A Crafter's Book of Santas by Leslie Dierks (1996, Hardcover, Illustrated)

Santa Claus is depicted sometimes as a roly-poly gentleman and sometimes as a slender spirit. The Santa projects in this book by many artists using a great variety of media make it possible to create Santa in all his guises. There are needlepoint ornaments, a pine cone doll, and Santa's in papier-Mache, wood, and polymer clay, as well as step-by-step instructions and patterns for all the projects. Especially valuable for the variety of materials used.

What I liked about the book - the variety! There is something for every crafter in this book. Each of the 52 patterns features a color photograph of the finished product, written directions, and patterns (reduced); not once, however, includes the basics of the craft involved--woodworking, stitchery, papier-mache, etc.

Fom serious old world St. Nicks to the jolly Mr. Claus - so many seasonal classics and new interpretations.

Projects include variety such as:
Santa Star Pillow
Needlepoint Ornaments
Santa Stocking
Christmas Tree Skirt
Windsock Santa
Catching a Few Winks - Rug Hooking
Santa Sampler - Cross Stitch
Harlequin Santa - Sewing
English Peddler Santa - Sewing
Pinecone Father Christmas
Christmas Tree Santa - Ornament
Polymer Clay Santa - by Maureen Carlson
Papier Mache' Santa Pins - Painted
Santa Gourd Pendant - Painted
Light of the Moon Jacket - Painted (fabric)
Painted Egg Ornaments - Painted
Moon and Stars Gourd Santa - Painted
Winter's Eve Santa - Sewn
Wondrous Saint - Sewn


Dislike - It should be no surprise that I didn't like all of the Santa's. That is to be expected with such a wide variety. I didn't even like most of them. But I found enough that I was interested in, or interested in sharing with others. Many of the projects - such as a knitted Santa sweater - were intersting to look at and share.... but not practical if you do not already know the craft basics (knitting in this case.)