Cover story
After (the Wise Men) had left, the angel of the lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph with the command: "Get up, take !he child and his mother, and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I /ell you otherwise. Herod is searching/or the child to destroy him." Joseph got up and took the child and his mother and left that night for Egypt He stayed there until the death of Herod, to fulfill what the lord had said through the prophet: "Out of Egypt I have called my son. " Matthew 3: I 3- I 5
The quiet drama unfolding on the front cover, based upon the passage in Matthew, was created by Franz Nagel, with painting by Alfred Fleckenstein. Both craftsmen belong to the Verband Bayerischer Krippenfreund (Bavarian Friends of the Creche), Bavaria, Germany. Nagel and Fleckenstein created the scene for an exhibition in the Bavarian town of Fiissen. Fiissen is also famous for the castle of Neuschwanstein, a favorite structure built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria ( 1845-1886) and often likened to the perfect fairytale castle.
Nagel is chair of the Fiissener Krippenfreunde (Friends of the Creche of Fiissen) and is well known for the Bible scenes he mounts during the year. Fleckenstein is recognized for the beauty of his backgrounds.
In the foreground, the Holy Family rests by the wayside. Mary serenely nurses her newborn son while Joseph wearily mops his brow, tired from the difficult journey. Figures shown are by Angela Tripi, an Italian sculptor from Palermo, Sicily. The photo is reproduced with the kind permission of Der Bayerische Krippenji-eund, Bavaria, Germany.
Dear readers,
The many artistic expressions of the Nativity are a joy to us all. They reflect the cultural diversity of our planet, and the blessings that people feel in this great spiritual event. This is a time for all of us to find ways to participate more fully in the meaning of Christmas. Whether we volunteer, contribute to a charitable cause, or merely add a greater spiritual dimension to our preparations, all will make the season more meaningful. And speaking of adding a spiritual dimension to our preparations--Fall is just the right time to think about helping children learn about the birth of Jesus. No need to omit Santa for them; just be sure to include the Nativity story.
Those who have sent in their deposits for the Christmas Market Advent tour to Germany will be pleased to know the trip is fully subscribed. However, if you haven't signed up already, do get on the waiting list. Often, a vacancy does occur even with the best of intentions.
***
Now, let us all look forward to the joys of the Christmas season with the hearts of children and the understanding of maturity.
Rita Bocher, Publisher
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???? AND COMMENTS
Q. Why are there four weeks in Advent?
A. An ancient symbolical explanation interpreted the four weeks as the four comings of the Son of God: the first in the flesh; the second in the hearts of the faithful through the Holy Spirit; the third at the death of every person, and the fourth at the Judgment Day. The fourth week, which includes Christmas, is not completed because the glory bestowed at the Last Coming will never end.
FROM OUR READERS
Last fall I had a "brilliant idea" that I offered our church. We set up a display of not only my Nativities, but those of other church members. We also involved the youth groups in making Nativities-each child would have a Nativity for his/her home and the group would make a Nativity to contribute to the church "collection."
We have two youth groups, so as the years pass (hopefully), the church will have a collection of Nativities that have been made by the children of the church and they will be able to come back each year and see their contributions. It also would be nice to have Nativities made to sell each year at a bazaar that would generate funds for children in the community.
Susan Foster, Maceo, Kentucky :~:~:~::'
In the Summer issue of Creche Herald, I was interested in the article, "Joseph's Role in Modem Nativity Scenes."
Last year I gave a quite recently painted card depicting the Holy Family to members ofmy fraternity of the Secular Carmelites. The scene was unusual in that Joseph (c. 30 years old) is standing in the foreground, cradling the Infant in obvious delight, while in the background, curled on the floor, Mary takes a much needed nap.
Even more recently, l came across a beautiful statue of the Holy Family. A 20-something Joseph is seated crosslegged on the floor with Mary curled up in his lap and the Infant snuggled in hers. Joseph is very protective.
On the whole, I think things are improving in the St. Joseph image.
Michael Austin, Boston, Massachusetts
Thanks for making Creche Herald so interesting. I'm glad I found you.
Shirley Hilden, Rockville, Maryland
CELEBRATING HOPE FOR THE WORLD
Made from ceramic, stone, brass and wood, Ten Thousand Villages collection of nearly 70 nativities reflects international styles and traditions. Fairly paid artisans in 19 countries use age-old methods to create exquisite and uniqu~ nativities.
