In case you’re not familiar with Hummels, here’s a Brief History you may find interesting:

The history of M.I. Hummel figurines begins with Berta Hummel. Berta was born in 1909 in rural Bavaria and at an early age she displayed an impressive artistic ability. She was encouraged to develop her skills by her kindly Catholic schoolteachers throughout her adolescent school years. In 1927, she enrolled in the Academy of Applied Arts in Munich, Germany. She was soon befriended by two Franciscan Sisters from the Convent of Siessen which was a teaching order which emphasized the religious aspects of art. After graduating in 1931, Berta entered the Convent of Siessen. She had decided to devote her life and art to the service of God. Upon entering the convent she took the name of Maria Innocentia Hummel as part of her conversion.

She continued to create beautiful works of art which eventually came to the attention of the Goebel porcelain company. After receiving assurances that they would remain true to her vision the Goebel company was given permission to turn Sister Hummel’s drawings into the M. I. Hummel figurines which would soon be famous worldwide. They were introduced to the world in 1935 and their success was immediate as they quickly caught the eyes of European buyers. Over the next several years their popularity continued to grow in Germany and beyond as collectors the world over became aware of their beauty and charm.

Tragically, Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel died an early death at the age of 37 in 1946. Thankfully for Hummel collectors she left a collection of drawings that are still used to this very day by Goebel to produce new figurines. The Convent of Siessen works with the Goebel company to make sure that each new creation is kept true to Sister Hummel’s original vision. Hummel figurines continue to be one of the world’s favorite collectables and their popularity shows no signs of declining.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anton_Fischer

You Get Me Caught Up In All The Fun

Yes, it’s true. The much-anticipated wait is over. The two newest introductions in the Precious Moments Major League Baseball series have arrived. Celebrate the inaugural season at the brand new Target Field with these two darling porcelain bisque figurines.

Whether you are at the new stadium seated in the stands at a Minnesota Twins game, in the backyard with dad, or making the big play for your team, catching a fly ball can be so exhilarating! Dressed in his favorite team’s uniform, this nimble boy is prepared to catch any ball that comes his way. His love of the game is sure to have everyone caught up in all the fun!

You Make It A Fan-tastic Day!

There’s nothing better than enjoying a hotdog at the new ballpark while cheering your favorite team on to victory. With her hat in place, this cheerful fan is waving her flag proudly in support of her team – the Minnesota Twins. Win or lose, her loyalty will never waver, and the day will be FAN-tastic!

Both figurines make Super CUTE Gifts for the devoted baseball fan in your life, or even for yourself! Place your order TODAY!

The Alleluia Shop also has other Major League Baseball teams available in the Precious Moments Collection. Take a look right now!

To kick off the new Major League Baseball series, the following teams are now available: Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Dodgers. Two additional teams will become available this summer: Minnesota Twins and Chicago White Sox.

In addition to these fan-tastic team favorite figurines, look for NEW Precious Moments MLB ornaments to become available later in the year as well.

Receive FREE SHIPPING on any of the adorable NEW baseball figurines ordered from the Alleluia Shop and shipped to a US address! Order one for yourself or one for a friend or loved one. It’s sure to be a hit! – John

Heaven Just Became A Fetchingly Better Place

A dog is so much more than just a pet; a canine companion is a forever, faithful friend. When a four-legged comrade makes the journey to heaven, you can be sure that man’s best friend is joyously received. And someday a happy tail will wag to greet you when you meet once again.

During times of loss, we search to provide comfort to those who need it most. Whether you, a friend, or a loved one is saying farewell to a faithful pet, this darling new Precious Moments figurine is sure to be a memorable keepsake for many years to come. Now available from the Alleluia Shop with FREE SHIPPING within the USA, this touching bereavement piece can be at your doorstep in just a few days. – John

Jim Shore has been dazzling gift-givers and collectors for many years with his unique quilted-look line of giftware items. Now brand new to the market, he has just released a charming line of fairies that are sure to be snatched up before Christmas. Enesco has produced only a limited number of these pieces for 2009.

Gathering inspiration for the collection from his southern-country upbringing, sculptor and painter Jim Shore blends intricate patterns, eye-catching country colors, and carved wood resin details to create truly unique works of art. His seven enchanted new fairies include the following: Harmony Fairy, Sea Fairy, Cooking Fairy, Feline Fairy, Sewing Fairy, Flower Fairy and Princess Fairy.

More about the Heartwood Creek artist, Jim Shore:

A native of South Carolina, Jim Shore utilizes his skills and art as a portraitist, sculptor, and folk artist to create his unique and creative collection for Enesco. His most popular collection, Heartwood Creek, combines tabletop, figurines, and home and garden décor to create a charming and innovative American folk art statement. Shore’s artistry and design for Heartwood Creek has earned accolades from the gift industry. In 2005, the National Association of Limited Edition Dealers (NALED) named Shore Artist of the Year – for the second consecutive year – and his seasonal offering by Enesco as Holiday Décor of the Year. His artwork for Heartwood Creek Nativity also took top honors as Collectible of the Year and Decorative Collectible of the Year. He’s truly a talented and much appreciated artist.

