OUR STORY
ABOUT
Some years ago, we were living in Jerusalem—just a couple of miles from Bethlehem. With my foreign passport, I could cross the checkpoints with relative ease, and that’s how I first met Suzan. She was just beginning to set up Bethlehem Fair Trade Artisans.
What struck me most was that, despite the region's centuries-old tradition of glassblowing, no one was making Christmas decorations in the very place where the Christmas story begins. I felt sure that people around the world would value authentic glass ornaments from Bethlehem and I knew that local artisans desperately needed more opportunities to earn a steady income to support their families.
From the beginning, our goal has been simple: to provide ongoing, reliable work for artisans. Each year, we introduce new designs so our loyal customers can grow their Bethlehem Baubles collection season after season. Thanks to this, we’re now selling thousands of boxes every year—and with every bauble and peace light sold, more jobs are created. That’s the heart of this project.
After more than 10 years, production and sales now run smoothly, and we’re excited to share some big news: this year, Bethlehem Baubles is launching in the US! This step brings us closer to our vision—selling more decorations so we can create even more jobs.
Thank you for supporting us. If you know anyone in the US who might be interested in Bethlehem Baubles, please share our story or connect us. Every introduction makes a difference.
Best wishes and thank you so much for your interest in Bethlehem Baubles.
Ros Pollock, Founder
Suzan Sahori, BFTA (left) and Ros Pollock, Founder (right)
PACKAGING
Our Packaging Journey
In the beginning, one of our biggest challenges was packaging. It sounds simple, but we quickly discovered just how tricky it can be to keep delicate glass baubles safe.
After a few early breakages, we set out to find a better solution—and we did! Our specially designed boxes now protect every bauble on its journey, so it arrives safely at your door.
The new packaging has been a real success. Shops love how easy the boxes are to display, and our customers (and us!) have peace of mind knowing their baubles can be shipped, stored, and treasured safely year after year.
GLASS BLOWING
Handcrafted in Hebron
The glass factories in Hebron have been operating for centuries, carrying on a tradition of remarkable craftsmanship. Glassblowing is hot, demanding work—especially in the summer months—and it takes incredible skill. Our artisans make it look effortless.
We’re also proud that most of the materials they use are recycled. Old bottles and window panes are given new life, transformed into beautiful decorations. Because of this, our baubles are a little heavier than typical Christmas ornaments—and strong enough that they’ll even bounce on carpet!
GLASS PAINTING
Many of our Christian women artisans work from home, hand-painting designs onto our baubles, bells, and peace lights while also caring for their children. In a place where jobs are scarce, this opportunity means a great deal. The income they earn provides vital support for their families.
YOUR HELP
Over the years, we’ve been blessed with incredible supporters who share our passion for helping. Thanks to them, we’ve been able to grow our reach across the UK and now the USA.
Every bauble sold creates meaningful work and makes a real difference in the lives of both Christian and Muslim communities in Palestine. With your support, we can continue to grow —one bauble at a time.
BFTA
We owe so much of our success to our dear friend, Suzan Sahori, and her wonderful team at Bethlehem Fair Trade Artisans. Their dedication and tireless work—managing the artisans, coordinating logistics, and keeping everything running smoothly—have been at the heart of this project from the very beginning.
We’re also deeply grateful to our trade partners, many of whom have stood by us for years. Their beautiful shops help share Bethlehem Baubles with the world, introducing our story to new people and widening our circle of support
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
Spreading the Word
Here in the UK, our main job is simple: telling as many people as possible about Bethlehem Baubles! In the run-up to Christmas, we attend a few fairs and trade shows, but we mostly rely on goodwill and word of mouth—that’s where you come in. Every time you share our story, it makes a huge difference.
Down in Devon, our fantastic team at Littledart Fulfilment handles all our online orders. They work tirelessly during the busy Christmas season to pack and ship each bauble with care—and we couldn’t do this without them.
Together, we’re a small but passionate team with one shared goal: to bring these beautiful decorations to homes around the world, while supporting the people who live where the Christmas story first began.
Let customers speak for us
The most meaningful and authentic Christmas decorations out there.
These hand blown Easter eggs are beautiful that will become a treasure. Thank you love the Easter colours.
Absolutely beautiful bauble and such a great cause
Absolutely delighted with the baubles and candle holders, given as gifts. Their message and purpose has impacted greatly and travelled well beyond the recipients. Thank you for what you are doing.
A beautiful glass bauble made in unity and co-operation from a good organisation
Gorgeous! Really happy looks stunning on my tree, thank you all for your efforts
A beautiful bauble which sends a beautiful message.
Thank you, and best wishes for a peaceful Christmas.
These have been a powerful and purposeful addition to our Advent prayer and worship. We have told their background story each Sunday, alongside lighting our Advent candles and have also been inspired to purchase others as gifts.
Such a lovely bauble, and so pleased to support such a worthy enterprise
This is a great way to raise funds.
Just beautiful
a really beautiful ornament for the christmas tree and very poignant reminder of the situation in Palestine right now. There is need for hope and light in our broken world more than ever.
Really pretty & well made bauble. So please to be able to help the people of Palestine . I bought 3 one for each of my children and they love them
I love this special gift from Bethlehem.
Please God peace may come to the troubled places in our world.
Really special decoration
Partners With
