It was well received, with lots of lovely comments from neighbours [and people from different villages who came to have a look!] But people said "Where are the shepherds?" and "You don't have any animals!" I suggested it was a work in progress, and they should come again in December 2022.
I looked again at my Willow Tree Nativity. I could perhaps make a shepherd boy, with a lamb. A slightly shorter figure could stand in front of that wise man... Last Saturday was Foulsham Village Yard Sale. Once again we had free cool water for passers-by [and their dogs] All very well received. Bob manned the pitch while I went round the other sales. And look what I found!! A shop mannequin, child sized - it says 'age 3-4' on the back, and measures 81cm neck to ankle. It has a few issues - 4 holes in the stockinette cover, and a dislocated shoulder. But it is fixable. I can just see this little character with a head, and a costume, and a lamb tucked under his/her arm, and maybe a shepherd's crook, Can't you? Just what I need to complete the Nativity for 2022. I looked online when I got home- you can buy these new here but they cost £158;40. My little shepherd cost me all of five pounds. Definitely a bargain!
Now to spend 5 months scouring the Charity Shops for just the right little toy lamb...
He will make a wonderful shepherd and they are so important in the Christmas story.
ReplyDeleteThanks Isabel. Yes, the shepherds ARE important. A reminder that Jesus came for ALL - the least and lowest uneducated folk as well as the rich and powerful magi.
DeleteNo, I don't think it is too early; you need to start early to get everything ready! Have fun turning that mannequin into a shepherd! :)
ReplyDeleteBob's Lathe Palace is currently an operation theatre, where he is reattaching the dislocated shoulder
DeleteSurgeon Bob!
DeleteA few years ago some people in the next village did a living Nativity - one night a week . They had people dressed up in different areas and a donkey, plus chickens and sheep wandering about and visitors went from one setting to another around the farm and in each place someone would read parts of the story.
ReplyDeleteThere's a plan for you!!
That is a LOVELY idea!
DeleteWhat a great find! Your Nativity scene will be even lovelier when the little shepherd joins the Holy Family!
ReplyDelete👍
DeleteYet another lucky find! Isn't it great that you found it now and not a week before Christmas!
ReplyDeleteIt does give me time to work out the right costume
DeleteHow marvelous to have found the manniquin! A few years ago on Yirkshire Vet, the knitters of Thirsk knitted a stellar donkey. Perhaps they had a pattern?
ReplyDeleteHugs!
I have knitted a small nativity donkey - but a larger one would take LOTS of wool
DeleteWill Bob have a surgery to reattach a head?
ReplyDeleteAh, now that is the question. The three adults have polystyrene heads (wigs stands) and I DO have a spare in the loft. But I need to get it down and check the proportions. Maybe if the neck is shortened a little and I do a "teatowel" type headdress reaching the shoulders it will look OK. I have 4 months or so to get it organised
DeleteYou have a spare head in the loft???? 😁
ReplyDeleteThat was indeed a lucky find! Can't wait to see what you do with it. Papier mache oxen next!!!😁
Actually I have three - but Prince Charles and Greta Thunberg are the wrong size and shape!
DeleteIt's definitely not too early to get organised. The little shepherd boy will look amazing 👍😁 I'm looking forward to seeing the Nativity scene in all its glory.
ReplyDeleteThere will be pictures
DeleteI think a toy lamb will be a lot easier to find than a little shepherd, you were really lucky there. If you can't find a lamb of a suitable size you could always knit a white fluffy all-in-one for another stuffed toy. It could literally be 'a wolf in sheeps clothing' ;-)
ReplyDeleteOh that's a clever thought!
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