China

This description accompanied the Nativity when I purchased it:

 

"This is a beautiful, rare, heart-warming depiction of the birth of Jesus. It has been hand carved by a Christian man in China... All of the characters have "Chinese" faces, a beautiful reminder that Jesus came for ALL people of the world..." 

(L10.B999.R09)

Ireland

This set is from Ireland. It is porcelain and is made in the Dresden Lace style. The maker takes lace and dips it in porcelain slip and then places it around the desired base. It is very fragile and beautiful. The tree is a bell. It was originally purchased for my mother, Lola Nell Ollerton, who collected bells. 

(L09.B68.R08.)

Germany

This set is considered "vintage." It was produced by Hummel in the 1960's and comes from Germany and is very valuable. Well, all of the sets are valuable, but this one was expensive also. I had wanted this set for a long time and finally decided to just get it. I checked my account to make sure that I had enough money to purchase it on my own. I did, and so I pressed the "buy" button. About an hour later, Samuel asked me if I made a large purchase, and I said yes. He said, well that is okay but maybe you could have used your own money that you have saved. I said, "Oh my goodness, I checked to make sure I had enough money, and I did, so I pressed "buy," but I forgot to change the account that was to pay for the set." He laughed at me and said that was fine and not to worry about it. Such a generous man. 

(L09B157.R0003.)

Japan

This set is from Japan, and the paper technique used to make it is called Washi. It is a technique of making paper. It is very different from origami in that the paper is not just folded, but the paper is also created.

(L09.B139.R051.)

Jordan

This set is from Jordan. I made the little backdrop from a piece of styrofoam.  I love the gentle curves of the olive wood and the little touches of color on the donkeys. (L09.B78.R051.)

Mexico

I just love this set from Mexico. I purchased it in the town of Guadalupe, Arizona at a store on Priest. It is a really fun store with everything that you could possibly want in a store that you would find in Mexico. Craig Brown made the creche' for me from a drawing I made of a lovely Catholic church in Chandler on Ray Rd between Rural and McClintock. It all came together so sweet.

(L09.B156.R002.)

USA, Puerto Rico

I love this Nativity from Puerto Rico. I was acquainted with a girl from Puerto Rico that was here in Arizona.  She was rather homesick so I contacted an artist in Puerto Rico and asked her if she could quickly paint me a nativity and send it to me before Christmas. The artist did a beautiful job and sent it as fast as she could, and it was before Christmas, but the girl was too homesick went home and never even got to see it. It reminds me of the need to comfort others and the things we are will to do. 

(L09.B.R021.)