Our Story
Welcome to Bethlehem Baubles! Whilst living in Jerusalem from 2008 to 2011, I was drawn to Palestine but saddened by the lack of opportunities available to many local communities, particularly those in Hebron and Bethlehem. Christmas decorations made in Bethlehem seemed an obvious and simple way of creating regular employment and tapped into their own ancient glassblowing tradition in Hebron.
This year we launched our Peace Light project – humble tea lights serving as a reminder of our shared humanity and the desperate need for regional stability. They also provide additional and much needed income support to our Palestinian families. Profits generated from this project will be reinvested into our community, empowering our current artisans to become teachers. Their guidance will ensure an enduring legacy of craftsmanship and goodwill for a new younger generation, across borders and beyond.
Right from the beginning of Bethlehem Baubles it was essential to me that this venture would provide ongoing income for workers. We have achieved this by changing our designs every year so that our many loyal customers can add to their Bethlehem Baubles collection. We are now selling thousands of bauble boxes every year and as you will guess, more baubles = more Palestinian jobs which is the whole purpose of this venture!
Suzan Sahori, BFTA (left) and Ros Pollock, Founder (right)
Packaging
In the early days, we faced many challenges not least with packaging. It’s amazing how something so simple can be quite complex to get right. Initial breakages soon became a thing of the past with our new box design that ensures the safe arrival of each bauble. This improvement has been a great success. Shops love how easily the boxes can be displayed and our customers have confidence in shipping them and storing the baubles safely.
Glass Blowing
The glass factories in Hebron have been working for centuries. Blowing glass is is hot work - especially during the summer months and requires great skill. Our artisans make it look so easy!
Most of the materials used are recycled – we are pleased about that. Old bottles and window panes are all smashed up to make our decorations which are heavier than other Christmas decorations – they even bounce on carpet!
Glass Painting
Our Christian ladies are delighted to work from home, painting designs on our baubles, bells and peace lights while looking after the children. Jobs are few and far between so they are very grateful for the income.
Your Help
Over the years, we have gathered together some wonderful supporters who are passionate about helping Palestine. With their support, we will keep expanding our reach across the UK, Europe, and the US knowing that every bauble we sell makes a difference to the lives of both Christian and Muslim communities in Palestine
BFTA
We owe our success to our dear friend Suzan Sahori and her incredible team at Bethlehem Fair Trade Artisans. Their dedication and hard work in managing the workers and logistics have been instrumental in making this project a success.
We are also grateful for the support of our trade suppliers, many of whom have been with us for years. Their beautiful shops help market Bethlehem Baubles and broaden our audience.
Logistics
As much as possible, we strive to have everything made in Palestine. Our leaflets and boxes are printed there, and Bethlehem Express handles the shipping logistics through Israel.
Our Team
Here in the UK, Alison and I focus on telling everyone who will listen about Bethlehem Baubles! We attend fairs and trade shows in the lead up to Christmas and manage all the online sales via our website and newsletter. Charlie assists us with website design and IT technicalities whilst Miranda and Henrietta manage our social media presence. Down in Devon we have our excellent team at Littledart Fulfillment who pack and ship all our online sales – they do a fantastic job in the lead up to Christmas which gets a bit manic! Together, we form a committed and enthusiastic team with a common goal of selling these small Christmas decorations all around the world and by doing so, supporting the people who live where the story of Christmas begins.
SUPPORTING LOCAL COMMUNITIES
Handblown by Muslims - Painted by Christians - Shipped by Israel
