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Delightful 1998 Video of Marcel Carbonel (1911 - 2003)

Posted on November 15, 2014 | 0 Comments

We were so pleased to discover this video of Marcel Carbonel (1911-2003) filmed in 1998 that we had to share it with you. The video is in French, but we guarantee you will enjoy "visiting" with him - around Marseille and in the Carbonel Santons Atelier - Workshop. The video offers very special footage of the Carbonel creation of a Santon.

Carbonel created his first Santons in 1935. In 1942 he opened a workshop with his wife Clotilde in Marseille. In the beginning they employed one individual who specialized in creating the molds and two painters.  

In 1947 he was elected the President of the Union of Santons Craftsmen (a position he held for 21 years) and in 1959, with Jean Heritier, founded the Salon International de Santonniers in Arles. In 1961 he was awarded the Meilleur Ouvrier de France - The Best Worker of France

and in 1962 the Medal of National Merit. In 1973 the Carbonel Workshops received the award Best Workmen of France. In 1975 his grandson, Phillippe Renoux, then 15,

began an apprenticeship at the studio. Phillippe earned the gold medal at a regional exhibition of the Best Workman of France contest in 1982 and it was Phillippe who in 1993 would cement the continuity of the family Workshop. 

The Marcel Carbonel Workshops holds more than 700 different Santons molds - the largest collection of Santons in Provence. In 2000 the Workshop was selected by the French Embassy to the Vatican, Rome to represent France in a contest of the "100 Most Beautiful Cribs in the World." The Carbonel Workshops was awarded the Silver Medal. In 2003 Marcel Carbonel was named Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur. In 2007 the Workshops was named an Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (a French Living Heritage Establishment) for the excellence of their traditional skills.

Simply stated the Marcel Carbonel Workshop is a living heritage and they are the Premier creator of Santons. 

You may enjoy following our Marcel Carbonel Santons board on Pinterest.

Posted in Carbonel Santons, French Christmas, Provence Christmas

Gentle Ewe from Inge-Glas - New for 2013

Posted on December 20, 2013 | 0 Comments

New for 2013, the Gentle Ewe from Inge-Glas of Germany (No. 1-024-13, 3" tall) brings a dear little sheep to your Christmas Tree.

It was to the Shepherd that the Angel came to announce to the world the birth of Jesus.

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.'" - Luke 2:8-12

Sheep are one of the earliest domesticated animals and Shepherds one of the earliest occupations. A food source to be certain, but also a provider of wool, and thus warmth.  

We find ourselves celebrating Shepherds and their sheep, including this Provençal Christmas Shepherd,

and have created a Pinterest Board on Shepherds - affording a place to collect wonderful images of their everyday importance.

Add this Gentle Ewe to your Christmas Tree and be reminded of all the warmth of the holidays.

Posted in French Christmas, German Christmas, Inge-Glas

Traveled Companion

Posted on December 01, 2013 | 0 Comments

New for 2013, the Traveled Companion brings to your Christmas tree a remembrance of all those special trips in your life. This charming ornament is from Inge-Glas (No. 1-090-13, 2-3/4" tall).

Travel is one of those things that we all dream about.

High on our list are return trips to Provence (the home of all things Santons) - this guide book full of gorgeous photos and our Pinterest Board on Provence allow us places to feast on wonderful images of the area, 

to Neustadt, Germany - the home of Inge-Glas'  Historical German Christmas Museum,

and, to the Erzgebirge, Germany - the home of German Christmas, where we delight each visit in returning to the Ore Mountain Toy Museum in Seiffen.

A dream is to follow the German Toy Road and to extend that road south into Tirol, Northern Italy.

And, ultimately, a visit to Dresden and its Christmas Market - the oldest Christmas Market in Germany. 

Celebrate your travels - past and future - with the Traveled Companion.

Posted in French Christmas, German Christmas, Inge-Glas, Provence Christmas

Cooking Pot

Posted on November 22, 2013 | 0 Comments

New for 2013, Inge-Glas' Cooking Pot comes in four classic colors - blue, red, green, and flame - 

all reminiscent of the cast iron pots from France made by Le Creuset that we are all so familiar with. 

Click on the images above to find them in our shop.

A celebration of the cook in all of us and perfect for the Christmas tree. A remembrance of that delectable stew or soup filling our kitchens with an irresistible aroma. 

You may enjoy exploring Le Creuset's manufacturing process and their iconic colors.

Posted in French Christmas, German Christmas, Inge-Glas