Around The World Nativities 2022 – Day Eight

by Merry Stahel   This is the One Hundred Sheep Nativity. I was ranting to my "adopted" daughter, Bun Thacker, about how all the Nativities never had enough sheep. Shepherds were in the fields, which means there were lots of sheep! And yet, only one or...

Around The World Nativities 2022 – Day Seven

by Merry Stahel   This vintage hand-carved Nativity is about 5 inches around. It was probably made in Palestine pre-1950s, although some were made in Italy. It is made of mother-of-pearl, the material inside a mollusk shell – which shines with iridescence...

Around The World Nativities 2022 – Day Six

by Merry Stahel   My cousin, Chris, came to visit this summer. After she went home she made this little Nativity especially for me, painting the background and using buttons for the figures. Her words, "I wanted to be a part of your collection." I love...

Around The World Nativities 2022 – Day Five

By Merry Stahel   This tiny Nativity is from Guatemala. It is made of clay and painted by local artisans. The penny in front is to give an indication of size. The "stand" is a tiny wooden box with a hand-woven fabric band. All the figures, including the...

Around The World Nativities 2022 – Day Four

By Merry Stahel   This Nativity was made by my friend and local pottery artist, Connie Witham. When I saw the ones she made for a craft fair, I plagued her incessantly until she made a custom order for me with Mary dressed in blue, my favorite color.   The...
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