Snowbabies by Department 56 Now at Beacons Glow Collectibles
Did you know that Snowbabies figurines by Department 56 have been produced for more than 22 years?
Pflugerville, Texas - September 1, 2009 -- Beacon's Glow Collectibles, an online gift and collectibles retail store specializing in dolls, teddy bears, and collectible figurines, is pleased to announce that they are now an authorized retailer of Department 56 Snowbabies. These very popular bisque porcelain figurines convey an endearing personality to the sweet simplicity of childhood.
Kristi Jensen Pierro, designer of Snowbabies by Department 56, has been drawing Snowbabies for the past 22 years. The creation of a Snowbabie includes making a rough sketch which is transformed into an actual illustration. Kristi then makes a scale drawing to include each side, top, and bottom. And, of course, she adds little touches along the way that ultimately makes each Snowbabie collectible irresistible – whether it be a waterglobe, a figurine, an ornament or a musical piece. Currently Kristi is a Department 56 artist and Executive Director of Product Design. Kristi gets her inspiration for these whimsical figurines from her life experiences, photos and stories. Her wonderful creations have always reflected the activities of small children.
According to Wikipedia, a snowbaby is defined as follows: “A snowbaby is a small figurine that depicts some aspect of the Christmas holidays or of winter sports such as skiing and ice skating. The traditional snowbaby is made of unglazed porcelain bisque and shows a child dressed in a snowsuit. The suit itself is covered in small pieces of crushed bisque, giving the appearance of snowflakes.”
Where did Snowbabies originate? One theory dates back to 1893 when polar explorer Admiral Robert Peary was living in Greenland at the time. During that time. his newborn daughter Marie was called Ah-poo-Mic-kaninny, meaning "snowbaby" by the Eskimos, due to her snow-white skin. The second theory traces Snow Babies to late 19th century Germany when "sugar dolls" were a favorite confectionery decoration.
Many snow baby collectors are familiar with antique German snowbabies or Japanese snowbabies. Snowbabies figurines date back to the early 1900’s. During the decade beginning about 1905, German artisans carefully painted each snowbabie by hand. Japan began to produce snowbabies just before World War II, but they were of a lesser quality than those made in Germany.
Currently Beacons Glow Collectibles has 5 main categories of Snowbabies by Department 56: 1. Classics, 2. Celebrations (figurines to celebrate that special moment in time), 3. Guest (includes special pieces that incorporate other famous artists (Disney, Rudolph the red-nosed Reindeer, Wizard of Oz, etc.), 4. Christmas, and 5. Snowbunnies (Easter collectible figurines).
The increasingly popular Snowbunnies were introduced in 1994 and feature a bit of a variation on the classic Snowbabie. Each Snowbunnie has a pair of bunny ears with a delicate dusting of pink in each ear. All of these figurines are done in pastel Spring-like colors.
Earlier this year Department 56 joined with Enesco, a global leader in the giftware industry, to assist with worldwide distribution and support. This has proven to be a win-win situation for both parties involved, and allows Department 56 to focus on continuing product design.
Snowbabies by Department 56 continue to be very popular with collectors and these charming, hand-painted bisque porcelain figurines offer countless ways to celebrate life’s memorable moments.
To peruse Beacon’s Glow Collectibles newest line, Snowbabies by Department 56, just follow this link – Snowbabies by Department 56.
Beacon's Glow Collectibles also carries many other manufacturers’ line of collectibles in addition to Snowbabies. Bear and plush animal manufacturers include: Steiff Bears; Boyds Bears; Bearington Bears; Charlie Bears; Deb Canham and Robin Rive Bears. Predominant doll manufacturers include: Madame Alexander Dolls; Marie Osmond Dolls; Lee Middleton Original Dolls; and Pauline Collectible dolls. They also carry the very popular Jim Shore Figurines.
Please take a moment to browse their site - Collectors of all types will be pleasantly surprised at their
wide variety of manufacturer's lines and products for sale.
To keep abreast with new products and monthly specials, interested parties can subscribe on the Beacons Glow Collectibles site ; and if they desire, they can receive monthly email newsletters which provides them with updates of new product releases and current specials. Additionally, they have recently implemented a Beacons Glow Collectibles blog where past and future customers can take a look to see what new inventory items have arrived, as well as company news.
Beacon’s Glow Collectibles have an impressive pledge to their customers and firmly stand behind it – “All items on our site
are guaranteed in stock; & all orders will ship by 6:00 p.m. the following business day.” This is certainly welcome news for
collectors of all types.
About Beacon’s Glow
Beacons Glow Collectibles is committed to offering customers a wide variety of collectible dolls, bears, and candles at
competitive prices, as well as exceptional customer service. This company guarantees their customers total satisfaction
and offer a “30-day, no questions asked, money-back guarantee” on all orders.
All major credit cards are accepted (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover), as well as personal checks and money orders.
Site security is insured with Comodo’s Instant SSL Pro Certificate through encryption. The company also respects their customer’s
right to privacy, and ensures that it will never be compromised.
Upon request during the check-out process, gift cards can be included with personalized messages, which are free of charge to
customers.
Layaway plans are available, and they are willing to work with customers on an individualized basis to find a plan that best suit their needs.