Just as e first nativity offered hope for the nations, the craLftir1g <i nativ:iti:"s gff'ers hocio h 11.1:illRM around the world.
EVENTS THAT CELEBRATE THE SEASON
Compiled by Mary Herzel
Australia
Sydney . Nativity House Christmas Museum Gallery. 136-146 Garfield Rd., Horsley Park. Over 600 scenes. Oct. I-Dec . 24. Sat. , Sun. 11 am-3 pm. Overseas visitors welcome all year. Admission. www .nativityhouse .com.au
United States
California
Orange. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Stake Center, 674 S. Yorba. About 500 creches. Dec. 6,8, I 0, 5-9 pm, Dec . 7, 3-9 pm. Special needs people earlier. Free . 949-583-9575
Palo Alto, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 3865 Middlefield Rd. 500 creches. Dec 7-11, 12:30-8:30pm. Free 650-858-1308.
Colorado: Salido. First Lutheran Church, I 5 th & F Sts. Dec. 8, 1-5 p m. Over 300 creches. Contact Elinor Baese. Email: eijim@ris.net.
District of Columbia: National Cathedral. Massachusetts & Wisconsin Aves, NW. Nov 18- Jan 11, 2003.
Georgia: Atlanta. Episcopal Church of the Epiphany. Over 200 Nativities. Dec. 2-8. Catered lunches available. Admission. Children under 12 free 404-373-8338
Idaho: Twin Falls. Charity Anywhere Foundation. 1746 Addison Ave. East. Nov. 29-Dec. 1.
Marvland: Kensington. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Washington, DC Temple Visitors' Center, 9900 Stoneybrook Dr. Dec.6-Jan. I, 2003.
Massachusetts: Attleboro. La Salette Shrine, 947 Park St., Rte 118. Nativity display and Festival of Lights. Nov. 29-Jan. 1, 2003. Email: ispgmsoffice@juno.com.
Chestnut Hill, Boston College Robsham Theatre Arts Center. Dec. 13-15. Dancers' Christmas. Musical Nativity show. 617552-4500. Email: frvereec@bc.edu. Michigan:
Ann Arbor. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1385 Green Rd. 900 creches. Dec. 6, 8, 9, I 0am-9 pm. Dec. 8, 11 am7pm. Free. 734-665- 7852 Frankenmuth. BRONN ER'S CHRlSTmas WONDERLAND, 25 Christmas Lane. Collection of 450 creches year-round. Open 361 days per year. Free. 989-652-9931. Email: wally@bronner.com. Howell. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1041 West Grand River. 800 creches. Dec . 6-8. Free. 517-546-6527 Minnesota: Minneapolis. Nativity Lutheran Church, 3312 Silver Lake Rd., Creches on display all year. New Hampshire: Manchester. Diocesan Museum of Manchester, 140 Laurel St. Nov. I 9-Jan. I 3, 2003. Tues-Fri. I0am-4pm. Some weekends in Dec. l-4pm. 603-624-1729. Ohio: Columbus. State Auto Insurance Co ., 518 E. Broad St. Dec. 4- Jan I, 2003. Life size Nativity display & music. 1-800444-9950, ext. 4946. Email: Debbie.Conkel@StateAuto.com
Pennsylvania
Carlisle. St. John's Episcopal Church, N. Hanover & High Sts. Fundraiser for: Safe Harbour (Home of the Homeless); Project Share (to feed hungry in community), and Birthright of
Pennsylvania (cont'd)
Carlisle. Gala opening Dec . 3 with Dickinson College choir. Sat., Sun Dec. 14-15 717-243-4220. Email: carmin@epix net
Harrisburg. Colonial Park United Church of Christ, 5000 Devonshire Rd . Sun. Dec . 8 1-5 pm. 717-545-3782.
Intercourse Kitchen Kettle Village Outdoor handmade creche Nov. 21-Dec. 3 I. Music. 800- 732-3538
Lancaster. Hole in the Wall Puppet Theater, 126 N. Water St. Nov. 22-Dec. 22. Puppet show, with eyewitness accounts by the animals present at the Nativity. Admission. 717-394-8398
Paradise . National Christmas Center, 3427 Lincoln Highway. 10 am-6 pm daily 10 am-8 pm Nov. & Dec. 717-442-7950. Admission. www.nationalchristmascenter.com
Pittsburgh. Church of the Ascension, 114 Berry St. 500+ Nativities. Collection of Gary Grabowski. 412-331-3217. "Share the Love." Vatican Replica Creche, USX Plaza. Nov. 22-Jan. 7, 2003. 412-456-3021.
