crafted rings

This wonderful tree skirt is crafted in the folk art technique known as arpilleria, which is a three-dimensional applique. Leonor Quispe in Peru crafts the colorful tree skirt, which depicts the three Wise Men on their journey to witness the holy birth.

Bells peal out the joyous news on the very first Christmas. Accompanied by shepherds, kings and animals, Mary and Joseph receive the Christ child in a distinctive Andean setting. Twin doves hover just beneath the thatched roof of the stone chapel. Crafted by hand, this enchanting nativity scene comes from Dionisio Rojas.

Alejandro Chavez crafts a mirror frame rooted in Andean tradition with four different vignettes. At the top, Andean shepherds serenade the Holy Family beneath the stars on the very first Christmas. To the left and right, a llama and a cow rest outdoors. Along the bottom are three bright flowers. Known as a retablo, this traditional diorama is housed in a colorful chest crafted of wood and painted. The Peruvian artisan carefully models each figure from ceramic plaster and paints them by hand to surround a heart-shaped looking glass.

Arpillería or patchwork is a traditional handicraft technique very popular in Peru that artisan Leonor Quispe uses to craft by hand this splendid Christmas tree skirt from a cotton blend. The skirt features colorful Andean motifs with Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus greeted by the Three Wise Men as well as holiday icons like Santa and his reindeer. All figures are crafted separately in three dimensions, embroidered and meticulously attached to the background fabric which is topped by tassels in red and green.

By Feriberto Aylas, this nativity scene from Peru will add a touch of reverence to your home decor this holiday season. Crafted of ceramic, Mary, Joseph, the three wise men, and two farm animals surround the swaddled baby Jesus. Each character is dressed in blue with hand-painted gold-tone accents.