creative christmas gifts

Mary and Joseph are thrilled with their tiny child, born on the first Christmas. Wending their way toward the stable, the Three Kings are mounted on camels. They bring rich gifts to the Christ child. By Maria Ramos Sanchez, this beautiful Christmas stocking is a superb example of the Andean art of arpillería. The motifs are created with patchwork; the diminutive figures are crafted in three dimensions and embroidered by hand.

This delightful set of three holiday retablos is created by Peru's Alejandro Chavez. Artisans craft the three mini retablos from wood, placing small hand-painted ceramic figures within. One features a traditional nativity scene; another shows the three Wise Men on their way to Bethlehem. The third features three whimsical Santas bearing gifts, accompanied by a teddy bear.

Crafted by hand of Mexican copal wood, five loving hearts are hand-painted with intricate, colorful designs. Working in the time-honored tradition of Oaxaca's alebrije sculptures, Claudio Ojeda creates this set of petite ornaments, perfect for home decor or for hanging on the tree.

Working with two kinds of local clay and Talavera techniques that date back to the 16th century, Isabelle Collins creates this pretty pair of ornaments. The ceramic ornaments feature hand painted floral motifs in traditional colors on the front sides. Please note that ribbons are not included.

Highly revered and beloved by the Mexican people, the Virgin of Guadalupe inspires Ana Maria Gonzalez to create a collection of decoupage crosses in her honor. In 1999, Pope John Paul II named Our Lady of Guadalupe patron saint of the Americas, and she is celebrated on December 12. Her well-known image miraculously appeared on the Saint Juan Diego's robe, where he was carrying Castilian roses as proof of her appearance to him. Guadalupe sent him to the Spanish bishop to convince him to a build a church in her honor. For this cross, Gonzalez selects the banner that proclaims her as Reina de Mexico y Emperatriz de las Americas, (Queen of Mexico and Empress of the Americas).

Isabelle Collins in Mexico employs Talavera techniques that date back to the 16th century to create these beautiful ornaments. The two flat ceramic ornaments feature hand painted floral motifs on the front side; the backs of the ornaments are signed by the artisan. Please note that ribbons are not included.

This whimsical collection of elephants, butterflies, turtles, birds, giraffes, tigers, monkeys, frogs, alpacas, and dogs will help you create the most unique Christmas tree you've ever seen. Jose Arriola painstakingly handcrafts and hand-paints each tiny piece in terracotta and adds a loop for hanging. They arrive with a cotton bag for easy storage.

Jose Arriola learned the art of ceramics from his mother. His work is inspired by old Mayan traditions and the bright colors of his homeland.