In 1995 Pipka started doing the large Santas known as the Memories of Christmas series. Approximately 40 have been produced, with four to six new ones each year. The Santas are done in limited editions of 4500 and are retired when that number is reached. The prices range from $95. to $150. for a large vignette of St. Nicholas and the Christkind. Currently there are eight Santas available in this collection.

As collectors, we all know how hard it can be to find a popular collectible, especially when the edition number is low. So, we now have The Gallery Collection to help make that quest easier. The pieces in this collection are equivalent in size, quality and price to the Memories of Christmas, but are limited to a "time" edition, instead of a "number" edition. Currently fifteen pieces are in The Gallery Collection which was introduced in June of 2000. There are six Santas and the rest are go-withs, e.g. palm trees for the Caribbean Santa; St. Lucia for the Swedish Father Christmas; wee lass for the Scottish Santa.

In 1999 Pipka picked out her favorite Santa and a new series was born -- Artist Choice! These are available for, and limited to, a production of one year. The first edition was the Laplander of which approximately 6200 were sold. The 2000 Artist Choice was Chef Claus wearing an apron and holding a Gingerbread House. (The house is also available as a gingerbread cookie jar). The current piece is Dutch Sinter Klaas which is terrific with the Black Peter go-with.

Reflections of Christmasline is a smaller version of the Memories of Christmas Santas. This line started in 1997 and is a perfect choice for the collector of Pipka Santas that has constraints of space or cash. These six inch Santas have the same detail and design as the larger Santas, but are produced in an edition of 9700 and are more affordable. The Reflections of Christmas Santas are typically produced a year or two after the larger pieces have been produced.

Shrinking the Santa's just a little more, Pipka came up with Stories of Christmas, these four inch ornaments can either stand alone or be hung on the tree. Again, the designs are of the same detail and design as the larger Santas, just a miniature version. These are done in an open edition -- no time or edition number set.

Photographs (c) 2001 Barbara Crews, licensed to About.com, Inc