Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland is filled with remarkable keepsakes from talented designers across many diverse brands. As a result, it truly is a collector’s WONDER-land! One growing collection at Bronner’s I’m particularly excited to highlight is that of artist Jim Shore.
I’ve been with Bronner’s many years so I distinctly remember when the Heartwood Creek collection was new to us in the early 2000s. When I close my eyes, I can still vividly picture that display of slender pencil Santas and snowmen. They were unlike anything I had ever seen! But what seemed so innovative and new to me was second nature to the artist.
MEET ARTIST JIM SHORE
Jim Shore’s distinctive style – quilt-inspired patterns; European folk-art forms, including rosemaling and tole painting – can be traced to early, familial influences. He credits his parents for instilling a love of American folk art in him. In addition, his grandmother, a master quilter, taught him the patience and skill required to bring intricate designs to life.
Perfecting his craft and manufacturing and marketing his designs independently for many years garnered him the attention of Enesco. Subsequently, Enesco and Jim Shore partnered to launch the Heartwood Creek brand in 2001.
Before long, Jim Shore became internationally known for his folk art collection built upon “tradition, family and love of country.” Since those early years with Enesco, he has branched out to broaden his selection of Santas, angels, snowmen and Nativity scenes with year-round appeal through partnerships with iconic brands like Disney, The Grinch, Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, The Nightmare Before Christmas and Peanuts.
ARTIST APPEARANCES
Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland has established a warm friendship with Jim Shore. In fact, he has appeared in the store for signing events in 2005, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2019! 😊 And is returning October 8, 2022!
And he’s just as charming in person as you’d imagine him to be from his designs! Just ask Cody Girkin and his friend Ashley Richards. They came to Bronner’s at 6:30 a.m. to be the first and second in line for signing tickets! (Pictured at right.)
“He was very gracious at his signing,” said Michelle Burke, Bronner’s buyer. “Jim had a way of making everyone feel special and really took an interest in our customers.”
Keep an eye on Bronner’s events page to catch your next opportunity to meet Jim Shore at Bronner’s! (In addition, check the calendar for other special events throughout the year.)
HOW DO YOU DISPLAY JIM SHORE?
The ideas and possibilities for displaying pieces from the collection are as diverse as the pieces themselves!
Do you have just one or two pieces or a whole collection? Here are a few of our new ideas and some past favorite ways to add Jim Shore to your home decor:
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Try a bit of a departure from the collection’s traditionally colorful pieces with the woodland collection. The muted tones pair perfectly with both natural accents like birch logs (or iced branch picks) and decorative trees.
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Framed in twigs and branches with moss and LED light accents make a natural choice of backdrop to gnomes, critters or other outdoor themed pieces.
40 Inch Chrome 6-Tier Ornament Stand (1142216);
6 Ft. Vintage Tinsel Garland (1206924)
“Spruce” up an ornament stand or salvage a vintage feather tree to display Jim Shore’s Around The World Santa ornament collection.
We shared a tutorial for this DIY Spring Topiary piece on the blog last year. It’s great alongside or including angels or Easter pieces from the collection! A glass cloche, beautifully bound book, plant and figurine create a lovely minimalist display.
Ever thought of displaying your Jim Shore collection in a Christmas tree? It may sound like an idea from the land of Oz but with a little creativity, it’s a showstopping concept!
We’d SHORE Love To See Your Ideas!
Will you show us how you display your Jim Shore collectibles by giving us a tag, @BronnersChristmas on Facebook and Instagram, or @BronnersXmas on Twitter?!