handmade gift

I bought the first one for myself as a confirmation gift because one of our Deacons, in a class for new Catholics, said every Catholic home must have a few things - one of them was a statue or photo or painting, etc., of our Blessed Mother Mary. I bought the second for a woman in my Bible study, who is from Peru and just moved into a new home. I bought the third one for my sister, because when she saw a photo of mine, she fell in love with it - not for the religious appeal, but from a folk art perspective - and after looking at many online, I can't agree more. I watched the video of how the artisan makes the retablo and it added even greater value to it. I simply love them. I love the scene behind Mary - the high mountains, and the flowers, in a wooden box with doors. I mounted mine on a wall in my home office and see it from where I sit. I'm buying the next one as a thank you gift for a close friend who I will be visiting in a few weeks.

Oddly this was purchased to hang in my newly remodeled bathroom that has a nature theme. It is perfect in that venue and everyone complements me on my wood mask. I love seeing her there next to the mirror. She is ever so beautiful and extremely artistic.

Another Beautiful Retablo by Erika Ulloa. The colors and details of this Nativity scene depicting native Peruvians as the Holy family with the sepherds are just Beautifully done!!!