What is Chalkware?

     Chalkware is plaster of Paris that has been poured into a mold of a figurine and is then painted and put out on display to be admired.  This art form has been around since the late 18th century.  It was believed to have originated in Italy to make biblical figures for moderate income people to purchase for their homes.  Chalkware is the more affordable way to make figurines originally formed in porcelain available to everyday citizens.  The making of chalkware spread to Germany and eventually the United States.  It made a reappearance during the great depression where it was given away as carnival prizes in forms like Kewpie dolls.
     Chalkware comes in a variety of pieces.  In Europe the Madonna is the post popular form.  In the United States animal figurines like dogs, cats, farm animals, Easter rabbits and Santas are more commonly found.  These are usually highly detailed and make for desirable pieces of art to be put on display in one's home. Here are some pictures of antique chalkware Santas which I use for inspiration when creating my chalkware.  I want mine to look old so I antique and my Santas to look like actual old ones.
   

Giant Belsnickles Made to Look Old

These magical belsnickles stand just over 16 inches tall and sell for $110.00.  I can take special orders for any color one would desire.  I have all of these available at the moment but they go fast.  To purchase message me or go to www.etsy.com/shop/brigittechristine. 

New Belsnickle added to Brigitte LeFever's Chalkware Line

I love this belsnickle! He stands 6 inches tall and can be painted in a myriad of colors. He sells for $28.00 and can be purchased from my Etsy store at www.etsy.com/shop/brigittechristine.

Resurrecting LeFever Chalkware Santas

In the late 1980's Brigitte LeFever started creating chalkware under the instruction of her mother, Christine LeFever for her business entitled The LeFever Limner. Eventually Christine moved onto the reproduction of period dolls and other whimsical artwork. Brigitte continued the chalkware business on her own until ultimately she was unable to balance her artwork with a full time job and a busy family schedule.  She started doing artwork again in 2009 and opened an Etsy store.  In 2012 she resurrected some of the LeFever Limner line of chalkware Santas with a new twist and in 2013 has added many new Santas to her line.  Her goal is to make her chalkware look like antiques.  "I want people to pick it up and think they have found an actual late eighteenth century, early nineteenth century piece of chalkware, then turn it over and and see the date on the bottom and be impressed."  Each piece is signed by the artist, numbered, dated and make wonderful collectibles.