Patience Brewster

When Patience Brewster decided to switch careers mid-stream, the rest of us were rewarded with the most intriguing bunch of Christmas characters this side of a Tim Burton movie.

Moon fairies, cactus cowboys, alligators in high heels … these are the Christmas imaginings of Brewster, who grew up in the oh, so traditional town of Plymouth, Massachusetts.

Six years ago, this award-winning illustrator (known for such children’s books as The Merbaby and Too Many Puppies) decided to try her hand at something new. Today, from her studio in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, Brewster sketches the whimsical characters that are later brought to life as ornaments, candle holders, tree toppers and display figures … all with a twist. Brewster’s flair for color and style are apparent. Crisp, luminous colors bring her pieces to life, while light, wispy trims like feathers and gossamer fine fringe give her creations a lighter-than-air feeling. “I like levity,” explains Brewster. “Not just the levity that exists in humor, but in things that tread lightly on this earth. When the hair is blowing and the feathers are ruffled and flying, that puts a bit of levity and delicacy and magic into the pieces.”