Monday, July 20, 2009

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.

15 comments:

  1. It never ceases to amaze me, Carrie, all the variety you have in these nativities. My favorite today is the first one you showed, but the others are neat, too!

    Happy Blue Monday...

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  2. You have so much variety here. Thanks for sharing it with us. Good luck!

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  3. What cool and different nativities. I make Christmas items to sell so I have been thinking alot about Christmas lately. come on by my blog. I am having a blue giveaway.

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  4. A christmas in july with the most beautiful variety of nativities. Love the pictures, especially the white ceramic with hand painted blue detail.
    Have a nice blue monday, Annemieke

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  5. Very pretty items. We have a 10000 Villages that offers similar things.

    Have a great day!

    Becky K.
    Hospitality Lane

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  6. Lovely, each one...just amazing!
    Thanks so much for sharing them!
    Happy Blue Monday!
    ~Lynn♥

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  7. Howdy
    Blessings of joy to you .
    Thank you for sharing the information !
    Your collection is so amazing.
    Yes it is time to start planning for December.
    Have a wonderful rest of the week.
    Happy Trails

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  8. These are simply amazing. I can not believe how they are all so different.

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  9. The Tranquil Nativity is so different from any others I've seen, very pretty!

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  10. Hello, Happy Blue Monday! Beautiful blue post, thank you for sharing! Have a great week.
    Bless you, Shirl
    Shirls Rose Cottage

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  11. Oh, I love the blue and white Holy Family. Very nice! Thanks for sharing and Happy Blue Monday, Carrie.

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  12. It is hard to think about Christmas when it is so hot. However, it will be here much to soon, so your reminder is not too early.

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  13. Wonderful! Love the capiz, that would be something else back lit!

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  14. Oh, I love the one you purchased. I always like blue and white porcelain. I also like the one for kids. Laurie @ Bargain Hunting by Laurie said she always puts kid's nativities under her tree for the grandkids to play with, and I like that idea. I wish I had done it for my oldest. I may still buy one like that for my little one. The capiz shell is cool too. I don't know how you choose, if you're a collector. I had never heard of that website, but have been in a couple of free trade stores, so I'm going to bookmark it. Thanks!

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