A Bahamian Christmas

Sat, Nov 26th 2011, 08:15 AM

Most Bahamians take for granted the sea shell that they walk on at the beach.  But in the hands of Miralee Rose, the sea shell becomes even more beautiful as she turns that simple shell into an angel Christmas tree ornament.

"People always compliment me on my shellwork but when they see what I can do for Christmas, it blows them away," says Rose. "It amazes them to see what you can do with something as simple as shells -- shell angels for the Christmas tree, flowers and many other beautiful ornaments.  Working in shell art is something I always love and now I even specialize in sand ornaments."

Rose is one of 10 artisans who have taken natural products like shells, seeds, sea fans, sand dollars, conch shells, pine cones, sand, glass, coconut and cloth, and fashioned Christmas ornaments with which you can decorate your tree with this year so that your family can have a truly Bahamian Christmas.  Think sand dollars sparkling with glitter, conch shells turned and finished into angels and bells, and glass ornaments with sand at the bottom, "littered" with shells.

With four days left in November, most Bahamians are already in a Christmas frame of mind with thoughts turning to trimming of the tree.  Some people are heading to the store to purchase new ornaments, while others will pull boxes out of storage, making use of ornaments they've used for years.  But this year, Christmas doesn't have to be the same tradition of using store-bought decorations and one can opt for more native ornaments.

"It's just so great how much you can do with so little," said Rose, proprietor of Miragee Arts. Co. and she delved into more unusual and festive designs for the Yuletide season.

Rose is showcasing her ornaments just in time for the Yuletide season at the Authentic Christmas Ornament at the Wyndham Nassau Resort and Crystal Palace Casino today from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Cathy Laing draws inspiration for her Christmas ornaments from straw work and natural materials from the sea.  She says she redefines creativity and that even though everything is simple, she says it still has a festive elegance that is enchanting.

Laing works with sea shells, sand dollars and sea fans to produce her ornaments.  She likes to come up with new and exciting ways to make her decorations and ornaments unique and special.  She makes them in batches -- one batch of 12 can take her two hours to complete.

"I think native Christmas ornaments are the best way to go because they are not only beautiful, they are made from everyday products native to our islands.  They say a lot more about you and who you are."

Although many native decorations will cost more than store bought ones, the artisans say it is always worth the money because the decorations will be made of sturdier materials and tend to last longer than traditional ornaments.  Seeing what is on offer will not only shock you they say, but in many cases even inspire you to do some designs of your own to make this Christmas special.

They are also showing that Christmas decorations do not have to be confined to the tree as many other artisans showcased other native designs that can be used around the home such as shell candy dishes, conch shell dishes, jewelry, straw baskets and even homemade candles and soaps. Many more designs and creative Christmas decorations like wreaths, sandals and paintings are on display at the show.

Margaret Finlayson takes the simple and neglected art of sewing and produced stuffed ornaments that are stunning, like stuffed deer, stars, fish, candy canes and gingerbread men.

"It takes more of your imagination than anything to make what we do," said Finlayson.  "It's just a way of life and I hope more Bahamians come to love and appreciate what we have naturally."

It's that time of year when excitement rings true -- Thanksgiving is over and most Bahamians are pulling ornaments out of storage in preparation to trim the tree.  But instead of the regular ornaments you've used for years, this could be your year to go all Bahamian. 

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian

 Sponsored Ads