Utah: Midway. Midway Stake Center, 165 North Center St., Interfaith exhibit. Dec. 6,7,8. Over 600 Nativities. Marionettes , children's crafts, music, live Nativity. Email: HollyZen@aol.com. Wisconsin: Elkhart Lake. Old World Christmas Market. Dec. 5-15. J-800-876-3399.
Australian Pioneer set, designed and painted by Jilli. Each unique Nativity set is hand turned and hand painted in Southern Tasmania, using selected white sassafras timber.
Visit our website to see examples of this and our other styles: www.deepingsdolls.com E-mail: info@deepingsdolls.com
The Deepings:1118 Nicholls Rivulet Road, Nicholls Rivulet, Tasmania 7112, Australia
NATIVITY SETS FROM DOWN UNDER
by Adrian Hunt
Our Deepings Dolls Nativity sets come from Nicholls Rivulet in southern Tasmania, Australia Ours is a rural valley with apple orchards, grazing land along the floor of the valley, and eucalypt forest along the ridges on either side Nearby valleys produce wine, stone fruits, berries, flower bulbs, and even olives and saffron. The area has produced timber for generations, and as we are close to the coast, there is fishing and fish-farming nearby
We came to Tasmania from Sydney to set up a woodtuming business . After several years, we decided to explore a Nativity set with Heloise, one of our painters Together we researched icons and paintings of the great masters and decided on the basic shapes of our figures. Heloise decorated them in a Byzantine style, with much symbolism and gorgeous colors. She still paints these, and we can provide photographs upon request.
We have five artists who paint Nativity sets; each has an individual style. Jilli, who comes from England, developed our "rustic" style. Ineke lived in Ireland and Holland before coming to Tasmania. Her background in painting and sculpture contributes to a richness in her depiction of the Wise Men Ann is a self taught artist whose style is childlike and very appealing. Marie has a particular flair for depicting elaborate garments Her figures, richly dressed, are particularly beautiful. Stella, trained in ceramics in South Africa , has been a maker of porcelain dolls; her Nativity figures are youthful and finely detailed. We enjoy making our Nativities and particularly treasure hearing reports of the way they are displayed and loved in their new homes.
Reach Adrian Hunt at: info@deepingsdolls.com
ARTIST CREATES CLAY AMISH NATIVITIES
For the past 25 years, Esther O'Hara has lived m Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, with her family. The rich rolling countryside and the quiet presence of her Amish and Mennonite neighbors provide an ongoing source of inspiration.
The unique clay Amish Nativity figures O'Hara crafts reflect the cultural values of the people she has come to know and respect. As the Amish believe a detailed rendering of a human face might convey a sense of a "graven image," so the faces of O'Hara's Amish Nativity figures omit any trace of facial features. Her costuming is authentic, and the postures of her figures reflect a heartfelt reverence. She believes the quality of her craftsmanship and her interpretation of these special Amish traditions create a unique treasure
O'Hara was born and raised in East Africa where she developed an appreciation for cultural diversity. As an artist, she expresses this interest through her clay creations.
Contact her at: estherohara2000@hotrnail.com.
Creche Herald
Editor/publisher: Rita B. Bocher
Contributing editor: Mary B. Herzel
Communications: Frank B. Herzel
117 Crosshill Road, Wynnewood, PA 19096-3511 U.S.A. Web page: www.op.net/-bocassoc/ E-mail: crecher@op.net
flZ.OM Tt\£ '50UTt\ 'PN'..lflC.
GN International 98859 Olena Street Aiea, Hawaii 96701
gni@hawaii.rr.com
This stunning Nativity from Indonesia in the South Pacific is a unique hand carved set in polished wood. Comes with wood box. Figures 6"-9" tall. Available from GN International. Email: gni@hawaii.rr.com. About $99 plus s/h.
