Nativity Jar

Materials:

GLUE GUN

• Wooden Beads – Natural – 340g Pack – 10841 • Clear Plastic Jar – Square – 400ml – 16947 • Felt Squares – Pack of 100 – 10785 • CleverPatch™ Glue Gun Starter Set – 12505 • Wiggle Eyes Black – 0.7cm – Pack of 100 – 16477 • Wiggle Eyes Black – 0.5cm – Pack of 100 – 16476 • Foam Glitter Star Stickers – Pack of 168 – 16842 • Paper Raffia – Natural – 50 Metres – 12386 • Hessian Sheets – Natural – Pack of 10 – 12406 • Jute Twine – Thick – 140 Metres – 14275 • Rubber Bands – Size 18 – 100g Pack – 10653 • Other materials required: Scissors, pencil, ruler, pin and template (page 8).

1. Measure and cut 1 blue and 1 brown piece of felt measuring 4 x 23cm.

4. To create Mary, tightly roll the blue felt into a coil, pausing halfway to apply glue with a glue gun. Continue to roll the felt and apply a generous amount of glue to the end section. Allow to dry.

7. Place the white felt glue side down on top of the wooden bead. Press the sides down as shown so it adheres to the wooden bead and blue felt. Allow to dry. 2. Print and cut out the template on page 8. Attach it to a piece of white felt with a pin. Cut out the felt using the template as a guide.

5. Apply glue to the top of the rolled felt, then attach a large wooden bead making sure the hole is facing up. Allow to dry.

8. Cut a 15cm length of jute twine. Wrap it around the front of Mary’s head then secure it with a knot at the back. Trim any excess twine. 3. Fold over the white felt circle and cut it in half. Repeat Step 2 and 3 with a piece of yellow felt.

6. Apply a generous amount of glue to one of the white felt semicircles.

9. Repeat Steps 4 to 8 using the yellow and brown felt pieces to create Joseph.

10. To create Baby Jesus, fold the remaining white felt semicircle from Step 3 in half. Secure it together with glue. Allow to dry.

13. Glue wiggle eyes onto Baby Jesus, Joseph and Mary.

16. Cut a square piece of hessian that measures 15 x 15cm. 11. Apply a generous amount of glue to the surface and place a medium bead close to the top point as shown.

14. Cut 2cm strands of raffia and place them into the jar. Secure a star sticker inside at the top side of the rear wall of the jar.

17. Place the piece of hessian over the lid and secure it in place with a rubber band. 12. Fold the right side of the felt piece over the bottom of the bead, then overlap the left side. Firmly press to secure the felt in place. Allow to dry.

15. Place Joseph, Mary and Baby Jesus into the jar in front of the star. Screw the lid onto the jar.

18. Wrap raffia around the top of the jar to conceal the rubber band. Tie to secure and trim any excess. Your Nativity Jar is now ready to display!

I’m a perfect reminder of the reason for the season!