a sweet 'gingerbread' creche & nativity

for me, Christmas is not just about decorating or food or gifts...

it's about the birth of Jesus.

so each year, i either bring out my childhood nativity set

or create a new rendition of a creche scene that coordinates with my theme.

this year, i reworked the simple nativity scene that i created last year,

and added a new element that reflects my 'gingerbread' theme.

while the nativity figures would certainly work without the creche,

i like the way it focuses attention onto the holy family.

continue reading for the details of how i made it...

on the left, my contemporary take on a nativity scene from 2021.

the heads and haloes are made from sweater remnants,

 to fit my 'sweet sweater holiday' theme.

on the right, i utilized the same elements and just changed the ornament 'heads'

for this year's gingerbread theme:

the holy family figures are simple ceramic pieces - 

two vases, one small cup, and a tiny pitcher - picked up at DAISO,

with tiny resin ornaments used as heads.

(and i didn't even paint those! they came in that dark brown hue)

the creche itself is made from paper...

folded dark brown construction paper forms the backdrop, 

with an accent of white glossy printer paper 'snow' on the front edges.

(it reminds me of an A-frame cabin in the woods!)

the star on top is the same two papers, layered, with tiny painted 'frosting' dot details.

the vintage German glitter tree branches were tucked in to add a wintery feel,

with a triangle cut from the glossy white paper to create a small tree for the background.

i recently read this article on the rising popularity of 'minimalist' nativity scenes,

and i have to say that i see the appeal.

when i created last years' nativity using these ceramic vases,

i was struck by the way the simple lines reflected the peace of this story,

while not attempting to replicate anything historical...

the nativity scene, and more importantly Jesus Himself,

is relevant today as much as any other time period,

to every race, creed, gender, and soul on Earth.

with that in mind, i wish you all a most happy and blessed Christmas - 

however and wherever you celebrate the season.

at the heart of it all is love. 

my sweet 'grandson number one' playing with my childhood nativity scene

way back in 2009 when he was just two years old...

he called them 'liddle sheepies' and 'baby cheesus' in his sweet whispery voice.

he just turned sixteen. how does time fly so fast???

related previous content:

sweet sweater nativity 2021

paint chip manger + nativity scene 2020

nativiTIKI - times TWO! 2019

shared online:

funky junk interiors | new upcycle ideas #658

thank you for including my project in your feature this week, Miss Donna!

creatively beth | creative crafts linky party #125

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