Little Drummer Boy

Inspiration

wanted to add some less traditional characters to The Nativity ornaments collection. Obviously, I consulted through my childhood memories for that unique one that would spark my imagination and creativity. Memories of singing aguinaldos and Christmas carols came to the front. I remembered us siblings, playing musical instruments like cuatro, claves, bongo, castañuelas, and maracas to accompany our voices. I even remembered my dad playing wooden musical spoons. Designing an ornament that embodied these memories was the obvious choice. So, I created the Little Drummer Boy ornament to honor all these memories.

The Little Drummer Boy was the perfect personification of my childhood and young adult musical memories. To begin with, one of my nieces has always been an awesome bongo drum player. As soon as she learned how to follow the rhythm, she accompanied our Christmas singing. Additionally, the priceless gift of music my dad gave us growing up has guide me throughout my life. And finally, my younger brother’s favorite Christmas carol has forever been The Little Drummer Boy.

Little Drummer Boy Ornament Design Process

The concept

I combined the essence of the Venezuelan aguinaldos and the American Christmas carols into one single character. The result is a vibrant colorful figurine that evokes my Caribbean roots as well as a tender little boy offering his sweet music to the Christ Child. This particular imagery was extremely important for me to share because when my son was little, he would serenate his grandma over the phone with his saxophone. That was his present for grandma on Mother’s Day and on her birthday, since grandma lived in Venezuela and Zoom was not a thing back then. Ultimately, this ornament is an homage to all heartfelt homemade Christmas presents that we give at Christmastime.

The Design

I chose a blue and red color palette for the drummer boy. Like the shepherd ornament, I dressed the boy in simple clothes and I covered his head with a white and blue striped short cloak. Additionally, I gave him a long vest made from wool and tied it with a hemp belt. Next, I added a contrasting ribbon at the hem of his robe. To complete his outfit, I made a bright color satchel that hangs across his chest. I hand painted his face and gave him big brown eyes. I gave him a round mouth. As if he was singing a carol to Baby Jesus.

Obviously, the most important element of this ornament is the drum. I paid much attention to the drum’s detail, using real leather for its surface. And I even made little, tiny drumsticks. I hung the drum from his shoulders with a leather strap. Finally, I decorated the drum with gold string, ribbons, and plastic precious gems.