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Cotton batting, snowsuit-clad figures first became popular in America in the 1920s. These child-like figures depicted snowy day activities, with children posed on sleds and skis. During this same decade, Snow Babies made their first appearance on the holiday scene. These small porcelain figurines ranged in size between 1 and 3 inches in height and usually depicted young children as well as Santas, snowmen, sledders, skaters and polar bears in various poses. The figurines were often used in Putz scenes and because of the snow-like exterior of their clothing, they helped create a wintry effect. Antique versions of these seasonal collectibles range in price from $20 to almost $300, depending on color, detail, pose, origin, age, condition and rarity.

Locating antique figures is not always an easy task. Artist Elaine Roesle's Snow Children combine elements from both the cotton batting and porcelain styles. A self-taught doll-maker, Elaine has been handcrafting Christmas themed figures for many years. In 1978, she began creating Old World Santa figures with great success. By 1990, her St. Nicholas Collection was so popular that the Santas were featured in that year's Christmas issue of Early American Life. In addition, during this time Elaine was also making porcelain dolls based on antique patterns.

The dawn of the 1990s was a busy time for this talented artist as it was then that Elaine Roesle developed her first Snow Child. Five of these delightful pieces were debuted at art shows in Washington D.C. and Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Today, the Snow Children collection has expanded to include over fifty designs.

Gift Giver on Horse, 20"

Images Supplied by author Connie Porcher