vLIVING continued from page 13 The Santa Doll Throughout the years, Jeannette has collected a variety of dolls that resemble Santa Claus, but this one in particular is unlike any other within her collection. Years ago, while attending a craft show in Sioux Falls with a friend, she noticed a doll among the other crafts. Eventually, the holidays were approaching and Robert was seeking ideas as to what to give Jeannette for Christmas. He made contact with Jeannette’s friend who had attended the craft show with her and asked for her input. She brought up the doll at the craft show, but when Robert contacted the woman selling the doll, he found out to his dismay that it had already been sold to another. But the woman had another idea. Being a doll maker herself, she decided to personally hand craft and make a brand new doll especially for Jeannette. When Robert handed this doll to Jeannette, she instantly became attached and this is one that has become one of her most personal favorites within her entire collection. The Waxed Porcelain Doll Although not necessarily a Christmas doll, this one is very special in the way it was made. The doll maker who crafted this item used wax over porcelain as a medium to form its features and expression. “I won’t put her in direct sunlight because it would affect the wax,” said Jeannette. “Wax over porcelain is very unique in that aspect.” The White Flocked Tree Among the various Christmas trees within Jeannette’s home exists one where the branches are covered in snow and the ornaments shine like diamonds. This is because the ornaments used in this beautiful tree are, in fact, made from crystal glass. The Buildings of Holland and Amsterdam This village also resembles real life locations within the world – Holland and Amsterdam. Ten buildings stand side-by-side above a watery canal that runs through the small city as a boat makes its way across the waters. But if one were to look at this tiny set-up, they would never guess the sentimental value and emotional history of friendship behind these amazing structures. Years ago while on a cruise vacation, Jeannette and Robert found themselves inside a crowded area inside the ship. Robert needed a place to sit down, so Jeannette asked a couple at a nearby table by the name of Franz and Sophie if they would let her and Robert sit with them. Without a moment’s hesitation, Franz replied, “We would be perfectly delighted, Ma’am!” What followed was a strong bond of friendship between the couples that would last a lifetime. They would do everything together from extravagant trips across the world to simple regular conversations over the phone. One year for Christmas, Franz and Sophie gave the tiny buildings of Holland and Amsterdam as a gift to Jeannette and Robert and has remained as an important piece to Jeannette’s collection ever since. The Tower of Big Ben Not all of Jeannette’s Christmas items are based entirely out of myth. This Dickens Village has been made to resemble London as the tower of Big Ben towers over the rest of the tiny community. Jozette Knoff Interiors LLC Studio and Store 213 W. 3rd Street Historic Downtown Yankton furniture • lighting • rugs • wallpaper • art • and more 14vHERVOICE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015