A Fuller Nativity Collection: March 2023

Tuesday, March 14, 2023

Greece

Two more paper Nativities. These two are from Greece.

(L09.B.R5.)

My sweet grandkids. This Nativity is made by gluing photos to acrylic and then laser cutting out the shapes to absolute perfection. I had this set made for Samuel as a Christmas gift. The story that follows is the reason: Samuel and I had moved from our big property in Tempe to a much smaller condo in Chandler. We had plans to not have so much work. The large property was expensive, and I think I was a little tired of keeping it looking pristine or at least up to my standards. About a year after we moved, Samuel's father had a stroke. It was a very bad one, and Samuel's mother really needed added support from him, so we offered to move her and Jack to an apartment closer to us. The apartment was about a mile away from us. Well, Samuel helped like that for several months, and we realized that we really needed to be closer, so we placed our condo for sale and moved to an apartment in the same complex so that Samuel would be closer and more available. At that point all of our personal decorations were in storage, and we had no decorations for Christmas, so I came up with this idea. It took me a month to create, and I chose to make the creche out of a moving box. It is really the perfect representation of what we were all going through. In spite of all the sacrifices, we were surrounded by family and surviving nicely. All of our grandkids are featured except the one that was not born yet.

Germany

The paper pop-up Nativity is from West Germany and was printed in 1962.

(L09.B.R02.)

Czech Republic

Though this paper Nativity does not have a date on it, it appears to be printed in the late 60's. I have several of these sets, and that is when they were popular. This one was printed in Czechoslovakia, now known as The Czech Republic. These sets are so sweet. They present as a large card, and when the card is opened, a large and very detailed scene pops up.

(L09.B.R02.)

Saturday, March 11, 2023

Australia, Christmas Island

Postage stamps from Christmas Island. Christmas Island is a territory of Australia.

(L09.B.R.)

Cook Island

Stamps from the Cook Islands. The Cook Islands is a nation in the South Pacific with political links to New Zealand. Its 15 islands are scattered over a vast area. The largest island, Rarotonga, is home to rugged mountains and Avarua, the national capital. Side-note: my uncle, Carl Ollerton, served a 3 year mission to the Cook Islands in 1955 returning home in 1958.

USA, Arizona

This beautiful paper cutting was done by a woman that contacted me about the Nativity display. She was from Mesa, Arizona and was familiar with the display at the VC. She asked if I would be interested in displaying one of her paper cuttings. I said that I would, and this is what she sent me. In the end, she offered it to me to keep. The technique of cutting paper is German and is called Scherenschnette. I am very grateful for the beauty and talents of others around me. By Debbie Greenley

(L04.B999.R001)

USA, Pennsylvania

Prints from artist Diane Duda of Pennsylvania. On her website these are referred to as drawings. From her website:

"I am a self-taught artist who has found modest success and much happiness creating my 'silly little works of art.' I did not discover my artistic talents until sometime around my 40th birthday, and I am so happy to finally be doing something I love."

She is doing a great job doing something that others love too.

(L09.B.R.51.)

Peru

Dried gourds from Peru. Someday, in person, I would love to see how this is done. Here is a link showing how it is done:

Gourd carving

Bulgaria

Print of an original painting by artist Eva Campbell of Bulgaria. From her website:

"Eva is a certified painter and mom. Native of Bourgas, a cozy town on the Bulgarian Black Sea. Together, with husband Alex and son Leo, life unfolds in the foothills of the Viosha mountains, a picturesque scenery near the historical capital, Sofia, the second oldest city in Europe."

(L09B.R.)

Paraguay

Print from Paraguay. I purchased this as stationary. This is a copy of the letter that was sent with my purchase:

Dear Susan,
You are my first Customer!
Studio Stricklan has gained a lot of experience from filling this order.
I apologize that it has taken so long - It has been difficult to figure out how to get the order to you because I live in Paraguay.
Thank you so much for your patience.
Cheers,
Jessica PF Stricklan

I feel so honored to be anyone's first customer, last, or somewhere in the middle. What a privilege to purchase such sweet art.

Romania

Romania is a country from which I only have these stamps and a tile of the Nativity. I have never seen an other Nativity from Romania.

(L09.B. R.)

Poland

Paintings by two different artists from Poland. They are both prints. The top print is from a store called, "Under Angel Wings." They are located in Krakow, Poland.

(L09.B.R92.).

The following is a quote from the artist who painted the bottom painting pictured above.

"I was born and raised in Poland, now home is in Texas, Dallas. I am fulfilling my long term dream about creating art and sharing it with the world. I love to experiment with different medium and creating unique pieces. Enjoy my work!"

I will and I do!

(L09.B.R62.)

