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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. |
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