I was talking to my cousin about her Christmas dinner and how she would like to have the “Reason for the Season” somehow on her table. As we were brainstorming, the idea popped into my head to make nativity characters out of papier mache eggs and Quikwood. The characters could be place card holders for dinner and then be taken home and hung on the Christmas tree. Each year that ornament would stir the memory that was made with it.
Her children are my Wednesday afternoon art students, so the following week we just jumped in and began designing our egg nativity. We had the fun of making the project together and Sara and Daniel will also have the joy of giving them as gifts. We thought you might enjoy the project too.
Some basic supplies you will need for the project:
- 2 1/2″ papier mache eggs (hobbylobby.com)
- Quikwood (https://www.etsy.com/shop/OldMoonLanePrimitive)
- 20 gauge wire
Of course, you will need other things like some basic sculpting tools, painting supplies and paint; but I am sure you will have those things or other things you can use. Another product that is wonderful when working with Quikwood is Avon’s Silicone Glove hand cream. It keeps the clay from sticking to your hands.
I like to work on a piece of parchment paper or a waxed paper palette.
To Begin you will need about 3/8″ of Quikwood to make your feet. Knead it until well blended and divide into two. Roll each piece into an oval. If you would like toes, use a sculpting tool or knife to create them. Then position the fat side of the egg on feet making sure that it is not leaning sideways or front to back. Allow to cure.
How to make your feet video:
While you are waiting for your feet to cure, you can make the little elements that the characters are holding:
- Lamb
- Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh
- Crown
- Stars
- Baby Jesus
- Staff
How to make each of the pieces video:
If you are going to use your characters for place card holders/ornaments, you will need to attach the wire on top. Cut an 8″ piece of 20 gauge wire. Fold over about 1 1/2″ from one end and create a flat loop for attaching. Use a small piece of Quikwood to hold onto egg. Blend into egg using DecoArt Extender.
How to make and attach the wire to character video:
Next you will want to make your arms and attach them to the character along with what they are holding. Cut a piece of Quickwood 1/4″+ and mix together. Divide into two and create a coil about 1 1/2″ long with one end coming to a point. Attach to side and bend to hold object. If needed, use a little super glue gel to hold objects in place.
How to attach arms to characters video:
For the angels you will want to make the wings first and then attach them. You will want to attach them when they are almost set so that you can shape them to the egg. To create the wings use this template – Wings Pattern
Create a coil for the back center. Shape small tear drop for each section on wing and lay in place. Blend clay together using Extender.
How to Create Wings Video:
Now that your wings are made and almost set you will want to attach them to your angel.
How to attach wings video:
To finish the angels you will want to add a halo and a star. The other characters will get a head covering. On the shepherds, Joseph and Mary you will add a roping around the top of their heads and on the kings you will add a crown. They all will be completed with a nose. You will then create the top hook for your place card holder/ornament hook.
How to finish each of the characters video:
Now all that is left is painting them and antiquing them. I first painted them all Warm White.
I then chose some basic colors for skin, hair, and a metallic for wings, crowns, etc.
If you are just going to be giving these for individual gifts you can choose any color you want, but if they are going to be on your table I would select a few colors to be used on the characters. It will give a nice unified look to your table.
My cousin went with two shades of red, two of green and two tans – this went with her Christmas décor. My living room and dining room are one room. The colors I chose are the accent colors for that room. Hopefully this will give you some ideas on what colors to pick – above all else pick colors you like.
I painted my characters with pretty simple faces and limited detail on the clothes.
I like antiquing these pieces. It brings out some of the details and also hides some of the flaws. Before antiquing, I sprayed them with a coat of DecoArt matte spray varnish. I like using DecoArt staining antiquing medium. You can mix it 1:1 with the color of your choice. I also like that it has a long open time and you can wipe it back with a damp paper towel. I like to remove a little extra antiquing on the faces and the angel dresses, but keep it heavier in the feet.
Once they are dry I seal them with another coat of DecoArt spray varnish.
I hope you enjoy these nativity characters and are inspired to create some for family and friends. It is also a fun family project.
Since it is Christmas I would like to give away a few of these…..so if you would like to be a lucky winner, leave a comment in this post. Anyone who comments until December 25th at midnight will be entered in the contest. I will pick the winners on December 26th.
May you all have a very blessed Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year.
With Love,
Jane
And the winners are:
- Scheri Bentsen
- Agnes Ketterman Dobert
- Cynthia
- Rosalie Williams
- Kathy Swigon
- Shirley Zink
- Bev Newman
Please Email me at alandjanie@msn.com or PM me on facebook with your mailing addresses.
