Nativity Scene Wall Plate

Older preschoolers will enjoy putting together this simple polymer clay nativity scene. Using only four colors of polymer clay, you and your preschooler can create a lovely holiday wall hanging that will be a cherished part of your holiday decor for years to come.  

Materials You Will Need

Aluminum pie pan
Rolling pin
Plastic knife
Scissors
Waxed paper
Plate hanger
Gold pearl fabric paint

Polymer Clay

Dark blue 4 oz.
Beige or tan 1 oz.
Light blue 1 oz.
Brown 1/4 oz.

How to Make It

Note: Before working with polymer clay, condition it by working it with your hands before molding. This prevents cracking and makes the clay more pliable.

Step 1:

Place dark blue polymer clay between two sheets of waxed paper. With rolling pin, roll the clay about 1/2" thick and large enough to cover the pie pan.

Step 2:

Press rolled clay into pie pan just as you would pie crust. With scissors, trim edges to hang over about 1". Mold edges over the sides of the pan.

Step 3:

Heads: Make two 1" balls and one 1/2" ball out of the beige/tan clay. Set aside.

Step 4:

Hands: Make four 1/4" balls out of the beige/tan clay. Set aside.

Step 5:

Bodies: Make three ovals out of the light blue clay (2" for Baby Jesus, 3" for Mary, and 4" for Joseph). Leave enough light blue clay for the arms. Set aside.

Step 6:

Arms: Make four 2" long arms out of the remaining light blue clay. Set aside.

Step 7:

Manger trough: Place brown clay between two sheets of waxed paper. Roll into 1/2" thickness. With plastic knife, cut a 3x1" oval.

Step 8:

Assemble the nativity scene:

1. Place Joseph's and Mary's bodies in the center of pie pan.
2. Place heads, arms, and hands on their bodies.
3. Place the manger trough below Joseph and Mary.
4. Place Baby Jesus' body and head on manger trough.

Step 9:

Bake at low temperatures, according to manufacturer's instructions, for about 30 minutes.

Step 10:

After your plate is entirely cooled, take the gold pearl fabric paint and write, "A Child Is Born". Allow to dry overnight before hanging on the wall plate hanger.

Show and Tell Us

Did you and your preschooler create a Preschool Holiday Craft and would like to show it off? Contact Preschool Holiday Crafts to submit a photo of your preschooler and his/her holiday craft. We look forward to seeing your fabulous creations!

 

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