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Claus and Paws |
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I have loved animals (dogs
in particular) for years. I spent 12 years as a professional dog trainer and
several years in the show ring with my own dogs. Why not combine two
of my greatest passions into one project? Making Santa
dolls with canine companions only made sense to me. The challenge of
doing a full body sculpt on the dogs, with
tremendous effort to get realism in
conformation, has been frustrating, fun, challenging, and wonderfully
rewarding. The piece shown on the right is titled "Pulling with Yuletide Cheer" and features Jeremiah and Jonah. This piece traveled to New York for the 2003 Newfoundland National dog show where he was donated by fanciers Barb and Craig Weadon to the fine arts auction for the Newfoundland Health Challenge fund. He was the second highest piece sold in the auction and is now residing in California. A well traveled piece for sure. |
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As
with all my creations, I strive to tell a story with each piece. In
the case of the Claus and Paws Collection we have 2 possible narrators.
Aside from reflecting the Santa story, I also love for these works to show
the character of the breed as well as the individual dog.
Each dog is hand sculpted beginning with a wire and aluminum skeleton and overlay of a very strong epoxy clay. The polymer clay over the top allows for detail in the piece while the under lying layers give them strength. The piece at left shows Santa ready to enjoy a cookie left just for him... but not without the keen eyes of a Pharaoh Hound intent on sharing. |
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This piece is an example of a "dog only" piece. While I love creating the companion pieces, a dog on its own is fun to create as well! Dog piece are available in both Holiday and neutral scenes or as free standing pieces. The first limited edition piece is slated to be cast off of the original shown here- the edition will be limited to 15 signed and numbered pieces available in two scenes and sold exclusively through The Newf Emporium |
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Barney was the first Claus & Paws piece I created. I loved the rich fabrics, feather trim, and glass pheasant. These additions to the piece were only a portion of my inspiration- Barney was accompanied by an English Setter- the breed I own and love! Two editions of the dog were made, one in the Tri color as shown at the right and the orange and white version shown below. The dogs sported a pair of antlers strung in miniature Christmas lights that were removable. Most Claus & Paws pieces allow for the dog portion to be removed from the main piece for year round display. |
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I am really enjoying the opportunity to create some of these pieces as trophies and fund raiser pieces for dog clubs and charities. | |||
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