Chalkware
Chalkware Santas were popular decorations in the U.S. from the mid 18th century to 1900. They were made with plaster of Paris and hand painted in oils or watercolors. Santa was usually depicted wearing red, blue or purple snow covered clothing. Many of the early chalkware figures originated from the area where the Pennsylvania Dutch settled. The Dutch word for lime is 'kalk', which sound like chalk, thus the adoption of the term chalkware.
Chocolate Molds
Chocolate molded into the shape of St. Nicholas, Santa Claus, Father Christmas, and Belsnickel were popular treats for Victorian children. Dutch children would fill their shoes with carrots and straw and place them by the hearth for St. Nicholas' horse in exchange for a chocolate surprise in the morning.
The Artists
Greg and Becky Livaudais have combined these two holiday traditions into beautiful works of art. Using antique chocolate molds, they have created chalkware Santa figures that are hand painted to reflect an authentic reproduction of a Victorian Santa. The designs are based on extensive research using actual Victorian prints from the 1800's and early 1900's.
