Saturday, December 12, 2009

Away in a Manger

nativity 1005 Forget the countless Santas, artificial wreaths, shiny glass ornaments and yards of ribbon that have come and gone in my Christmas decorations over the years. The one thing that I most enjoy putting out year after year is this wooden nativity set that I painted sometime in the early 1980's.

I worked on it for several weeks as a project in a folk art class at Barbara's Tole Shoppe in Little Rock, Arkansas. Later when I had my own shop in Texarkana, I taught it for a class project. And over a period of several years in the mid to late '80's I cut the wooden shapes on my band saw that LBeau gave me for my birthday one year and sold these nativities at craft shows and gave them as gifts.

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All of the main characters are there, of course. There's Mary and Joseph and the Baby Jesus with the donkey standing by.

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The shepherd has brought two of his sheep.

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And the wise men have come bearing their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

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nativity 012 Meanwhile, the Angel of the Lord announces the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior.

Through the years little hands have rearranged these figures countless times, and they're beginning to look a little worn around the edges. But that just makes them more special and helps me to remember the reason for the season.

bijw9y Now be sure to visit Beverly at How Sweet the Sound to see what special decorations others are sharing on this Pink Saturday.

14 comments:

susan said...

Kathy-what a treasure this is! I know it will be passed down and loved for many years to come. If I get a saw for Christmas, somebody is in trouble :)

Jeanette said...

This is just lovely. If those wise men could talk .......the wonderful memories they could share.

Unknown said...

Yep. That was vintage me in the Christmas Card. I was not quite a year old at the time. Love your nativity set. I used to tole paint quite a bit and still have a few things. Will you be in Arkansas over the holidays?

Dru said...

This is just amazing and beautiful! What a treasure! Merry Christmas and Happy Pink Saturday!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Oh, Kathy was a darling set! I love it! You did a great job with the paining. I understand why this is a favorite of yours...

Happy Pink Saturday!

XO,

Sheila :-)

Robin said...

Just too precious!!

{{HUGS}}

Robin :o)

GwendolynKay said...

A charming nativity. You did a great job painting it. Pink Blessings!
Gwen

♥Mimi♥ said...

We don't need elaborate decorations or a big tree or numerous gifts under a tree. All any of us needs is to carry the spirit of Christmas in our hearts and to share it all year long with everyone we meet.

If that isn't just the cutest and sweetest - EVER! You, dear lady, have talent!

Thank you so much for sharing your blog with me today. Yes, I'm crazy about ♥PINK♥ but I'm also devoted to visiting some of the nicest blogs in cyberspace.

Hoping your weekend is filled with peace.

Debby@Just Breathe said...

It is beautiful. I collect them.

Sarah said...

Kathy, these are dear. I agree, the patina of age makes everything more special! ~ Sarah

Tonja said...

I think a nativity scene is even more beautiful when it has been loved and handled and carried around by little ones! This one is very sweet!

Dixie said...

Kathy.. this is just beautiful and so much more special because it came from your own heart and hands.

Thanks for visiting, commenting, following and/or blogging about my 300th post giveaway! Good Luck!

Blessing. Dixie

trish said...

What a darling nativity set you have there! :o)
Sincerely ~ Tricia Anne

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

What a very special and wonderful nativity. If you were still making them, I'd be trying to buy a set from you. It is lovely. laurie