The Story of Crystal Davis and Santa Claus
by Mark Gibson of The Dalles Chronicle

I think this one is going to be real friendly and fun, like he'd play along the way," Crystal Davis says as she cuts fur for a Santa, or "Father Christmas," she's making.

Davis has been making Santas for over 10 years, now. Her first project was a Santa pin, sculpture clay over a face mold, a fabric hood and beads for eyes. Santa was a natural subject. Not only did she have a lifelong interest in Santa, her aunt collected Santas.

"It was a gift that I could make and give her," Davis explained.

Later, she used a rubber head from a Christmas ornament she found to create a big Santa, dressed in Old World robes.

"They were real friendly, those heads," she remembers. "You can't find them any more."

These days she uses porcelain heads and hands, purchased as craft supplies. The head is supported on a wooden post, with wire supported arms and minimal stuffing to fill some of the space.

The porcelain is stark and unfriendly. Slowly she builds personality into the figure. "It depends what their coats are made out of, I think," she says. Often the coats are old quilts, too worn to be rescued. "Old quilts are kind of like old friends. Part of the charm of the big Santas is that they look old ... worm, used, loved by little kids." The coats are bordered with fur, also scavenged from old mufflers and coats found at thrift shops or given to her. Some carry little bags of miniature toys.

Christmas played a big role in Davis' childhood. "Mom and dad always made a big deal of Christmas. The grandparents always came to our house, because that was where Santa came. We never went to their house."

In a photograph from her childhood, Davis is seen sitting on Santa's lap. "I don't remember that, but obviously the little girl in that picture believed that it really was Santa Claus," she smiles.

Although the big Santas are her favorite, Davis also makes a variety of stuffed Santas, her "little" Santas. One, wearing round glasses on a
friendly, painted face, looks to be ready for a big hug. Each is different, even those cut from the same pattern. "I see a Santa pattern, I'll think 'oh, that's different, I'll try that.' You start with a pattern, and build personality as you go."

After making the Santas for six years, Davis began selling them at
fundraisers for the Civic Auditorium, where she is the director.

They are popular. "People seem to befriend them," she says. Still, the
Santas are a frivolous thing to purchase. "It has to be just the right thing for you; it is a nonessential item."

Davis also collects Santa memorabilia ... pictures, figurines, cookie jars, punch bowls, mugs ... most in the more modern style of a fat Santa wearing red and white. "It's the Santa I grew up with."

Surprisingly, her own work doesn't show up in her own collection. "Perhaps I haven't made that one that is just right for me," she wonders.

Contact: Crystal Davis
Phone: 541-296-4918 or 541-or 298-8533
eMail: civic@skryide.net

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