Coastal Santas

Inspired by textiles and vintage treasures, Kristen Bushman handcrafts her unique Santa dolls with the eye of a lifelong artist and the excitement of childhood memories. Bushman creates her one-of-a-kind dolls with Cape and Islands flair, mixing sand, shells and charming nautical details for the fisherman, lobsterman, and cranberry harvest Santas. The coastal themes are reflected in Bushman’s use of natural materials such as tapestry, suede, and wool.

Bushman says art was always in her soul. She grew up in New Jersey and started taking art classes at age six. Her parents set aside an art room in order for her to have her own creative space. As a young adult, she attended Parson’s School of Design in New York City. Years later, her husband helped her build a studio retreat on the grounds of their family home.