Hand-Felted, Hand-Spun Wool Christmas Decor: From Tawani Village to Dar Salah

As the holiday season nears, we’re thrilled to introduce our Hand-Spun Felted Wool Nativity and our handcrafted Holiday Collection—a selection of exquisite, handmade pieces crafted by Palestinian artisans at Ma’an Lil Hayyat and other artisans in Bethlehem. Each item in this collection celebrates the artistry, resilience, and traditions of many communities, blending festive charm with the enduring beauty of Palestinian craftsmanship.

The Art of Felting.

In the village of Dar Salah, wool spinning is a craft passed down through generations. Artisans work with locally sourced wool from Palestinian sheep, transforming it into soft, intricate figures using traditional hand-felting techniques—a process involving water, soap, and a practiced touch. This slow, intentional method connects each piece to the land and to a heritage that is as rich as it is enduring.

Through every piece, these artisans bring their history to life, crafting decor that goes beyond simple holiday ornaments. Each item in the collection reflects their dedication to preserving and celebrating Palestinian culture.

The Collection: Star, Gazelle, and Nativity Scene

Our Christmas collection includes a handmade wool star, a gazelle, and a complete nativity scene, each piece infused with Palestinian symbolism.

• The Star: This hand-spun wool star represents the guiding star of Christmas, a symbol of hope and guidance. Each star is crafted with care by artisans making it a simple yet striking addition to your holiday decor. Available in three colors; white, yellow, and red. Shop here.

• The Gazelle: The gazelle, Palestine’s national animal, is a meaningful symbol of grace and resilience. This small felted figure is a lovely nod to Palestine’s natural world and a reminder of the artisans’ connection to their homeland. Shop here.

• The Nativity Scene: This one-of-a-kind handcrafted nativity set includes Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, and animals, all made with care by artisans in Dar Salah. Using wool from Bedouin communities near Bethlehem, spun and felted by people with special needs at Ma’an Lil Hayyat, each piece reflects Palestinian heritage and the true spirit of Bethlehem. This cherished keepsake beautifully captures the Christmas story and is meant to be passed down for generations. This set includes 10 pieces; however, the felted tree is sold separately. Shop here.

Find out more about this unique nativity set here.

Crafted in Partnership with Ma’an Lil Hayat

We’re honored to work alongside Ma’an Lil Hayat, a supportive community that provides meaningful work opportunities for artisans with special needs. Through this partnership, each piece in the collection represents not only the art of hand-spun and hand felted wool but also the dedication of a community that empowers every artisan involved. When you bring home a piece from this collection, you’re helping to support both the individuals and the craft traditions that make these pieces possible.

The Heart and Heritage in Every Handmade Piece

Many items in our Christmas collection are crafted entirely from Palestinian wool, sourced locally, and handmade by artisans with an incredible level of skill and patience. These decorations are more than just seasonal decor; they are keepsakes infused with the artisans’ heritage and the land from which they come. When you purchase these handmade wool ornaments, you’re supporting the continuation of Palestinian craftsmanship while bringing the quiet beauty of Palestine into your own home.

Bring the Spirit of Palestine to Your Holiday

This holiday season, we invite you to explore the full Christmas decor collection on our website. Shop here.