It’s not easy to take a photo of all the putz sheep. It’s always a bit dark in this room. I’ll try to take a better one with my big girl camera later today. I have two other sheep on this shelf, but they’re not putz sheep, so I didn’t include them in the photo.

Eventually, I want this entire shelf filled with sheep, leaving no empty space between them. I’m going to highlight some of the sheep.

First, on the far left, is a sheep that dear Judy sent me, complete with party hat.

The next sheep is my tallest – I can’t remember where I found him.

He’s one of two sheep that have the word “Germany” on their collars. His is fainter, but it’s there. And he has two broken ears, poor thing.

Next, one of the sheep I bought on Sunday – the one with the tilt to her head.

Next, my Vignettes sheep:

The owner of Vignettes in Ocean Beach, CA had a large collection of putz sheep which she was selling after having them in her home for several years and I bought one from her. (Can’t remember which one!) I visited Vignettes on a weekly basis – I bought my cherub painting from her. I’d been out there working for a couple of months in 2010 and after I got home, Lori said she was sending me something. Lori had pulled a sheep from her collection and had one of the women connected with the shop who does exquisite work with paper decorate it. She made a hat, a blanket, ruffles for the ankles, and a pack that says “Vignettes or Bust!” There’s a little Eiffel Tower hanging from the collar.

Needless to say, I was gobsmacked. It’s exquisite. It means so, so much to me.

Next to the Vignettes sheep is the sheep I purchased last week. It has a bell and is my fluffiest.

Next to her, the other sheep I purchased on Sunday.

Next to her….The Lamb with the Party Hat!

The LWTPH was my first buy. I was working out in San Diego for six months in 2009 and I drove to Country Roads Antiques in Orange, CA on my day off. I saw three little putz sheep in one of the glass displays. My sister loves sheep as well – she’s a knitter and crocheter – so I took a picture and mentioned them to her. I ended up going back for all three – two went to Mere and I kept the third.

I’d seen a blog post by a blogger showing a party hat on a much larger sheep that lived on her mantel, so I set about making a hat for my little sheep. That photo of her that is my blog logo was taken in San Diego. She’s my tiniest – only 2 inches high.

The next one I found a few years ago. She has everything: the elusive bell, a collar, wool ears, and a bow on her tush. Probably worth the most of any of the putz sheep. She might have come from Sydney’s booth a couple of years ago, but I can’t be sure.

The next is my other sheep with Germany on the collar:

Fairly fluffy, as well.

And finally, another little sheep with a pink collar. Most of the little sheep are 2 ½  – 3 inches high. Finding one with a bell is a plus. Finding one with Germany stamped on the collar or the leg is a plus. And finding wool ears is a big plus (I just read that bit of info the other day.) There are also black sheep out there, but I’ve yet to see one that’s vintage.

Many of them are well-loved. They’ve been handled, placed in scenes under a Christmas tree, loved by family members. Many of them have broken ears. Some need a bit of gentle adjusting to stand upright. That just makes them more precious.

I’m off to look at more antique shops today, hoping for another inexpensive putz house or something else that is vintage and Christmas-y.

I’m also going to change up the background for the sheep. I wanted something contrasting because they are white and the wall is off white, but this isn’t doing it for me. I have some ideas. We’ll see what I can come up with.

Thanks everyone.

Happy Thursday.