Belsnickles Christmas Collectibles

The name "Belsnickles" and the creation of Santa Claus figures from papier-mache was nothing new when Linda Lindquist Baldwin bought a book about the all but lost art for a nickel in 1986.   As a single parent, Baldwin had little money to spend at a rummage sale but a tattered book about antique Santas called Belsnickles caught her eye.   She bought the book with the full knowledge that she could never afford to buy one of the now antique creations.Her life was full.  In 1986, the single mother was working two jobs with developmentally disabled adults.  At night she attended college classes and spare time was a precious commodity.   Still, she decided after reading her five cent purchase that she might be able to make a Belsnickle of her own.   With newspaper, water, and glue, the determined woman who had never taken an art class or had any artistic training fashioned her first Belsnickle.The results were better than she ever imagined and she began to sell her Belsnickles.   People began to collect the Santas she made as Christmas collectibles and within a few years of fashioning that first Belsnickle, Baldwin had been featured on both CNN and NBC.   She cold no longer keep up with the demand and from 1992-1995, her figures were reproduced in resin by Schmid.    Later, the figures were reproduced by Enesco but in 2003, Linda Linquist Baldwin formed her own company - Seasons of Snickles.Although she still designs the ever popular Santa Belsnickles, she now makes Snickles for every season and holiday.  Other Christmas creations include angels and Nativity figures.  There are now Snowsnickles (snow men), Broomsnickles (Halloween themed), Littlesnickles, and many other varities including the new SeasonedSnickles, which are Red Hat Ladies, the popular life-affirming club for seasoned women.At the start of each holiday season, Baldwin hosts a holiday celebration in her hometown of Joplin in southwest Missouri.  Some special pieces are available only at this annual event which also showcases new pieces and new lines of Snickles.Her earliest Belsnickles are now sought after by collectors and the value rises. Her work can be found in many speciality stores and sites and even on E-bay.The struggling single mother who worked two jobs has found sucess beyond her wildest dreams because she spent a single nickel on a book and then took a chance.Beautiful and unique Belsnickles for every season will remain a favorite for many seasons to come.