Tom Best

To the surprise of many, Tom Best didn’t have a presentation prepared for the Friday night dinner in Anchorage, AK. Instead of giving a personal insight into one of his 2014 Keepsake ornaments and sharing a Sneak Peek of one of his 2015 Keepsake ornaments, the floor was opened up for questions. Here are the questions that were asked, along with his responses.

Q. What can we do to get more Alaskan animals on your Frosty Friends pieces?
“There are many filters for approval in the creative process for ornaments. Some animals may seem like a good idea at first but later in the creative process are disapproved.”

Q. How long does it take from the idea of an ornament till it makes it to the shelf?
“About a year. I am currently working on ornaments for 2016.”

Tom went on to say “Some of my ideas for ornaments that I don’t have time on my schedule to personally work/sculpt/craft myself are given to other artists to bring to life.”

Q. Can you provide examples of those.
 “Certain Star Wars figures and some of the older Hot Wheels figures.”

Q. Do all ornaments start as a sculpture?
“No, some start as sketches, or are digital designs.”

Q. Have you seen anything here in Alaska since you arrived for inspiration?
“Yes! However, sometimes you don’t know how you are going to use something until you are in that creative mode and then it just pops into your head.”

Q. What are your favorites series that you have worked on?
“Tin toys, beer steins and guitars”

Q. How long will Frosty Friends continue?
“There is no end in sight at this time.”