Heartwood Creek Collections are the creation of artist Jim Shore. Mr. Shore  states his inspirations for his works are from his grandmother's influence and inspired by quilting.  His grandmother taught him an appreciation for the art of quilting.  He states he is a collector of quilts and has some that  date back as many as 150 years.    Besides his fascination with quilting and the master pieces he has obtained over the years, Jim Shore has a degree in engineering.  He was employed as an engineer but was constantly creating sculptures and paints.   One day when he had the resources he created his first company Designs  Americana.  He wet to an art show to market his sculptures and found he had enough orders and contacts to begin manufacturing his wares nearly three years later.  He had 350 employees and more orders than he could fill.  In the year 2000 he got some backing from the collectible company Enesco.  Through his partnership with Enseco Jim Shores was able to expand his collection by leaps and bounds for nearly every occasion.

Besides making great sculptures, Jim Shores has also produced stylish home accessories.  Some of his home accssories include ceramic ware, iron towel holder, farm house wire rack for pot holders, and ceramic sugar and creamer containers.  Jim Shores has six collections in the area of Home accessories. 

 Jim Shores estimates he has designed over 3000 Santa's for his collection since 2001.  How does he keep up?  Since the demand for his pieces is high he can no longer craft the master sculpture.  what he does is take a detailed drawing and send it to master sculptures who in turn create molds for the first masterpiece.  The molds are sent back to Jim Shores for careful inspection. Often the molds are sent back for revision until it is to his specifications.  Then the first sculpture is created out of poly resin clay.  Each piece is hand painted  with colors and designs inspired by quilts.

 The Americana company has countless other accessories too.  The create and manufacture coin purses, greeting cards, calendars, items for the bath, stationary and even puzzles.

 I came across the Jim Shores Collection by accident.  The gift shoppe where I work carries some of his works.  I purchased a car.  Whimsical and always looking like he has the answers the cat sits on my desk at work.  I think it is a great piece of artwork and recommend you get one of your own.  Surely in this collection there is something for everyone!