The biggest highlights for me on this trip were meeting the designers of some of my favourite Christmas decorations, Patience Brewster and Lisa Frost.

Today was my chance to meet Patience Brewster. Starting our in the late 70’s as an illustrator and writer of children’s books, Patience says she has always been drawing. In 2000 Department 56 started creating ornaments from Patience Brewster’s designs and the first Krinkles ornaments arrived.

Today was my chance to meet Patience Brewster. Starting our in the late 70’s as an illustrator and writer of children’s books, Patience says she has always been drawing. In 2000 Department 56 started creating ornaments from Patience Brewster’s designs and the first Krinkles ornaments arrived.

Before leaving the showroom we couldn’t resist a souvenir of our trip and of all the pieces both Andrew and I were drawn to this Halloween cat, which now sits proudly on our hall table.

Next it was off to meet Patience. First of all, the Finger Lakes district in which she lives it just one of the most beautiful parts of the States. Everyone at the office was lovely, and as well as meeting Patience we met her husband Holly, and a number of their team members.

It was a really pleasure meeting someone whose work I so admire. Patience is lovely and made us feel so welcome and I’m so grateful for the time she gave us.

I’ve attached a few photos from her showroom as well as some of the displays of Patience Brewster’s work we found as we traveled to different stores. Let me know which are your favourite pieces.