ABOUT US

In 1986 Barbara started making ornaments and hasn't had a real job since.

History:

In 1986, while on maternity leave from her teaching job, Barbara Newton and a friend made a selection of pinecone wreaths and doughcraft Christmas ornaments for a small local craft show. The ornaments went quickly and Barbara knew she was on to something. Over the next few years Barbara developed dozens of designs, participated in larger craft shows and started to sell directly to some gift shops -- while gradually taking over more and more of the family home.

After moving from Ontario to BC in 1991 Barbara adopted the name Vincent Van Dough for the line that had now grown to several hundred styles. In 1995 the operation outgrew its setting and the Vincent Van Dough crew moved into commercial quarters and continued to participate in large craft shows across Canada as well as ship to retailers across Canada and the USA. However, despite many innovations doughcraft still had some limitations so Vincent Van Dough started to explore other materials, finally deciding on a resin based casting medium that feels very much like the original dough, but has many new advantages.

Our Process:

Original and Mold Making - we start with an idea, and then try out several versions on paper. Once we have a design concept we sculpt an original, revisiting it many times. Once this original has been completed we make one or more molds from high quality silicone. Once we have a mold we are ready for production.

Production:

Pieces are carefully hand cast in small batches and hand painted. The hand painting is by far the most time consuming part of the production, but it is very satisfying to see a piece take on its distinctive personality. Finally we finish the piece with a shiny, protective topcoat. Finally, details such as tiny Christmas lights, haloes, bows, ornament hooks are added. Presently we are a team of 5 people and we are busy all the time.

While the name Vincent Van Dough was cute while we were still using doughcraft as a medium, it became misleading as soon as we made the change to the casting medium. Consequently we have recently adopted Vincent Van Designs as our new trade name.

Thank you for reading our story.