By the way, you are checking our Facebook page regularly, aren't you? (Don't make us come over there. You know how we get.) If not, you're missing out on a lot: pictures of current merchandise, vendor sales, and the occasional thought from store staff. Do yourself a favor and hop on over and check it out. If you can't make it to the store, it's the next best thing to being there. (Of course, we'd much prefer to see you in person, but if that's not possible, we'll take what we can get.)
Anyway, back to the picture. Many of us have fond memories of those hard plastic, light up holiday figures sitting the yard. Before inflatables became commonplace and widely available, blow molds like these were kind of the standard in holiday yard decorations. And not just for Christmas either! You can find blow molds for Easter, Halloween, and even Thanksgiving! Some figures are large and intended for outdoor use, but there are smaller, tabletop figures that are perfect for sitting on a porch or in a window.
The term "blow molds" refers to the process by which the plastic is formed into the hollow shapes. The technology was developed in the late thirties and came into widespread use in the 1950's. Many plastic containers, jars, bottles, etc. are made using this process.
Decorative holiday blow molds like the ones in the picture are sought after by collectors. There is a nostalgia factor for many that makes owning a figure like one remembered from childhood especially desirable. Among the manufacturers that people look for are Empire Plastic, Union Products, and Marx. Many classic figures from the past have now been reproduced, so that a new generation of fans can enjoy them.
We're always excited whenever we get a blow mold or two in at the store. We know that it will soon be making its way to a new home with a happy friend. In a few months, it will be sitting in a new yard, continuing to provide a cheery glow on a cold winter evening.
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