NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, works together with talented artisan designers around the world to produce stunning, keepsake treasures. Our mantra is to spread global happiness, so rest assured - we’ll do everything we possibly can to ensure you’re a happy customer. About this item: Shaped of terracotta and hand painted in bright tropical colours, these festive ornaments depict the Christmas star. Jose Arriola creates a set of six, and each one is different. Poinsettias with distinct stylizations adorn them. They arrive in a pouch of hand loomed cotton. - Hand-crafted item -- colour, size and/or motif may vary slightly About our Artist: My full name is Jose Antonio Arriola Rodenas and I come from a happy family that has lived in Antigua for more than 100 years! My grandparents lived with us, as well as two uncles from my mother's side with their families. My dad was a master carver and he was known for his relief work. His work has been awarded by the government and it graces Guatemala's National Palace as well as the U. S. Embassy. On my mother's side, five generations have been dedicated to the beautiful craft of ceramic arts. That meant that at home we had two workshops – my father's where he worked with one assistant, and my mother's where they specialized in ceramics. Dad's workshop was too serious and somber for me, whereas everyone seemed to be having fun at my mom's. That's how I first got into ceramics, to have fun! I spent my school holidays there and learnt the craft. My siblings and I would receive some pocket money for us to buy whatever we pleased, and I used to spend it on fireworks and sweets. The first things we were taught to make were animal figurines. The traditional arts and crafts of Guatemala have had many ups and downs. We went through bad times when we worked hard and barely earned anything. During the Civil War (1977 – 1984) tourism was low and we could hardly sell a this