Go Buy Ceramics!

Years ago when Dylan was a little tiny tike, I painted this ceramic Nativity.  I love the faces of the characters.  Many years I was afraid to even get the Nativity out of the box because I had a toddler who was sure to break it.  This is the first year since Josie learned to walk (and climb) that I have gotten it out.  So, I started thinking, since I've moved back into our old stomping grounds, I wonder if I could get more.  Would the lady still be in business?  Would she still have these molds?

So, I called Pat at Pasco Ceramics.  Yes, she still has the molds, and she is struggling to stay in business.  One of her employees died this year.  Pat's husband has Altzheimer's, and it's consuming more and more of her time.  Plus, fewer people are buying ceramics than used to.  While I was at her shop, I found a set of Nativity ornaments that were the exact molds that my mom had made years ago.  I remember Janae always calling dibs on hanging them every year.  Mom painted them when I was probably Mazie's age.  Janae inherited my mom's set.  I saw these same ornaments, already cleaned and fired.  I bought the whole set for a mere twenty dollars. 

I love to paint.  Ceramics are so fun, and I promised my kids we would go back after Christmas and I would let them each pick out one to paint.  In the meantime, I bought five fired sets of Mary & Joseph and the baby Jesus exactly like my Nativity.  I'm painting one set of each of my kids and one for my mother-in-law.  I told Pat I would be back for the rest.  I'm going to get a complete set for each of my kids.  I also learned today that I'm missing the cow, so I have to paint cows, too.

So, if you love to paint, if you want a personalized and unique gift, if you love this Nativity and you want one for yourself, or if you know of someone who collects Nativities, head over to Pasco Ceramics.  They are just down the road from Griggs.  I would love for everyone to help keep Pat in business and send some holiday cheer her way!