Away in a manger

 

I have been trying to think of something that my grand kids could make when they come to visit on Christmas eve.  They are always excited to make something and because of the excitement of the day and what we are celebrating, I came up with this idea.  I was looking for a wooden X to start the project but all of the craft stores only had just a few and I needed 9! As I looked at all of the wooden shapes,  I saw a cross and realized that it would work!  I also thought it interesting that because I was making something to celebrate Christ's birth that the manger would be made from something that he left this life on, (a cross). I used a ruler to make a straight line and used a table saw to make the cut.

 

I then needed something to use as the cradle for the manger and used a small rectangle of burlap for this.

 

To make the body of baby Jesus I used some white felt, about 1 1/2 inches by 6 inches. I rolled it up and secured it with some fabric glue.

 

I used some wire to be used to hold the star, I found the stars at Michael"s and they were just the right size.

 

I used a small wooden bead for the head and added some wisps of hair to cover the hole of the bead.  I put the heads together ahead of time because it would just be easier than having each grandchild paint and glue the hair.

 

I used some white flannel to swaddle this little child used some glue to keep Him wrapped and a button was added with glue to the swaddling. (just because I thought it was cute.)

 

I used some excelsior ( the hay for the manger) and put it all together.

 

I did add a small wooden base and because it makes the manger a little more stable. (is that a play on words?) I then painted them a yellow gold color.

I made a small hole for the wire to be attached and used some glue to keep it secure.

 

I then attached the star to hang over the Christ child. I think it turned out perfect and hopefully will help my grandchildren remember why we are celebrating this wonderful day. I think they will have dun putting them all together.

Merry Christmas!