I remember, as a child my grandmother going to a craft show and buying my family one of these beautiful ceramic Christmas trees. It was always a very special time for us, when we would set up our little Christmas Village. The tradition has continued on with the grandchildren. My nephew loves going to Grandma and Grandpa’s house to set up the village and has added a train and railroad station. He spends hours playing and setting it up, just right!
Owner’s Barbe and Tim Shay have been doing shows since 1987. Barbe was first introduced into ceramics in 1976, while working for the recreation department in Kansas City. She was conducting children’s arts and craft classes there, when she was asked one day to fill in for the director. She had to learn how to fire a kiln and it was then that she decided to make her very first Christmas tree. It’s funny how one little incident can turn your life into a whole other direction. Barbe and Tim now start out each holiday season making about 125 Christmas trees. They have nine different styles and sizes. This year, Barbe is premiering a collector’s series... "A Snowman Village" it will consist of a snowman holding a mop, along with other detailed village scenes.
Tim does all the firing, cleaning and pouring; while Barbe does all the detail work. The molds are made of plaster of paris. The clay is poured into the mold, where its sets for a period of time. The excess liquid is poured out and the piece is left to dry for a couple more days to a week, depending on the piece. The plaster of paris helps absorb the moisture. Once the piece is dried, its taken out of the mold. The seams are then removed by sanding and carefully washing. It’s now ready to be fired in the kiln.
The greenware will fire up to 2,800 degrees. It will turn a red cherry glow. The kiln automatically turns itself off, once it reaches the necessary temperature. It takes the kiln approximately 24 hours to cool off before it can be opened. The piece is now called bisque, and it’s ready to be painted. Once painted the piece will be glazed and fired again.
After the final firing, the pin lights and electrical is added. The tree is now finally ready to sell. Each piece has to be individually wrapped, before being transported to the show. The average show takes them eight hours to set-up and five to tear down. Their booth is a very labor intensive booth to set-up, having to be very careful to avoid breakage or tipping. Barbe says, ceramic on ceramic is very delegate; yet you can bump up against a piece of metal and its pretty sturdy.
Barbe and Tim now live in New Holland, PA since they were transferred there by Southwestern Bell (now ATT). Tim has since retired from there, although unable to sit for long has taken on another job. Their shows are primarily in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland, so they can get back home in time for Tim to go back to work on Mondays. They’ve decided to stay in Pennsylvania. because they love the area. They have three children, nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren; who all still live in Kansas.
Be sure to take the time to visit Barbe and Tim at the Edison, NJ and York, Pa shows. You just may want to take this opportunity, to create some new and wonderful family traditions of your own!
