Bethlehem Baubles
Decorations handmade in Bethlehem
About
Christmas should be about giving something special to the ones we love and connecting with the things that really matter. In an age of mass production and commercialisation, Bethlehem Baubles offers you the chance to return to these simple origins and renew the authentic spirit of Christmas.
We've paired up with Bethlehem Fair Trade Artisans (BFTA) who work closely with Muslim and Christian communities at an individual level in order to produce a unique gift with a direct and meaningful impact.
The Team
I have joined the team this year to help send out all the baubles. Things got a bit crazy last Christmas so I’ve come to help! When you buy online I’ll be behind the scenes making sure you get just the right Bethlehem Bauble.
MINTY,
ASSOCIATE
About Me >
I started Bethlehem Baubles whilst living in Jerusalem. I wanted to try and create a meaningful impact for the skilled local craftsman and foster a better sense of cooperation between the communities.
ROS,
FOUNDER
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I've been working with Bethlehem Baubles for a few years now. I'm responsible for putting this wonderful Christmas message out online, making sure the website and online media all runs smoothly.
CHARLIE,
WEB DESIGNER
About Me >
Bethlehem Fair Trade Artisans (BFTA) is a non-profit NGO established in 2009. It works to spread the fair trade message in Palestine and links Palestinian producers to global fair trade markets.
In 2015, BFTA became the first guaranteed member of World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) in the Middle East.
BFTA‘s mission is to empower the most vulnerable producers in Palestine, support them to become active agents in their own livelihoods, and develop their social rights and communities.
Visit the BFTA website
SUZAN,
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
SALAM,
CRAFT VILLAGE OFFICER
Find out more >
The Artisans
Mohammed is a skilled glass blower from Hebron - he is from one of the few remaining old muslim families in the area that have been working in glass for generations. He and the other artisans in the glass factory try to make the baubles all the same size but being handmade that is sometimes a bit tricky. “Every bauble is different - a bit like a snowflake” says Mohammed. An insightful remark especially given that it doesn’t snow much in Hebron!
Few tourists have visited Hebron over the last year so business has been very tough. They greatly appreciate the customers buying Bethlehem Baubles so they can keep working and they are very proud that their decorations are being enjoyed all around the world.
MOHAMMED,
GLASS BLOWER
About Me >
SELIM,
GLASS PAINTER
About Me >
Mother of 4 children, Selim has learnt her painting skills over 20 years. “This income is very welcome and important to our family” says Selim “it means I can earn some money at home while I look after the children. There are not many part time jobs for mothers like me in Bethlehem and life has been very tough this last year”. Once she has painted the baubles Selim threads the ribbons and packs them carefully in their boxes making sure the leaflets and stickers are included. Quality control is important to BFTA so we have Selim to thank that it’s all done correctly!
Selim is just one of many Christian ladies in Bethlehem who work on Bethlehem Baubles. We employ about 40 now but not on a full time basis - we would very much like that to happen though!