CRECHE HUNTING ... IN EASTERN EUROPE
by Eileen Canty
Our criteria for a tour in Eastern Europe were: would it go out to the cities we wanted to see, and would we be there on the days key museums would be open. Not everything went as planned, but some unplanned events more than made up for the disappointments
While I had no luck in Berlin, Germany, I did find Nativity items in Potsdam There, several stores on the main shopping street carried goods from the Erzgebirge region. A tiny manger scene inside a walnut half was $9; several small Nativity sets of wood turnings ranged from $25 up depending on the number of pieces, and a nicely detailed miniature in a 3x5 box was about $60. Pyramids of every size were available.
The fun really began in Warsaw, Poland. Thanks to the concierge, I located the nearest folk art store and its opening hours By skipping a late afternoon concert, I could squeeze in two hours of shopping time. Better than any music were bread dough Nativity ornaments ($4-$10), corn husk infants in walnut shells ($1 ), small szopki ($10), and many signed, carved creche scenes ($75 up)
Crakow's main square is the site of St. Mary's Basilica and its unique fifteenth century Viet Stoss Altar. Massive doors over the altar reveal scenes of Mary's joys when open and her sorrows when closed. Unfortunately, we couldn't visit Crakow's museum with its award winning szopki We did visit a folk art store a few yards to the right of St. Mary's. From its many wonderful carved Nativity pieces ($100 up), I selected a 31" tall carving by Stanislaus Suska (about $300). It portrays God the Father, two angels, a shepherd, star, St. Joseph, and Mary nursing the Infant. It was a challenge to fit it into my suitcase along with everything else we had purchased.
In Vienna, Austria, a shop to the right of St. Stephen's Cathedral carried an outstanding array ofltalian Nativities, but many had four-figure prices. To the left of the Cathedral, Kirche and Kunst, Stephansplatz 6, had, among other items, a carved Nativity set for $300 and a small pewter stand with an engraved creche for $20.
During a river cruise on the Danube, we stopped at the magnificent monastery of Melk and discovered one of the most wonderful creche sets I have ever seen Several centuries old, approximately half life size and draped in glorious fabrics, it was on loan from a convent.
Prague, Czech Republic, was the source of many different kinds of creches. In a comer store in Old Town Square, on a straight line up from the astronomical clock, there were several folding paper manger scenes (under $10), a complete lead set (about $35), and a crystal set with more than 20 pieces (about $300). Across the street, a few doors up, Ceramika stocked a number of ceramic sets, including unusual contemporary scenes ($10 up) and a delightful village . set with 30 or so different characters (about $3 each). The stable was about $10. Although there were wonderful puppets to be had in Prague, I couldn't find any of the Nativity ones advertised in Creche Herald
Because I have so many beautiful Hungarian creches purchased from an•importer in the United States, I had high hopes for Budapest when I arrived there. The most interesting creches I saw, however, were the antique ones
CHILDREN'S NATIVITIES--PAST & PRESENT by Julia Colflesh
Fortunate children have their own Nativities to arrange as they wish. New ones are nice, but sometimes you can find treasures in flea markets and auctions that youngsters will love, or that adults can enjoy as a special collection Here are some you might be able to find in the original versions or in updated copies.
Pillow Nativities
A toddler's first Nativity might be sewn of brightly colored pieces of cloth stuffed to form little pillow-like dolls. Directions for sewing these figures and embroidering their features have appeared regularly in craft or needlework magazines . While ready-mades have been available on the internet, you still might run across a fabric by the Cranston Print Works Co. made in the 1980s The cloth, printed with two-sided figures, originally sold for under two dollars a yard.
Puzzles
Jigsaw puzzles originated in the 1760s First produced in wood, they eventually evolved into die-cut cardboard. However, you can still make your own wooden Nativity puzzle. Directions for a two-dimensional wooden set and tray out of clear pine can be found in the 1980 Better Homes and Gardens Treasury ofChristmas Crafts & Food. The magazine, still available in some libraries , also can sometimes be found in the secondary market. My husband and I found an old wooden Nativity puzzle and tray at the Ohio State Fair in 2000.
Nativities for the Dark
By the late 1950s, plastics had invaded the creche world. A special version was a three-dimensional set where the figures "glowed" in the dark, a result of exposing them first to electric or natural light. Some of us might still remember the thrill of our glowing treasures as we admired them in the dark under bedtime covers.
