Refurbished Italian Creche

It's way too early to think about Christmas, but

 I took advantage of the nice fall weather to refurbish the

Creche to one of the nativity sets.  It's really looking natty.

Last year after Christmas, I came across this beautiful book 

written by Keith Christopher & illustrated by Christine 

Kernacki.  It gave me the idea that I would give one of the

nativity sets to my great niece Ava for Christmas this year.

  Okay, she's only two, but I know my niece Emily would love to

 have one for her family (she's very traditional & loves anything

that's been in the family), besides, little Ava will get oodles of 

toys and someday, I think she will appreciate having it.  

This book is very simply written.  It's short 

and will hold a little one's attention.

The creche is structurally sound for it's age, around

50 years old, but it's lookin' rather shabby.

I brushed all the old moss and straw away.

I had some sphagnum moss from a prior project, glue 

and a small bale of straw from the fall decorations.

This glue is very sticky and extra thick stuff. 

 I used it to adhere the moss, covering all of the 

old glue spots.

I used Tacky glue diluted with water 

and brushed it on to attach the straw.

 

 

After it was thoroughly dry,

I took it to the hubs shop and blew off  

everything that was loose with the air hose. 

This nativity set is made out of some sort of 

composition clay.  Weighty, sturdy and in near mint

condition.  One good thing about nativity sets, they 

aren't really toys and are only displayed once a year.

I actually went to E-bay this morning and was

amazed at how many beautiful "vintage" nativity sets I

 saw.  Many in wonderful condition and not too expensive.

I love the word vintage, it makes something "used"

sound so special!

 The little sheep to this set are plastic.

I don't think chickens were at the first nativity,

but Ava loves chickens, so I bought these plastic

German ones by Schleick.  I think I'll look for some

 baby chicks and a baby goat too.  I love goats.

I also bought a storage container to wrap it all 

in.  I think it turned out very nicely & ought to 

be good for another half century!

I'm working on a doll too.  Just got her wool

plaited hair done & starting some clothing.

 

Happy fall!