Christmas in July – Exotic Nativities

Now is the time to gather gifts for Christmas, and items for your own holiday celebration.

I recently received an e-mail announcing a clearance sale at SERVV. SERVV is a fair trade organization which works to assure that that artisans in poor countries are paid a proper wage for their products.

Here are some of the nativity items being offered on clearance. Several are blue:

Nativity Wall Art - Was $22., Now $8.99. Made in Peru
Colorful jute wall art with the nativity scene appliquéd and embroidered in cotton. Natural jute backing with a narrow sleeve for the dowel hanger. 16 in. long x 12 1/2 in. high

Capiz Nativity – Was $62, Now $23.99. Made in the Philippines
Translucent capiz shell and elegant brass wire form this luminous one-piece nativity. 10 in. l x 4 3/4 in. w x 9 1/2 in. h.

Ayacucho Ceramic Nativity – Was $32, Now $12.99. Made in Peru
Hand made clay ceramic figures represent typical Andean style from the Ayacucho region. Nine figures. tallest figure: 5 in. h. Aren’t the two reclining animals cute?

Not on clearance, but priced well is a nativity set especially for children.
Children's Nativity - $14.00 Made in Sri Lanka.
Vivid colors and lead-free paint make this a great first nativity set for kids. 10 pieces, 1/2in. w, tallest figure: 4in. h

Here is one set I bought from SERVV several months ago.
Tranquil nativity - $17. Made in Viet Nam
White ceramic with hand painted blue detail on this peaceful Holy Family. Three figures. tallest figure: 5 1/4 in. h

This is a great opportunity to acquire a nativity and support free trade, thereby assisting artisans in poor communities across the world. These would make nice gifts for friends or relatives -- or get one to add an exotic touch to your holiday decor.

Blue Monday is sponsored by our gracious Sally at Smiling Sally. Visit her blog for more participating posts.

ABCs of the Word – W

Pam at Grey Like Snuffie hosts ABC’s of the Word to focus on a scripture in which the week’s letter is highlighted.

This week’s theme letter is W as in WORD

In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God
He was with God in the beginning.
Through him all things were made;
without him nothing was made
that has been made.
John 1:1-3 NIV

Isn’t it amazing to contemplate that the God of the universe would come and become a part of our human history? And as a part of our history to bring us the gift of eternal life!

Baby Jesus from Castagna nativity, Made in Italy

For more ABC’s of the Word visit Pam at Grey Like Snuffie.

clipart - DoverPublications.com

New Mantel Display

Christmas in July is a great concept for someone who loves Christmas, so I'm glad for this opportunity to share my nativity collecting interest.

The living room was painted just a few days ago. In putting the room back together I decided to change the mantel display. The previous display was a 7-piece nativity set hand crafted in USA. Done in soft pastel colored glass, range in height from 4 to 11 inches. The new mantel display is Department 56 porcelain village "Little Town of Bethlehem." There are three lighted buildings and several figures.



At Christmas time I would use an evergreen garland, but for now I placed an ivy garland behind the nativity scene.

Previously this set was displayed on a shelf which divided the living room from the hall stairs.

The change of wall color from off-white to light green and the change to the porcelain nativity makes me happy. I will post about the color metamorphosis on my main blog next week.

Metamorphosis Monday, is hosted by Susan of Between Naps on the Porch. Go there for a listing of more transformations.