ANTIQUE CHOCOLATE MOLDS

In the nineteenth century, a gift of chocolate was a special treasure ( AS IF IT ISN'T NOW!)  and every small European village had a chocolate shop. Chocolate was molded in all shapes and sizes. The early molds were hand-hammered over castings created by individual artisans. The sculptor was either commissioned or, in some cases, in the direct employ of the chocolate factory who would provide him with a studio. Some large factories evolved, first in Germany, and later in France and the United States.

Casting figurines from molds has been a German tradition since the late 1800’s. Originally paper mache was pressed into wooden molds and allowed to dry. Some of these hollow pieces were then dipped into plaster, which dried to a smooth, but very fragile finish. In America, the Pennsylvania Germans substituted solid plaster for paper mache, and often used chocolate molds for the forms. Making “Chalkware” figures using antique chocolate molds continues to this day.

This year, Karen has taken casting using antique chocolate molds one step farther.  She selects only unique molds, casts them in CONCRETE, and whimsically decorates them, creating beautiful and nostalgic decorations that remind us of our treasured childhood memories. The resulting figurines make wonderful additions in planters and fairy gardens.

We are featuring 

one of Karen's 

cast concrete rabbits 

as part of our

Fairy Pot Project 

SATURDAY FROM 1:00-3:00.  

It is a great deal, so come join us!