Creche Ornaments

This is an inexpensive craft project that takes some patience, but results in a nice Christmas tree ornament.

Supplies needed: round toothpicks. White glue, waxed paper, scissors, and small paper nativity scenes (use old Christmas cards, or download the sheet here that can be duplicated).

Directions:

1. Cut nativity scenes to dimensions that the toothpicks can fit around (maximum 2 ¼ inches along bottom and sides)
2. Lay paper nativity scene on wax paper and cover a toothpick with white glue and lay it across the base of the scene.
3. Lay two toothpicks covered with white glue across the peaked roof of the scene, overlapping them at the top.
4. Lay two toothpicks (covered with white glue) on the sides of the scene, overlapping the bottom and roof toothpicks.
5. Repeat process with all five toothpicks.
6. Repeat process with only the bottom and the roof toothpicks.
7. Leave on waxed paper until very dry. (At least 3 hours).
8. Run a very narrow ribbon, yarn or gold thread through the top of the roof and tie.

Hints:

1. Use a toothpick or Q-tips. to cover the other toothpicks with glue.
2. Have some washcloths around to wash off glues once in a while.
3. Don't worry about a little excess glue getting on the picture. It dries clear.

Youth can sell these for whatever the market will bear ($3-$10) as a fund-raiser to buy building materials for the hurricane recovery work that will need to be done in our Presbytery. Perhaps a good follow-up would be to plan a work team later on.