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In the Company of Saints
Hank Schlau has been fascinated by saints ever since he was a little boy. He studied and taught European medieval literature, and spent 15 years editing theology books - many of them about the saints. Finally, he was inspired to begin carving little statues of the saints. What started as an experiment and hobby in his garage has expanded to a business and a passion. He and his wife work in a renovated gas station - now studio - in Natchez, Mississippi. Shop the Handmade Statues collection.
Handmade St. Roch
Statue
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$29.95
St. Roch is most well known as the Patron of Dogs (and dog lovers). He is also the patron of bachelors, surgeons, and those with knee problems or skin rashes. Measures 6x2x1.5". |
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Handmade St. Brigid
Statue
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$47.95
St. Brigid is a beloved Irish Saint whose legend says she wove a cross of reeds to explain Christianity to Irish pagans. She is patron of babies, students, and Ireland. Measures 9x4x2". |
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Handmade St. Jerome Statue
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$44.00
St. Jerome is best known for translating the Bible into Latin. He is shown here with a lion because a popular legend tells how he took a thorn out of a lion's paw. He is the patron of booklovers, librarians, translators, and scholars. You often see statues of lions at libraries, in honor of St. Jerome. Measures 7.5x2x 1.5". |
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How the Statues Are Made
 When Hank Schlau creates a new statue, he first researches the saint to see how he or she has been depicted throughout history. After his studies, he uses what he learned to create his own contemporary design of the saint. Inspired by medieval craftsmen, he carves the original out of clay. The saint's name is also inscribed at the base of the figure. Then, he makes a latex mold of the statue. Finally, he hand pours cast stone into the mold to create a replica of the original design. When the statue has hardened, he gives it to his wife, Karen, who paints and glazes the piece by hand. The finished statue has a look of aged wood or stone. Hank and Karen's team work results in detailed and durable statues. Suitable for indoor or outdoor use, these rustic, yet charming pieces make great additions to your home or garden!
Handmade St. Paschal Figure in Kitchen
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$47.95
A Franciscan, St. Paschal's ability as a chef became legendary. He is shown at work in his kitchen, assisted by St. Martha, another patron of cooks (in the tiny niche on the mantle). Measures 9x4x2". |
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Handmade St. Jude
Statue
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$29.95
One of the 12 apostles and of the first Christian missionaries, St. Jude is shown with a boat because he traveled extensively by ship. He is the patron of healing and comfort in difficult situations. Measures 6x1.5 x1". |
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Handmade Julian of Norwich Figure
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$29.95
A Benedictine nun, Julian was a mystic and writer. She was often sought out by others for spiritual counsel. She is the patron of cat lovers and for people experiencing anxiety. Today is her feast day (May 13). Measures 5x5x1.5". |
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Great Gift Ideas
 Each handmade statue comes in packaging suitable for gift giving. The statues are safely packed in a brown box with In the Company of Saints label. Inside is a little card with information on the life and patronage of the saint. The diversity of the saints and their causes mean they make meaningful gifts for any occasion, including: Confirmation, birthdays, special events, pick-me-ups, memorial gifts, graduation gifts, Father's Day, Ordination or Profession gifts and more! Made to last, these gifts brighten up both home and garden, and will be cherished for years to come.
Shop the Handmade Statues collection.
Handmade St. Francis with Lamb and Pheasant Statue
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$47.95
Well known as a friend to animals, this statue of Francis shows him holding a lamb and accompanied by his friend the pheasant and other small birds. Measures 10x4.5x1.5". |
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Handmade St. John of the Cross Statue
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$47.95
One of St. John's most popular writings is "The Dark Night of the Soul". This statue illustrates that poem and shows John's burning passion for unification with the divine. Measures 9x4x2". |
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