Stained Glass Creches

In my other blog there was great response to a glimpse of my pastel colored stained glass nativity in my post about the new foyer light fixture. So, I thought to write a bit about it here, and share a few other stained glass creches.


In the 2006 Ebay listing for this set the seller indicated that “this is handcrafted by a local art teacher, all proceeds from sale will go to support his non-profit private Christian school.”
In this set of seven pieces, the figures range from 4 to 11 inches in height. Hand crafted in Virginia, the figures include Mary with Jesus, Joseph, Three Wise Men, a Donkey and a Sheep

Viewed from the other side:

Placed nearby is another stained glass nativity set, but this one is in deep jewel tones:

This 7-piece set includes a Star and 10” H stand, along with Mary, Joseph, the Baby Jesus, an Angel and Three Wise Men.

This one-piece Family mounted is placed on a shelf in the stairwell picture gallery. At about 7” tall, it shows Joseph, Baby Jesus and Mary in lovely colors of blue and green.

This stylized nativity is made from a panels of stained glass framed in pewter.
Because this is a split entry, from the picture stairwell you can look past this piece to see the large pastel set on the ledge above.


Here is a little (3 1/8” tall) nativity scene is made up of pewter figures of Joseph, Baby Jesus, and Mary in front of round stained glass with shooting Star. The base is of brass and it is made in Italy

Next is a stained glass nativity candle holder. It is 8"tall by 6" wide and has a glass base with a metal candle holder. It shows Mary, Baby Jesus in Manger, and Joseph with staff.

I also have some thrift store stained glass nativity items. Here tea light anndle holders provide illumination to a Family scene and Christmas Tree:

This post is linked to Three or More Tuesday, sponsored by Tam at The Gypsy's Corner. Please visit her for more participating posts.
The thrift store items qualifies this post for Second-Time Around Tuesday, which Diane hosts at A Picture Is Worth 1000 Words. See more participants at her blog.

Hummel Knock-Off Figurine

A local thrift shop often puts small items in baskets and sell them for 5 cents, 10 cents or 25 cents. The other week I spotted a figurine that sent off the message, “nativity!” There was an angel standing next to a baby in a cradle:

The angel holds a candle aloft and gazes down at the Child. I found that it is in fact a knock-off of the Hummel “Watchful Angel” figurine by Goebel.

It has no label but by the brushwork (which looks like there are chips on the surface, but there is not), I believe it is by Napco, made in Japan in the 1950’s. It was in a 5 cents basket, and when I questioned two clerks, they said, "Well, from that basket, it is selling for five cents!"

I am linking to 2nd Time Around Tuesday, hosted by Diane at A Picture Is Worth 1000 Words. See more participants at her blog.

I am also linking to Thrifty Thursdays at Tales From Bloggeritaville. Go there for more thrifty delights.

Advent Calendars

Advent calendars aree special publications that help count down the days of Advent from Dec. 1 until Christmas Eve. Each day a numbered window is opened or an item is taken from a numbered pocket.These calendars are designed in varied styles and themes. Some are quite whimsical, while others are more in keeping with the theme of the Savior’s birth. No matter what the design, in the case of children’s Advent calendars, there is often a treat for each day, such as a tiny toy.

The calendar I used in 2007 and 2008 is a vintage Advent calendar printed in West Germany. The first slot reveals a Messianic prophecy "The people that walked in darkness, have seen a great light." Is. 9:2. This made me smile and think, “Yes, thank you, Jesus; may we always walk in your light!"

Next is a children’s calendar from Oriental Trading Co. I found it at a local thrift store last week. The special was your choice of a bag-full of Christmas things for $2.00; so this only cost me about a dime.
This felt calendar had numbered pockets with one figure for the nativity scene to be taken out each day and placed in or around the stable – Shepherds, Wise Men, animals, and the Holy Family.


The Baby Jesus figure is in the last pocket, December 24th.

The calendar I am using this season is a new one from Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland. It features the town of Bethlehem and has 24 windows scattered across the scene.
Each window reveals a Bible text and a color illustration:
A fold-out section at the front forms the town wall and gate.

A fourth calendar, one I received as a gift, has The Nutcracker as its theme.

Each day a mini book numbered for that day, tells one segment of the story of the Nutcracker, until it culminates on December 24 with the Magic Sleigh.

This calendar was published in 1993 by Workman Publishing Co. The story is retold by Mary Packard and illustrated by Nan Brooks.

The custom of using an Advent calendar to look forward to the coming of the Baby Jesus is a nice way to mark the family's anticipation of Christmas Eve.

Thank you for stopping by today.

May you be blessed this Christmas season and into the New Year!

This post is linked to Three or More Tuesday which is sponsored by Tam at The Gypsy's Corner.

Please visit her for more participating posts.

My felt Advent calendar qualifies for Second-Time Around Tuesday which Diane hosts at A Picture Is Worth 1000 Words. See more participants at her blog.