was my first foray into selling my work in a public space. The Dayton Ohio German Club was a perfect venue to start off in. Lots of great food and drink along with a really interested crowd. This picture was in the Dayton Daily News about the event.