From time to time, those old glow Nativities still appear on the secondary market, but in 1995, Hallmark produced a Nativity ornament that shone when one pressed a button on the base. The latter might be a little more accessible.
Plaster of Paris molds
Just before World War II, rubber molds appeared on the market. These were filled with wet plaster of paris and allowed to harden. When the figures were removed from the mold, the three dimensional figures could be painted with water colors. One can sometimes find the old rubber molds or the Nativity figures on secondary markets, although newer versions are now available in holiday catalogs.
Julia Colflesh, Folsom, Pennsylvania, discovers many of her choicest pieces by carefully following the secondary market.
in the Ethnography Museum A folk art shop on the main tourist shopping street had a com husk Nativity and felt Nativity ornaments at about $ I 0. At a shop at Ecclesia, Ferenciek Terre 7-8, I found a small acrylic painting (about $50), a tile of the Flight to Egypt ($35), and a carved wooden Nativity set. ($200)
Eileen Canty, Marion, Massachusetts, travels extensively in pursuit of the unique creche for her collection.
Nativity Pop-Up Books: An old idea that's new by
Judith Davis
These days we think about movable or pop-up books as a modem invention, something to keep the children entertained. Often, we even enjoy them ourselves. Yet, movable books have been around since the 13 th century when volvelles (pictures with movable dials) were used to illustrate theories or to convey scientific infonnation. By the 18 th century, harliquinades (lift-the-flap books) were telling more popular stories.
In 1850, a London finn published the first books with pop-ups and changing pictures, thereby ushering in a golden age of pop-up books. That lasted until the start of World War I.
It was not until about the end of World War II that serious production began in the United States. Random House, Hallmark, and Waldo Hunt were instrumental in reactivating the industry which had flourished briefly before the war. Today there is a Movable Book Society. In Santa Monica, California, Hunt established a Children's Museum which has hundreds of pop-up books.
The Nativity pop-up books below, available at bookstores or the internet, are among my favorites.
Toddler to pre-school .
Lift the Flap Nativity. Story retold by Al!ta Zobel-Nolen. (Pleasantville, NY: Reader's Digest Children's Books, 2001) Board pages. Words and flap-pictures tell story.
Ages 4-8
A Christmas Carousel, Illustrated by Francesca Crespi. (San Francisco: Chronicle Books, 1999). Book opens and ties together with covers back-to-back. 5 pop-up scenes. Advent calendar flaps lift to reveal additional images. Christmas Story. Includes pop-up stable for Nativity. Illustrated by Keith Faulkner. (Brookfield, CT: Millbrook Press, 2000) 5 creche pieces in cover can be put into stable.
The First Christmas. A Pop-up Nativity Surprise. By Kees Moerbeek. (Swindeon, England, c. 2000) Fold down pages tell of birth of Jesus and end with Nativity scene.
The Nativity. Christmas retold with pop-up Nativity scene. Text by Martin Wilson. Illustrated by Sue Faulks. (London: Electric Paper, 1998). Covers open to reveal pop-up Nativity scene & pop-up book.
Ages
9-12
The Medieval Nativity. Created by Van Der Meer Pub!tshmg. Design & paper engineering by Mark Hines. (Distributed by Abbeville Publishing Group, 1999). Pop-up Nativity scene based upon paintings by the Old Masters. Small book inside tells Biblical story.
Nativity. Press-Out model. Illustrated by Stephen Cartwright. Model by Iain Ashman. (London: Usborne Publishing, 1992). 31 pages of press-out pieces to be slotted together to make 3-D Nativity scene. With illustrated instructions.
All Ages
The First Christmas. Giant Pop-Up Nativity and Lift-theFlap Advent Calendar. Pop-up engmeering by Stuart Moseley. Sarah Smith illustrations. (Nashville: Broadman & Homan, 1999)
Judith Davis, El Cerrito, California, presently has almost 100 Nativity pop-up books. She always is on the lookout for more.
CtCarvings International is an exclusive distributor of unique gifts. We bring you the best selection of carvings from all over the world for all occasions. Choose from a great collectible selection of:
- Collectible Nativity sets, Creches, Christmas Ornaments and Figurines - Hand Carved in the Holy Land
- Crosses, Crucifixes and Rosaries
- Candleholders and Vases
- Jewelry Boxes, Brooches and Necklaces
- Statues and many more unique gifts.
