How to Make a Nativity Scene
Using an Elmer's Tri-Fold Board,
Barbies and Found Items
#CanYouTopThis

By Erica Odello

What you'll need:

Scissors, tape, razor blade, hot glue gun, Elmer's glue
Optional: Spray mount, stapler, glue stick, poultry needles and/or unbent paperclips.

Elmer's Tri-Fold Display Board, pipe cleaners, Play-Doh,
Many colors of tissue paper, a lot of bark (and moss if available), sizzle or raffia

Mary, Joseph, Jesus, Three wise "men", shepherd(s)
An angel and animals. (Beanie Babies are great for this)

Step 1

Measure 10" and cut the board with your razor blade. Measure 11" and cut the larger piece. Save the scrap!
The 10" piece is the side of the barn.

Step 2

Use hot glue to stick bark to the two outside, shorter sides of the barn.

Step 3

Use the hot glue gun to glue the folds flat and then fold the board in half. This will be the roof of your barn.
Spray the roof piece with spray mount (outside!!!!). Apply bark across the roof.
Use smaller pieces and hot glue to fill in any gaps.

Step 4

When the glue is dry, use the poultry needles (or unbent paperclips) to secure the roof to the siding.
You'll need to put one in each corner or the sides will slide out.

Step 5

Dress the actors!
1) Measure tissue paper long enough to wrap around each doll and secure in the back with tape.
2) Cut a smaller rectangle, wrap around the doll's shoulders and secure with tape.
3) Cut another rectangle, fold one long side once or twice, then secure to the doll's head with a pipe cleaner.

Using more pipe cleaners, create a halo and wings for your angel. (Fairy dolls are great for this!)
"Swaddle" the baby with white tissue paper.

Step 6

Using some of the scrap Tri-Fold Board that is left over, fashion a manger.

Step 7

Unbend all but one bend of a paperclip.
Place around the neck of the angel, then push into the roof of the barn.

Step 8

Place the dolls as desired within the barn. Use the Play-Doh to help some of the dolls stand on their own
Sprinkle the sizzle/raffia on the floor of the barn for effect.

Congratulations! You've completed your Nativity Scene!

Enjoy!