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The very best thing about this kid friendly nativity is that outside of soaking with it in the bath or taking a saw to it I can’t see how your children could ruin it. In the last 8 years our set has been used and abused and it still looks great. Full disclosure the back of the donkey says “YAK” and the small sheep and one Wiseman have been colored orange on the top but it hasn’t stopped them from being fully functional and fun!
Since getting married 22 years ago my in-laws have given my husband and I pieces to a beautiful nativity set. It is the Fontanini brand, I love it because even though it looks beautiful it is not breakable. That has become quite the blessing with having 7 kids (as I’m sure you can imagine).
Although it is durable it is still *mine* and I prefer the kids not play with it. I’ve tried to encourage them to leave it alone by having their own sets to play with.
We love the cute Fisher Price Little People Nativity and have at least 2 sets. They love that they had their own pieces to move around and play with as we talked about the birth of Christ. I have fewer children now who sit and play with them but because they are so fun we put them out and when cousins come to play everyone loves them again. This set will definitely make the “keep for grandchildren” collection.
As time went on and more kids came, one nativity set wasn’t enough. Back before Pinterest I saw a small picture of a nativity I could make and it would be a kid friendly nativity to add to our collection. With a little work (searching for images and then even manipulating them for my needs) I had my kid friendly nativity done in no time. Our block kid friendly nativity is one of the things out every year and last things put away because we love it that much.
The cost was very minimal since I had the wood scraps on hand and then it only required a printer, paper, the blocks and Mod Podge. If you don’t want to cut your own wood pieces there are lots of different sizes you can find at craft stores and even on Amazon.
If you don’t want to print out the images I used, another option (that wasn’t around back when I made these) is to cut images out of vinyl. Cricut has a lot of nativity images in Design Space that would be perfect for this project. You can find some here.
A long time ago I was told if you were going to use a printed image + Mod Podge to make sure and print them out in draft or quick print mode so there isn’t a lot of ink to smear.
Make your own Kid Friendly Nativity!
Step 1 – print out the images. Paula and I both have this printer and really like it.
Step 2 – figure out what size (based on the images) I needed to cut my blocks. You can also set your image size to match the block sizes you already have.
Step 3 – cut out all the images.
Step 4 – *optional* paint the blocks.
Step 5 – *optional* stain the edges.
Step 6 – use Mod Podge to stick the images on the blocks
Step 7 – Mod Podge over the whole thing to seal the paper down.
Step 8 – have fun with your kid friendly nativity
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The Little People nativity is adorable but I like your version just as much. My kids are a little old for either but I have a new little niece that would be just the right age for this next year. I’d love the image file if you have time.
Great idea—thanks for sharing!
Thank you, I’d love to see it when you’re done 🙂
What a lovely idea!
Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
Hope you have a very Merry Christmas!
Jill @ Creating my way to Success
http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/
I LOVE this nativity set. I really want to make a set or two for my three boys. Will you please email me your file? [email protected] Thank you!
You should have the file. I’d love to see a picture of the blocks when you’re done!
Thanks for sharing! I would like the nativity file to make some for my grandkids. ([email protected]
Love this idea!
makingitfeellikehome.blogspot.com
These are so cute! Sounds like something my boys would love!
Love this! I would like the file…thanks!
[email protected]
This is so incredibly cute! I would love the file. What do you mean you painted the block and what type of paint? The stained edges and the fronts look the same color to me. I am brand new at trying to be crafty :o). THANK YOU! [email protected]
I would love your printable set! Bless your heart for sharing such a sweet idea!
Sincerely, Dee [email protected]
I would love the images! This will be perfect for my daughter next year, and many years to come. If you have time please send them to [email protected].
Thanks so much! Merry Christmas!!!
Love this. I want to make one for my grandson. If you have time, please send me a copy. Thanks…. [email protected]
Need to make this, so great for the kids and a great way to remind them the reason for the season while having fun! Email is [email protected]. Please send me the file and thank you for sharing!
Dear Jenn,
I just discovered your blog and I would love a copy of your file. I want to make a block nativity for the nursery at church and started looking in August to no avail. I couldn’t find any pictures I liked and even tried the scrapbook and sticker route but no luck. If you would send this, I would be very grateful. Blocks are enjoyed by little kids(as I’m sure you know) and I love the idea that one with a nativity on it doesn’t have to be just for Christmas.
Thanks,
Maureen
P.S. [email protected]
I love this idea! Please send me a copy of the file as well.
Leslie
These are just so sweet. I love them and I know
my little ones will too. Thank you for your wonderful idea.
Kimberlee
[email protected]
So sweet! Would love to do next year for my grand-children. thanks for sharing-
I would love it if you could send me the file. Thanks!!! evans _ gwen @ yahoo.com
I would love for you to send me the file. [email protected]
Thanks so much!!
Love it! I would love it if you could send me the file. [email protected]. Thanks!
I just found your blog and love this idea! I would appreciate it if you could send me the file. [email protected] Thanks!!
I would love the file, so cute!! [email protected]
Me too! I would love this file. [email protected]
I would love that file if you still have it so I can create this for my boys!
Thanks!! [email protected]
Hi Jenn, where can I find the wood? From home depot? What kind of paint are you using?