Our Story
A New England Christmas Tradition Since 1987

A treasured Christmas tradition often begins with something simple. Ours began with a gift.

At Christmastime in 1987, Frank Navone hand-carved a Santa for his wife, Sandy. Created with love and an appreciation for early American folk art, that first Santa became the beginning of a shared craft and a family tradition.

The following year, Frank and Sandy began making Santas for family and friends. As their creations found places in other homes, the collection grew—one expressive face, one carefully painted coat, and one Christmas at a time.

Today, Frank and Sandy continue their work together in their Newtown, Connecticut studio. Inspired by the quiet beauty of a New England winter and the character of early American folk art, their Santas wear rich, traditional colors softened by the appearance of age. Gentle expressions, weathered finishes, and thoughtful details give each figure a personality of his own.

Each design in the Navone American Folk Art Santa Collection begins with an original carving by Frank. For their cast collection, a precise mold is made in the Navone workshop, preserving the carving’s distinctive details in pecan-shell resin. Sandy then individually paints, distresses, antiques, and details each Santa, bringing warmth and character to the finished piece.

Each Santa is signed and dated—a personal connection to the hands and home from which he came.

From a gift between husband and wife to a collection welcomed into homes near and far, the heart of their work remains personal. It lives in the pleasure of creating together and in knowing that their Santas become part of other families’ celebrations.

Their hope is simple: that something made with care today may become a treasured part of a family’s Christmas for generations to come.

Proudly created in Newtown, Connecticut.
American Folk Art. American Made. A Christmas Tradition Since 1987.