Have I mentioned that all three of our kids attend CCD classes every Sunday morning, right after Mass? It’s proved to be a relaxing hour for my favorite GI Joe and me to have a coffee and chat about everything and anything. So I really, really appreciate the teachers who volunteer their time while I’m off having a latte, and I wanted to give them something handmade by the kids, and that is meaningful. That’s where these simple Nativity ornaments come in.
They require very few supplies, took only minutes to assemble, and, best of all, represent the true spirit of Christmas. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Clothespins (in the kid crafts section at the craft store)
- Some raffia
- Burlap twine
- Small star ornaments
And here’s what you do:
1. Cut one clothespin per ornament down to “baby-size.” Or ask the hubs to do it so he can say he helped make them. Tie a small raffia bow around the “neck.”
2. Using hot glue, attach the two clothespins together, one a bit taller than the other.
3. Cut a 6-inch piece of twine and string the star onto it.
4. Run a bead of hot glue down the back and secure the twine.
5. Use hot glue to attach the baby (not pictured).
See, I told you it was simple and quick! We made a whole batch of these in about fifteen minutes, enough for all their teachers at CCD. We’ll attach them to another gift, such as homemade cookies or a package of decorated candles. Or whatever other craft we come up with as it’s nearer the time!
Now, how clever is this little thing?? I love it! I decided that this year for my Christmas decorating, I’m going to try to only put out my nativity pieces, along with Christmas colors. No Santa items. I was so disheartened by stores being open on Thanksgiving evening. What a neat project for preschoolers to make too. 🙂
Thanks, Steph…it would be fun for preschoolers! And I agree about stores opening on Thanksgiving…I stayed home and digested my turkey!
Love it!
Thanks, Erica…hope you’re having a great Christmas season!
This is both simple and beautiful! Thank-you, Megan. It will go with the rustic (meaning not shiny-bling) tree I plan to put up this year. I already have the stars. I might make the clothespins look distressed/older (heaven forbid) by using distressing antique ink pad or stain them. Would that still look as good?
I think it would look great to distress them, especially if you’re using the rusty stars. You could use wood stain, as well, instead of the distressing inks, or maybe with the inks to give more depth? Thanks for the nice comment (and I’m not a shiny-bling tree girl, either!).
Such a cute idea! I pinned this to my Christmas Crafts for Kids board.
I’d love for you to link up your craft at my Fabulously Frugal party: http://www.chaosserveddaily.com/2013/12/03/simply-christmas-nativity-ornament/
Thank you for this great idea! This just might be what all of my friends and family are getting this Christmas! I love it. Thank you for sharing it on Frugal Girls.
Thanks, Becky…I’m so happy to hear that!