12.17.2006

Nativity Scene


This crèche is the most precious thing we own. It’s a shame that we only get to see it for three weeks out of the year. Brad’s parents, Bill and Janice Mills, made three sets in 1969. I think of what it was like for them back then, making these gifts from their hearts with their own hands.

It was hard to photograph, but each piece is coated in mother of pearl which glistens in the light, reflecting the light in the room and sparkling with the Christmas lights. I found the manger at a Christmas craft fair in the 80’s. It was the exact right size. We found the newest addition to the scene, Twinkle Flakes, at Home Depot.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

What wonderful memories that nativity scene brings back. We made it when Bill was stationed in Denver in 1968. We had never done ceramics, but decided to give it a whirl and take lessons together. Whatever gave us the idea of taking on a project like the nativity sets, I will never know. We made three sets of them and had such fun doing them. Most of the painting we did at home at our dining room table. The kids would set and watch us. Most people making them at the ceramic shop painted them in colors. I do not know what gave us the idea to paint them in mother-of-pearl, but I am so glad we did. I hope that the people who see this will enjoy it. I am so glad that you put them out each year and enjoy them. It was a labor of love and one of those things you do in life that makes you happy you did it. The memories are a treasure.
Love Jan