About Pipka

pipkawebsitePIPKA and her family arrived in America from war-torn Europe in 1949. Her father, a physician, was welcomed into the friendly little town of Michigan, North Dakota, where the sky was blue and children could play outside in safety until the moon came out.

The family loved America while still maintaining their cultural German/Czech heritage, especially at Christmas time. when the candlelit tree, roast goose and strudel filled the home with memory-making moments which would influence Pipka in her future career as an artist.

Frequent trips to the folkloric pastures of Bavaria to visit her Grandmother inspired Pipka's creative direction as a decorative furniture painter, prompting her to open Pipka's Workshop in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where her days were filled with custom painting furniture, teaching painting classes, and writing books while her mother made pillows and accessories out of imported fabrics from Austria.

Moving to Door County in 1981 was a big change from living in a city, but Pipka thrived in her new creative environment. On a quiet snow filled winter day, Pipka painted an old world Santa for her mother as a Christmas gift and her passion for Father Christmas was born. Pipka began drawing from her own heritage for inspiration and travels to foreign countries during the Christmas season to experience first hand the sights, tastes and traditions of Christmas in other parts of the world to inspire her uniquely charming Christmas designs. " Each country has a gift bringer," says Pipka, "and each Santa tells a story". It is that story which makes each Santa Pipka creates so appealing, evoking memories and starting new traditions for the happy collector. Pipka Collectibles are sold in specialty stores around the country.

DSC_0049.jpg"An enchanted cottage" is a phrase often used to describe Pipka's shop in Sister Bay, Wi., filled with her limited edition Christmas collectibles, gifts, original art and jewlery. "When people come into my shop, I want them to feel like they're coming into my home", says Pipka, so serving fresh brewed coffee and her famous Almond Cake daily comes naturally to this gracious talented artist and her friendly staff.

"In the last few years, I've branched out into making collage and jewelry," explains Pipka. Original, one-of-a-kind collage, painting and jewelry are new additions to the enchanted cottage and loyal customers flock to get first choice on her art pieces as they are very limited.

"I have the best job in the world," says Pipka. "I get to be creative, travel, bake, and meet the most wonderful people! It's a joy to wake up every morning to another day! "