For a free brochure and a price list please call l-888-595-1045 or visit us at www.carvings-intemational.com. Carvings International, 3034 Colonial Way, #23, San Jose, CA 95128. iak007@aol.com
10% discount and a free ornament with your first order when you mention this ad.
Children and Creche Exhibits-An Enjoyable Mix
by Betsy Christensen
Children seem to experience a special joy attending our creche exhibit. We invite them to attend with their parents or school groups ( 1 adult to 4 children) , and we welcome them warmly as they enter. They are reminded that many of the Nativities are very breakable , and even though they want to touch, they must enjoy only with their eyes. Of course, the children are cautioned to walk , not run, and they must stay with a parent or other adult at all times as they search and enjoy.
We also prepare a children's Seek and Find handout each year with six to eight creches pictured and clues given with each The clues call attention to special features of each Nativity. This creche treasure hunt seems to heighten their enjoyment, and the clues help them learn.
About halfway through the exhibit, we have a Touch Table Room which satisfies most children ' s need to touch. A large table holds wooden Nativity puzzles , unbreakable cloth figures which they can arrange, hard cover books , and the like which can be enjoyed so long as the adult is willing to stay with them. This room is popular among parents as well as youngsters.
A favorite table for many children is the one with Nativity music boxes. A nearby hostess will wind any music box requested. Many of the boxes have moving parts, are colorfully painted, or have unusual features. Everyone tries to guess the tune being played. This table usually has a great crowd, especially when school groups visit.
Another room that attracts the young crowds is the Miniature Room where literally hundreds of tiny creches of every description are displayed. A special one for many is the Nativity on the head of a pin, housed under a glass dome. Beside it is a magnifying glass, which permits the children to peer at the tiny figures. Often, they quickly find a parent or friend with whom to share this delight.
Our Light Mill Room usually brings smiles to all who enter. The room is darkened except for long strings of white miniature lights , hidden behind cotton batting and white netting, that fall from ceiling to floor at close intervals. This gives the room a magical feeling as ten to fifteen light mills (pyramids) turn around to Christmas music playing softly. It is pure joy to watch the eyes of the children glow as the Nativity figures spin round and round.
A few sets that give special pleasure to our young visitors are the Wee Mouse Nativity, the many figures in the French Santon village, the homemade rock figures with painted faces, or those which feature children like themselves participating in a Nativity pageant. They also love the creches made of cones or pods, or the imaginative one of teasel weeds.
As the children leave the exhibit, they excitedly report to the hostess on their treasure hunt findings. If they have missed anything, they are given another helpful clue. All receive some kind of small gift as they leave: perhaps a Nativity coloring sheet; a Nativity maze, or some other Nativity activity sheet to take home or back to school.
Parents sometimes relate that after visiting us, their families start collecting themselves. A few children have created a Nativity at home as a result of their visit. I remember with fondness a Nativity ofLEGGO blocks made several years ago by a young boy. His mother called to see ifwe would display it, and of course we did!
The nicest compliment, however, has been given often over the 19 years of our exhibit. Many parents have told us that they enjoy bringing their children to our creche exhibit, which is always early in the Christmas season, saving Santa until later. In this way , their children understand what Christmas is really about throughout the world-a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Betsy Christensen, a founder of her church's exhibit in Ann Arbor, Michigan, will speak at the Friends ofthe Creche meeting.
6LOQAL 6IFTS has been called the West Coast's premier showcase tor handcrafted Nativity sets from all over the world.
A sou.them California nonprofit, 6LO&AL 6IFI:S off~rs Nat1v1ties year-round troln as far afield as Bosnia Haiti, Poland, Greece, Zimbabwe, France, ana Germany, made from such diverse materials as cornhusF<s, tin , textiles, ceramic, silver, shell, and beads
Our Annual Nativity Show, featuring hundreds of one-of-a-kind designs with experts on hand to discuss the pursuit of International creches, attracts collectors from all over the country The date of this year's show is November 2. Mark your calendars.
Call or write:
529 West 7th Street, San Pedro, California 310-548-1762
New for 2002: Snowpeople Nativity. CR-695, $425.00. Contact us for more information about our nativities, angels, Christmas decorations, and religious items - all beautifully handmade in Russia. Call toll-free 800-639-4309 or e-mail creche@volgarivertrading.com ,tt£
