USA, Arizona

This one was a gift from my sister Julie Campbell. It is very sweet, made from paper. "It all began with a family" is a sentiment that goes a long way! (L09.B.R.004)

Philippines

This set was made in the Philippines using a method called "whiskers." They look like little bottle brushes to me. (L09.B115.021)

Mexico

They are all my favorites, so when I say, "one of my favorites" I really mean it. This set is made from recycled metal. The baby is a spark plug. (Isn't that true!) The following is the artist's description:

"Armando Ramírez's artistic vision permits him to see a different reality in discarded automotive parts and scrap metal. Transforming them into sculptures, he creates a wonderfully original nativity scene. Mary, Joseph and the angel are fashioned of metal plate and spark plugs. Another spark plug rests in a manger of connecting rods from a car motor lined with galvanized wire. Balance beams, washers and wire become cows that kneel before the Christ child. Melchior rides a horse, both figures made from a transmission chain, wire, metal sheets, a spring and a spark plug. Riding a camel, Balthazar and his mount use a balance beam, a rocker arm, spark plug, washers, cogs and wire. Tubes, a half sphere, spark plug, balance beam, metal bits left from a die cutter and wire become Caspar and his elephant."

(L09.B66.R051) 

USA, Arizona

This is a set I made around 1985 or so. I made it after seeing one similar that was featured on the front of the Friend Magazine or another magazine. I cannot find the magazine cover on the Church's web site, so I could have gleaned this pattern from anywhere. I cut and painted all the pieces, cutting an additional set for my niece Kimberly Kline.

(L09.B54.R001)