Wendt and Kühn 2014 Eleven Dot Post
Once a year Wendt and Kühn publishes their Eleven Dot Post - the magazine from their Workshops in Grunhainichen, Germany.
We thought you would enjoy reading this special publication celebrating the classic Wendt and Kühn Angels.
Among other things, this years edition has wonderful photographs of the intricate construction of their Angels, both on the cover and inside.
My Growing Traditions carries an extensive selection of Wendt and Kühn figures. Enjoy!
Gentle Ewe from Inge-Glas - New for 2013
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.
Marching Toy Soldiers - Inge-Glas and Christian Ulbricht Ornaments and an Advent Calendar
New for 2013, Marching Toys (Inge-Glas No. 1-048-13, 4-1/2" tall) is a charming and playful Christmas ornament.
Marching Toys, available in either red or yellow, brings to mind the young boys in our family who spent hours with traditional British tin soldiers - Britains Soldiers (Toy Soldier Specialists) played with and collected by young and old alike.
Romanticized by Walt Disney in the Babes of Toyland and the Rockettes of New York City Music Hall with their Parade of the Wooden Soldiers, My Growing Traditions also offers a delightful Toy Soldier Advent Calendar
and a classic wooden ornament by Christian Ulbricht of Germany
St. Nik's Toy Treasure from Inge-Glas of Germany
New for 2013, our favorite of Inge-Glas new Santa ornaments is St. Nik's Toy Treasure (Inge-Glas no. 1-070-13, 4-1/2" tall).
St. Nik's Toy Treasure is quite special in that it combines several mediums - the basic, elegant as always, glass ornament with Santa holding in front of him his bag of Christmas treasures: a bottle brush tree, a gift wrapped in paper with a yellow tinsel ribbon, and a gold glass Christmas ornament.
Santa brings unselfishness and goodwill
Resting Waterfowl from Inge-Glas of Germany
New for 2013, Resting Waterfowl (Inge-Glas No. 1-095-13, 3-1/2" tall) is one of two new Inge-Glas of Germany ornaments with a Bird nestled in its nest.
This little glass duck is sitting on a nest made of natural materials and clips-on to your tree - hidden a ways into the tree as ducks would conceal their nests in the reeds or for you to place onto the tip of a branch front and center for all to enjoy.
We have a special selection of Inge-Glas' nesting birds but are particularly charmed this year with the natural nesting materials Inge-Glas has used for these two new ornaments.
P.S. the second nesting bird New for 2013 from Inge-Glas is a Limited Edition ornament - Nestled Contenment. Such perfection!
Don't forget your Christmas Pickle
Inge-Glas of Germany has created a wonderful selection of Christmas Pickle glass ornaments. The pickle ornament is said to be an old German tradition. The pickle is hidden on the Christmas Tree on Christmas Eve after the children have gone to bed.
As the legend goes, the child to first find the pickle on Christmas morning receives a special gift.
We offer Inge-Glas' set of three pickles in a wooden gift box, or each size individually. Click on the images below to find them in our shop.
Every family has their own tradition for the special treat enjoyed by the child who finds the pickle. Receiving a gift is always fun, but the pickle could also bring other privileges.
The child who finds the pickle:
- has good luck throughout the year
- opens the first present Christmas morning
- gives the first present Christmas morning
- is Santa's helper Christmas morning, delivering presents all around
- says Grace or reads a poem at Christmas dinner
- is chosen to be the Secret Santa for the day (secretly doing something special for a family member or friend)
The possibilities are endless...
Choose your tradition, leave the pickle out for Santa on Christmas Eve, alongside his cookies and milk, wait, and see what happens.
Little Who - Baby Snowy Owl - New for 2013 Inge-Glas
New for 2013 - Little Who (a Baby Snowy Owl) from Inge-Glas with Legend Card. Inge-Glas No. 1-066-13. 2-3/4" tall clip on ornament.
The Inge-Glas glass-blower family of Mueller-Blech has always been known for their production of glass birds. Birds are symbols of joy and happiness and are said to be messengers from God.
The owl brings wisdom and cleverness.
"The Owl... Perched in the tree tops, nothing escapes the owl's watchful eye.
Very concentrated, yet modest, the owl is a symbol of cleverness and wisdom.
'The wise old owl' ... an owl ornament on your Christmas tree is thought to help give you wisdom
and strength for the challenges that lie ahead in the new year." - Inge-Glas
All birds and all owls are a most welcome addition to our Christmas trees - the bird is the number one collectible figural ornament - yet, the Snowy Old is simply said a wondrous winter creature.
The Public Broadcasting System (PBS) has gathered most informative facts for the Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus). Paintings of Snowy Owls have been found in European caves dating back 30,000 years. A bird of prey, they were once placed in their own genus, but new genetic analysis revealed that they are closely related to the Bubo genus. According to Wikipedia: "The American (North and South America) horned owls and the Old World eagle-owls make up the genus Bubo, at least as traditionally described." They are active both during the day and at night - unlike most other owls who are nocturnal. They eat about 3 to 5 lemmings each day. In their first year of life they have more grey and brown flecking on their back, breast, and head. They molt over time into a white plummage.
And, of course, they have become a part of the popular culture because of the Harry Potter books: "Owls are magical creatures most often used for delivering post and parcels in the wizarding world. They are known for their speed and discretion and can find recipients without an address."
This little creature, Little Who, is a perfect addition for your Christmas traditions.