Click the link below to see the new fairies, as well as other gifts from the collection. Don’t wait long though, as they’re sure to quickly fly away. – John

May Your Holidays Sparkle

Just Arrived! The long awaited 2009 Cherished Teddies ornaments are now available for purchase. They arrived a bit later than in years past, but were well worth the wait. The Cherished Teddies annual dated ornament is entitled, May Your Holidays Sparkle, and features a darling little bear angel on top of a sparkling snowflake. You definitely won’t want to miss out of this year’s ornament. Remember, the past few years the annual ornament disappeared well before Christmas.

Maybe you’ve started the 2009 Cherished Teddies bell ornament series instead. Well, the cute ornament entitled, Let Us All Rejoice, has arrived as well. This sweet bear angel holding a golden horn features a banner that proclaims rejoice, and it’s designed to be a neat little bell too. Very nice!

Let Us All Rejoice

Also, now available, include the 2009 Cherished Teddies dated figurine entitled, Nan: Ring In The Holidays, and the 15th introduction in the santa series entitled, Scott and Sheila: Friendship Is Sharing The Warmth Of The Season With You. Both figurines are sure to be a hit with collectors and gift-givers alike.

Be sure to place you orders soon with the Alleluia Shop for these new limited edition dated Cherished Teddies ornaments and figurines. – John

The full and medium size music box feature a quality Sankyo musical movement that is visible through a glass enclosure. Enjoy the beautiful artwork or insert your own photo or design to create a customized keepsake. Easy to open tabs allow for access to make it a snap to do. The lovely velvet-lined keepsake cavity provides a generous space for the forever treasures in your life. Music starts when the magnetized lid is opened. A lovely rope trim design lends a quality textured detail and feel.

The new romantic heart-shaped petite music box features a gravity activated Sankyo musical movement, which means the music starts when the lid is opened and stops when closed. Insert your own photo in the lid to create a treasured heirloom. This sweet box has a removable velvet frame inside to showcase your favorite photo or for a small keepsake or jewelry cavity.

Take a look for yourself at the lovely new music box designs. Follow the link below to go to my eBay music box page. John

Pendant

The Memorial Tear line of jewelry by artist and creator, Kathy Bernu, is a favorite of many people experiencing the loss of a loved one. The tear drop is to be worn in memory of someone loved. While the rose is a symbol of love that never ends.

Memorial Tear Pin

Here is a quote from Kathy Bernu: “The simple drawing of a rose and a tear captured both my love and loss. For days I considered my drawing and thought of the words, love never dies. I decided to study the passage from 1 Corinthians 13: 8, 13 and learned that love is the one virtue that goes on into eternity. My secret symbol became very consoling, even death could not end love.”

The Memorial Tear is available in several different styles. Most popular are the sterling silver pendant, pewter lapel pin and the lovely sympathy card with a pin attached. The first two come in a burgundy gift box with inspirational card included.

Memorial Tear Card & Pin

Are you in search of just the right gift to give to a friend or family member – one that gently says, “I care, and I’m here for you”? Well, look no further than to the Memorial Tear. Think it’s expensive? Think again – the Memorial Tear line is very affordable.

Take a look for yourself at the meaningful Memorial Tear offerings today! John

The Alleluia Shop is a family-owned business established in 1981 and located in Bloomington, Minnesota. The business climate has certainly changed dramatically for independent retail stores since that time, but our dedication to service and selection has never changed. There are so many great manufacturers out there producing all kinds of fun and unique gifts, that it’s challenging to know what new product lines to bring on board.

Countless offerings of Precious Moments products have been very significant to the Alleluia Shop since the store began. The popular figurines and giftware accessories are distinguished by tear-drop eyed children and inspirational messages. Another popular line is the Fontanini Heirloom Nativity Collection. This fabulous line of hand-painted Italian figures is a favorite the world over, for about 100 years now! One of the cool things about Fontanini is that you can buy a whole set at once, or buy one piece at a time and custom build your own unique set over a number of years.

In addition to stocking great products, the Alleluia Shop has participated in numerous philanthropic promotions and hosted many special events over the years, including two visits from the Precious Moments artist, Sam Butcher, a visit from a Precious Moments sculptor, Cherished Teddies sculptor, Seraphim Angels artist, Fontanini family members several times and various authors, as well as others.

I won’t bore you with any more talk about the store and product lines, as I’m sure you’ll just want to browse through my eBay store and see it for yourself. Be sure to check the store often, as lots of new listings are added every week. You’ll find brand new releases fresh from the manufacturer, favorites from days gone by, as well as super buys. There’s something for everyone, with more on the way!

Well, I suppose that’s probably enough for a first entry, as I need to finish figuring out how to set up this whole blog thing. Anyway, here goes. I’ll speak with you again in the future. If all goes as planned, that is. John

Visit my Alleluia Shop eBay Store today!
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