Arizona, Mesa

I'm not sure where Jenedy Paige is from, but at the time I received this print, she was living in Mesa, Arizona. My former son-in-law, Randal Figgins, was dating a girl who's parents were familiar with Jenedy. They were at Sunday dinner together and met. Randal, knowing my love of Nativities, somehow figured out that Jenedy was an artist and had a painting I might be interested in. All things came together, and she agreed to display this painting at the VC one year. It is so beautiful, and I so appreciated the opportunity. Randal gave me this copy of her painting. Here is a link to her bio. She is very interesting and beyond talented. Jenedy

Germany

One year at the VC, I had an entire display of Nativities made of paper. I purchased this set thinking I would assemble it, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. It was printed in the 60's and had survived not being cut up, and I just couldn't be the one to do it.

Germany

Another very old scherenschnitta (German word for "scissor cuts") from Germany.

(L09.B.R02.)

Ecuador

Two Nativities in one. They are both from Ecuador. The little pieces in the bottom of the shadowbox are made from bread dough. The dough is dyed in different colors, and the pieces are sculpted and set to dry.

The little tapestry is all hand sewn.

(L10,B999.R05.)

Italy

This large Anri Nativity is from Italy. Each piece is hand carved and the wood is dyed.

(L09.B81.R0021.)

India

I actually bought this brass set in Mexico, but it clearly was marked, "made in India." I would say it is from India. I also bought the little glass house at the same time. The base was purchased separately but was also marked, made in India.

(L09.B62.R06.)

China

This sweet little Nativity set is from China. It is an advent calendar. There are 24 little pieces to be added to the creche, one day at a time, ending with the Baby being placed in the crib.

(L09.B150.R51)

India

Beautiful cast pewter Nativity from India. I love the soft lines and gentle curves.

(L09.B158.R051.)

India

I think this set must be made of stainless steel. They are not very heavy, but they are sturdy. They have very intricate patterns of flowers and other shapes found in nature etched into them.

(L09.B152.R05.)

India

A Nativity for everyone. That must be India's motto. This one is a silhouette and is covered in glass beads.

(L09.B160.R02.)

Philippines

Hand carved wood Nativity from the Philippines.

L09.B149.R06.)

Pakistan

Carved white onyx stone from Pakistan. Very sweet.

(L09.B148.R54.)

Germany

This set is German. The brand is Hanse. It is perfect for child's play.

(L09.B142.R57.)

USA, Tucson-Mexico-Peru

Another gift from Angie Gillette. She was on a field trip with her class. They were visiting Old Tucson and went to the Old Catholic mission, San Xavier. There sitting on the ground with a baby strapped to her back was a mother from Peru or maybe Mexico making these Nativities from matches and tooth picks. You can see that the matches are not even from here. They are made from rolled up corn husk. I don't know how much money the little lady had to invest to buy these supplies to make this; it could not have been much compared to our standards, but what she did give, she made the most of. I absolutely love it as one of my favorites, because it shows a dedication and love that is truly humble. Angie is so sweet to think of me.

(L09.B135.R5.)

Paraguay

This Nativity is from Paraguay. An interesting feature about the set is that the camels are very tiny compared to the kings, and the infant Jesus looks like an old man. Very wise I guess.

(L09B159.R)

South Africa, Zulu

This Nativity is made by a Zulu artist. The Zulu people are the largest ethnic group and nation in South Africa. They were once an empire with a monarchy.

(L09.B108.R003.)

Turkey

This little set is from Turkey. They are sitting on miniature prayer rugs.

(L09.B132.R46.)

Ireland

This is one of the first Nativities that I bought. It was well loved and for some reason it would often decide to jump ship. I displayed it on a narrow shelf in my family room on the wall. I don't know why, but it had to stand up to fall off the shelf, and it did it often. It had multiple chips all around the outer edge, so when I again saw it available for purchase, I bought a second one.

(L09.B133.06.)

India

This Nativity is from India. I have been trying to find an older picture of this set to see if in the past there was a Baby Jesus. I just noticed while taking the picture that He is absent.

L09.B64.R0.)

USA, Georgia

I bought this darling Nativity in Prescott, Arizona at a boutique specializing in Christmas decoration. I love the big eyes on the animals and little eyes on the people. It is so whimsical and cute. The artist is Lori Mitchell. The following is from her website:

"Lori Mitchell was born and raised in Marietta, Georgia. She is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design. Lori finds inspiration in old illustrations, children's tales and anything whimsical. In 1998 she discovered folk art and fell in love with the charm and nostalgia that this field embraces."

(L09.B70a.R005.)

Australia

More in my quest to get a Nativity from Australia. Sometimes there is no other way to get a Nativity from a certain country other than to just look for stamps, that way I am sure.

(L09B.R.)