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History
&
Her
Story
Each of Debbee Thibault's American Collectibles is completely handmade in a limited edition of 2500 or less. Her designs are recreated in a paper composition, and like a fingerprint, each piece is truly unique. All pieces are signed and hand numbered. Her work has been featured in several publications, including Mary Engelbreit’s Home Companion, Victoria Magazine, Country Home, Country Living, and Better Homes & Gardens Holiday issues. Debbee Thibault’s work comes from an imagination that was sparked by a love for old toys in early childhood. After years of research on the making of antique toys and folk art, she began creating holiday items using similar methods. Debbee’s first Santa was made in 1985 using materials such as paper, cloth and wire. Her creativity grew and she began designing a variety of items including rabbits, rag dolls and Halloween novelties. The whimsy of her work touches the child that lives in each one of us.
 In 1993, Country Home magazine did a wonderful feature story on my work and me. The response was overwhelming. It was a mixed blessing. I wasn’t quite ready for the success that the opportunity presented me. I was happy to be validated as an artist but sad because I could not handle all of the orders. I had to figure out a practical way of doing things. I did spend a year with a West Coast Collectibles manufacturing company that issued replicas of my designs. I learned a lot about business during that time. Later I had the confidence to strike out on my own.
In 1996, after perfecting a manufacturing process, Debbee Thibault’s American Collectibles was born employing six artisans. We were naïve, but I think our innocence and idealism continue to contribute to our success.
Each of my characters start from the stories I make up about them. I share my stories with collectors I meet at different events and they share imaginative and fun stories with me. We have a great time with it. What’s the next dream, I’m going to collect all of these tales that I’ve created about my little characters and bring them to life in a series of storybooks. Who knows what will happen… Dreams really can come true!-Debbee Thibault |
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