Kia Ora

 

Fun trip to Wood Carving Shop

 

 

 

 I went with June, Elizabeth and Peggy to the home and workshop of Jiries Giacaman today.

 

 

 

 

When we drove up this exquisite driveway I knew I was in for something very special!

 

 

 

This is the carving shop.  Jiries uses New Zealand wood to carve Christmas pieces as well as Maori-inspired and Kiwi works of art.  It was interesting to see where he works.

 

 

Peggy had brought a project for Jiries and he went to work immediately in this, his first stop workshop--here he makes initial cuts and prepares the wood for carving.

 

 

 Jiries's sweet wife Marcella handles this little shop and all sales. Here she is with Peggy working out some details of her transaction.

                       Marcella shows just some of the gorgeous works of art her husband has carved.  He is a master!

 Jiries has already started work on three of Peggy's needed pieces.  He uses several types of wood and learns which one she wants for the finished product.

                The Giacaman's trusty pet dog waits patiently for all the hoopla to end.  He reminds me of Marona's dogs:)

This pretty lily was just outside the shop door.

 

 

 

This is the biggest aloe vera (I guess, it looked like aloe vera:) plant I've ever seen.  There were trees and bushes of all kinds in their yard.

 Here's the grotto and nativity I purchased.  Made of Pahutukawa--New Zealand's "Christmas Tree" because of the gorgeous red flowers that bloom in December--I love this Israeli-made reminder of NZ!

I love the paua shell, native to New Zealand.  This one has Mother of Pearl carved into the nativity scene.  Beautiful.

 

These ornaments are so cute.  The nativity and the New Zealand Temple.

 I love the nativity with Maori fern symbol next to it symbolizing new beginnings.  I'll cherish these reminders of Christmas--New Zealand style!