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ARTIST
OLD WORLD SANTAS TELL A STORY Linda Cowell’s favorite part of creating her Old World Santas isn’t molding the faces or posing the bodies. It’s selecting the props and fabric that will tell the story of each one. By Karen Cernich Photography by Colin Miller/Strauss Peyton
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NOV/DEC 2020 STLOUISHOMESMAG.COM
“There’s always a story,” Cowell says. Nicknamed “the Santa Lady,” Cowell has been creating these heirloom-quality pieces for 25 years. Her Santas, which feature vintage fabrics and old-fashioned toys like jacks and tops, evoke feelings of nostalgia and visions of a grandfather who carries candy in his pocket. Cowell draws on memories of growing up in Europe, where her father was stationed in the military, and her love of German Christmas traditions to create her Santas. “I absolutely love the simplicity of Christmas there,” she remarks. From a workshop in her O’Fallon home, Cowell spends her summers creating the components she’ll need to craft each one-of-a-kind Santa. “I’ll spend a couple of days just molding and making faces, then a couple of days painting, staining and sealing faces, so when I need one, they are ready,” Cowell says. “Same thing with the bodies. I cut out and sew a bunch, make the wire armatures and stuff them. I make a whole bunch of socks and mittens and coats.” “I have bins and pull whatever size body I need, and after I dress him in his black pants, then I glue the boots on.” Once the head and coat are in place, she can begin creating each Santa’s story. “That’s when the fun starts,” Cowell says. “I’ll see a picture in my mind . . . and it starts coming together.” “I’m one of those people who has to see
