A Dam Trollish Santa

Dam's BIG Santa! (www.theplaymakers.com)

Before the creation of his famous trolls, . . .

Thomas Dam was recruited by a large Swedish department store to assist in the creation of a two-story Santa Claus for their 1956 Yule display. The majority of this "jolly old elf" was made of metal, but the rubber face and hands were designed and handcrafted by Dam.*

*Information obtained from www.theplaymakers.com

Restored Robin Hood Troll

This is a larger classic Robin Hood troll, which I have "liberally" restored. His badly decaying velveteen coat, velveteen hat and deteriorated arrow case were used as patterns and were recreated in suede leather. Robin's missing green felt pants and brown felt belt have been replaced. The damaged dyed chicken feather that was in his cap has been exchanged for a quail feather. The once broken arrow now sports a handcrafted stone spearhead, and the bow he holds was hand-carved from wood. (I'm rather proud of it.)

Unlike many of the 7-inch character trolls, this one is not a coin bank.

Human Troll Tootsies

These are not life-size replicas of Dam troll feet. These are my actual feet!

Large character and other odd trolls (view from right side)

A variety of character trolls . . .

Discovering the Troll

As a kid in the 1960s, I hated Barbie (the doll). Being overweight and average in appearance, I could not relate to her. Her physical attributes were of porno proportions. She had a tight prudish mouth, a rigid hair style and ridiculously tiny feet. In my contempt, I would pull the head of my little sister’s Barbie off and replace it with the head of a Little Kiddle – nearly wetting myself from laughter at the discrepancy!

Then I discovered the troll doll. Now, there was a doll I could relate to! It was a little chubby, like me. My troll had a broad warm smile and unkempt, long, soft hair. Even the wide feet of the doll (with its stubby toes) were identical to mine. The card that came with my troll, explaining its magic and the good luck it would bring, was just icing on the cake . . .