Santa evolved from St. Nicholas, a celibate priest. Called Santa Claus, Saint Nicholas, Weihnachtsmann, or Father Christmas- his importance is always significant to folklore and Christmas celebrations. To most of Europe he is a thin figure dressed in Bishop's robes who comes riding in on a white horse on St. Nicholas' Day, Dec. 6th. To Americans, he is known as Santa Claus from "Twas the Night Before Christmas".

A vast assortment of Santas found in the Gallery Barn depict the personification of centuries of legend and portray Santa as he has been depicted in both Germany and America throughout the years. Bring one of these Santas into your home to capture the magic, romance and peaceful feeling of an old fashioned Christmas. Select from a variety of original Santas dressed in reproduction outfits and made from only the finest fabrics- either vintage quilts or unique materials which are trimmed with fur. Most have porcelain heads, hands, and feet and come with mohair beards and hair. Limited edition Santas are signed, dated and numbered.

Dolls by Country by Liz
Liz Davis, Kentucky folk artist, makes the best handmade cloth dolls! My favorite, "Raggedy-Liz-A-Beth," is an aged revision of the traditional Raggedy Ann doll.
Each original signed, copyrighted, dated and come with Jute hair, handmade faces and gift tag.
15" Raggedy-Liz-A-Beth: CL-2...$40 ea.

Tips on Collectibles for Collectors

If you are just beginning to collect, here are some tips:

1. Whether you have acquired only one or two pieces, or have tracked down every different design/ artist available, do join a collector's society if one is available- or start your own.

2. Save the Certificate of authenticity, (if available) and ensure that the number on the certificate matches the number on the bottom of the piece.

3. Save the product carton and package inserts, if available. Both and the Authenticity Certificate help you sell your piece on the secondary market or trade with another collector.

4. Protect your collection. Display or store them carefully.

5. Insure your collection. Be aware of the secondary market value when insuring your personal property. A piece you paid less than a hundred dollars for a few years ago may now be worth many times that amount.

6. Clean and handle with care. Do not use caustic cleansers and stiff brushes to clean pieces.

7. Remember that true collectibles (unlike collectors' pieces that are driven by popular trends) are handmade by artisans, limited in quantity and increase in value over time - similar to oriental carpets and antiques!

The involvement of the craftsperson with the media in which he is working makes his craft special and gives the craft its value. A factory may manufacture a more practical object at a lower price, but it cannot reproduce the essence of craft. When someone buys a craft, they are buying a small part of the craftsman- some of his/ her time in making the object, his skill with the media, and his sense of design and color.