At Just Creations, we are well known for our unique Nativity sets from around the world. Not only do we have nativities from many different countries, we have nativities made from a wide variety of materials, both natural and recycled. This diversity ranges from a Jacaranda seed pod nativity from Bolivia to a recycled magazine paper nativity from Vietnam.

We sell nativities year-round, and during the holiday season we offer more than 60 unique nativities.

When you buy a nativity from Just Creations, you are not only getting a unique handcrafted item, you are also helping to provide a livelihood with dignity for artisans in developing countries.

Recycled Cut Metal Nativity from Haiti

Artisans in the village of Croix des Bouquets, Haiti, have found unique ways to earn an income by creating art from old metal oil drums. The process begins by cutting the 55-gallon drums open and hammering them flat, and then drawing designs on the metal with chalk. Using a hammer and chisel, they pound and cut through the metal to make the finished product.

Haiti is the poorest country in the Western hemisphere, with over 80% of the population unemployed. Money earned from craft production is not just supplemental; it is often the sole source of income for most artisans and their families.

Recycled Glass Bead Nativity from Ghana

This whimsical nativity, made from recycled glass beads and raffia, is made by women in Ghana. They work with Global Mamas, an organization that provides opportunities for small women-owned businesses there. The beads are made from ground glass from old soda bottles and window louvers. This glass is poured into molds and heated to create new beads.

Edna Kwame is one of the beadmakers. She is also uniquely skilled at painting detailed designs on the beads, using ground glass, dyes, and water. With the money she makes, Edna is able to pay for her brother and niece’s school fees and medical care, and also take care of her mother.

Joyce is one of the women who assembles these nativities from the finished beads. Despite the fact that she was never able to go to school, she is now able, with a fair income from Global Mamas, to help support her extended family. She and her brother, who makes very little as a taxi driver, are the only wage earners in their family.

 Andean Finger Puppet Nativity from Peru

Dressed in traditional Andean clothing, the figures in this finger puppet nativity were made by women in Peru. These women and their families had to flee political violence in the countryside and now live in the town of Huancavelica. Some of these women were orphaned when their family members were killed.

Huancavelica is the poorest region in Peru and these women are from among the most marginalized groups in Huancavelica. Many of these women are supporting large families, and making finger puppets and other woven products is providing badly-needed income. They hope to be successful enough to include more women in their group.

Wood Nativity from Sri Lanka

Vivid colors and lead-free paint make this a great hands-on nativity for children. This nativity is handcrafted out of Albezia wood by artisans working with Gospel House in Sri Lanka. Albezia is one of the fastest growing trees in the world, providing wood for carving without destroying older hardwood trees. The trees are harvested after their useful life as a windbreak on the tea plantations of central Sri Lanka.

Located in the remote village of Madampe, Gospel House works with approximately 100 young men, those most at risk in Sri Lanka's political uprisings. In addition to receiving a fair wage and end-of-the-year profits, the men learn valuable job skills such as operating a lathe, and painting, polishing and sanding wooden toys. Artisans with Gospel House make 3-4 times the wages earned for equal work elsewhere.