From Skilled Hands

Making Little Blue Santas

By fromskilledhands ( December 12, 2007 at 10:09 am) · Filed under Art, Christmas, Discoveries, Gifts, Toys

I love everything about him: his history, his quiet and gentle nature and how he has touched so many people. I love making the Little Blue Santa. I love casting him, and removing him from the molds. I love cleaning him so he is ready for our daughter to glaze. I love seeing the Santas lined up ready for each step in the process.

I love talking to people who have connected to him and his story. We have heard from people whose relatives worked at the American Marble and Toy Manufacturing Company. We have heard from people of German ancestry who have shared more history and their traditions. People have shared their holiday stories and warm memories.

I am deeply moved by the response to this little guy: to his soft, kind features; to the traditions that brought him to Akron,Ohio; to the hundreds of skilled hands that crafted him and other toys so that they were accessible to all children rather than just the wealthy. It is his story — HISTORY, that makes me smile. What is it about the Little Blue Santa that touches you?

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14 comments »

Larramie said,

December 12, 2007 @ 1:52 pm

The first time I saw his image it was love — the beauty and spirit.

And Debra, rather than sugar plums, do Little Blue Santas dance in your head?
fromskilledhands said,

December 13, 2007 @ 10:03 am

I dream of sugar plums AND the Little Blue Santa, Larramie. Our daughter told us that she has glazed over 1000 of them. which means that I have cast and cleaned a good portion of those. And I still love everything about him.
Larramie said,

December 13, 2007 @ 2:36 pm

Aw, what a wonderful Christmas memory you’ve all literally made.
Cathy said,

December 14, 2007 @ 10:10 pm

How wonderful to carry on this tradition! He does tap us into the old Christmas spiritâ€”a very fine thing for him and you to do!
Travis Erwin said,

December 16, 2007 @ 12:18 am

Interesting stuff. I didn’t know the red suit came from Coca Cola. I like the looks of the Blue Santa. Hope to order one for next Christmas after the first of the year.
fromskilledhands said,

December 17, 2007 @ 11:57 pm

It IS wonderful Cathy. We have met so many wonderful people with so many stories to share. What a gift it has been!

Thanks for stopping by, Travis. The history of this little guy is fascinating. We learn more and more about it, which is really cool. We’re taking orders for delivery in January
Jen M said,

December 18, 2007 @ 12:27 am

Okay – I’ll bite!

It reminds me of being six years old and lying under the Christmas tree lights.

And still believing.

Thanks for this!
fromskilledhands said,

December 18, 2007 @ 9:15 am

Maybe we should all lie down under the Christmas tree lights, look up, and remember that there is still a lot in which to believe! Thank YOU for reminding me, Jen.
Larramie said,

December 18, 2007 @ 1:45 pm

And, Debra, the Little Blue Santa will remind us to believe all year.
Peggy said,

December 21, 2007 @ 2:46 am

This is the first time I’ve heard of the Little Blue Santa.

Thanks for the post.
Chuck Hale said,

December 28, 2007 @ 10:24 am

I’ve met Mr. Cohill. He really enjoys his work. These Santa’a are great.
Dorie said,

December 28, 2007 @ 3:58 pm

Loved the article in the newspaper about the history of the little blue Santa’s. My grandparents came from Germany and my 90 year old mother will love having one in their memory.
From Skilled Hands » Over the Backyard Fence said,

April 2, 2008 @ 2:09 pm

[...] fund for her 6 year old son. To find out more, please visit Bella’s post. We have donated a Little Blue Santa to the [...]
Shalet said,

April 3, 2008 @ 10:37 pm

Great addition to the auction. I can’t wait to see all that’s been donated!