Please note: As of 12/19/23, our guests have collected all of the free ornaments that were placed around the estate as part of this initiative.
Samara Weaver often wanders the region during the holidays with her 5-year-old daughter, wearing crowns on their heads and leaving gifts in the Wilmington area for people to take for free.
Now she’s bringing that magical touch to Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library for Yuletide.
Inspired by the joy of giving, Weaver will spread holiday cheer by placing handcrafted ornaments throughout the Winterthur estate for guests to discover and take home as cherished keepsakes.
The Enchanting Hunt
As you stroll along the walking paths of Winterthur between the Visitor Center, the historic 175-room home of Henry Francis du Pont, and the captivating Galleries, keep a keen eye out for the beautifully crafted ornaments that Samara personally made. These delightful treasures, each a unique creation, will be waiting to be discovered and claimed by lucky finders.
Diverse Artistry
Weaver is a previous participant in Winterthur’s annual Artisan Market and a featured artist in the upcoming Transformations exhibition opening on June 8, 2024.
Weaver brings a diverse range of artistic styles to her ornament collection. Starting her initiative on November 18, Weaver engaged Winterthur’s guests in crafting paper snowflakes, which now adorn a tree in the Visitor Center.
These snowflakes also serve as the inspiration for imprints on clay (ceramic) ornaments strategically placed throughout the estate. Additionally, some ornaments feature intricate designs inspired by the architectural elements found in and around Winterthur, adding a touch of historical charm to this festive endeavor.
“I use many different mediums, including paper, watercolor, clay, wood, photography, glass, wool (felt), dyes, oil paint, and metal,” Weaver says of her art. “Using these different mediums allows me to choose the best one for the project I’m working on.”
Weaver graduated with her master’s in architecture in 2013 from Tyler School of Art and Architecture in Philadelphia. After graduating, she worked in architecture and construction while continuing to develop her unique artistic voice using multiple mediums. In 2017, she took the leap to working for herself and started Design Hues, specializing in large floral installations. In 2018, Weaver applied to and was accepted to a juried show at the Delaware Art Museum.
She says showing her work at the museum was a pivotal turning point in her artistic career. She shifted her focus to her art full-time, creating and selling her artwork, functional ceramics, and porcelain jewelry.
Join the Fun
The spirit of Sprinkle Magic extends beyond a simple scavenger hunt. Weaver’s initiative is a celebration of community, creativity, and the joy of giving. By leaving these handcrafted treasures for Winterthur’s guests to discover, she hopes to foster a sense of shared joy and appreciation for the holiday season.
Much like an old-fashioned scavenger hunt, Sprinkle Magic is designed purely for fun and holiday joy. It’s an opportunity for Winterthur’s visitors to engage in a heartwarming adventure, discovering the beauty of the estate while collecting unique ornaments created with care and creativity. So, come, explore, and let Winterthur’s Sprinkle Magic brighten your holiday season!