These are brilliant! Treasures with endless options. Thank you for sharing with all of us! Merry Christmas!
Thank you Debbie, Merry Christmas to you
These are just stinkin’cute!
Thank you Michele, Merry Christmas
Love your meaningful handmade touches … !!!
Thank you Diann Merry Christmas
These are ADORABLE!!
Thank you Cheryl merry Christmas
What a fun fun fun fun post! Would be a fun way to celebrate and enjoy a get together to create! Inspired!
Thank you Amy, we had fun creating them, merry Christmas
Your creativity amazes me! What a wonderful idea!
Thank you Kristine, Merry Christmas
Ah, these are just precious, Jane. I love watching as you progress through your creations. It’s so fun to watch materials transform! <3
Thank you Deb, Merry Christmas to you and Doug. Hope to get together after the new year
With all that you have to do at this busy time, you will still share with all of us… You are just awesome.
I can’t resist and now I am out trying to find eggs, husband thinks that I have really lost it this time…
Lots of good wishes for you and your family… Have a happy healthy Christmas.
Thank you Mar, you can get them at hobby lobby now. Have a very blessed Christmas
So stinkin’ cute! Thank you!
Thank you LIz, Merry Christmas
Thank you so much for this post and to show the use of different mediums for crafting, I really appreciate your sharing.
You are welcome Diane, enjoy! Merry Christmas
Thank you Jane, this is a wonderful idea an ornament and place setting holder in one. It is also wonderful you did this with members of your family.
Thank you Shirley, Merry Christmas
EGGcellent idea! Cute.😁😂🤣
Thank You Charlotte Merry Christmas
Great idea, Jane….Merry Christmas to you and your family
Thank you Debra, Merry Christmas to you too
Jane – absolutely adorable! I think my grands would like this project. You inspire so many! 😉
Thanks Scheri you would have fun. Merry Christmas
I would love to get with my daughter and nieces and make these for next year! What a darling idea! Merry Christmas, Jane, and thank you for a really fun project!
Thank you Tamra, please share what you create, Merry Christmas
So darn cute!!!!
Thank you, Merry Christmas
Jane , they are absolutely gorgeous! Thank you for sharing…Merry Christmas
Thank you Effie,MerryChristmas
So creative! I love the idea!
Thank you Kay, Merry Christmas to you
These are adorable, Jane! thanks for the pictures and directions!
Thank you Beth, Merry Christmas
Your creativity and ingenuity is off the charts. These are absolutely a showstopper. Would LOVE to have them on my table. Thanks for the opportunity.
Jane, you are so creative! They are all adorable. Thanks for sharing the how-to with us.
Merry Christmas!
Linda
Thank you Linda, Merry Christmas
What a talent you are Jane.. They are beautiful.. Always love seeing your work
Thank you Shirley, Merry Christmas
Those are the cutest things I’ve seen in a long time! Thank you for sharing them with all of us. I can’t wait to give them a try.
Merry Christmas Jane!
Heidi
Thank you Heidi, Merry Christmas
Love your Christmas name tags/ ornaments. It pleases me to see people that keep Christmas about Jesus. Love your directions. Thanks for sharing. Going to make after the holidays with egg gourds. No time now. Merry Christmas to you & yours. 🎄
Thank you Joan, I love the creator of everything. Christmas blessings
These are so cool Jane !!! What would we do without our quickwood❤
You have a Very Merry Christmas 💂♂️👼😇
Thank you Elaine, quikwood is magic. Merry Christmas
So very cute I’m on my second glitter house but may have to try these!
Thank you Hope, so glad you are enjoying my projects…that is why I do it. Merry Christmas
These are so darling!
Thank you Stefanie. Merry Christmas
Another winner, Jane. These are so cute. Love them. Merry Christmas Jane.
Thank you Mimi, Merry Christmas
How sweet!
Thank you Rosalie, Merry Christmas
So very adorable and what generosity in sharing this with us! Thank you!!!!
Thank you Bev, Merry Christmas
Just love them, what a great idea! Merry Christmas 🎄🎁
Thank you Sharon, Merry Christmas
Oh my….these are precious!
Thank you Merry Christmas
What a fabulous idea! Your creativity is so great! I love these. I especially love the angels! Thank you for the opportunity to win one.
Thank you Susan, the angels are my favorite. Merry Christmas
Absolutely enchanting! No other way to describe your art. Especially the shepherds and Baaaa sheep. 🙂 Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Nancy, Merry Christmas
Wow- what a “love-ly” idea and a wonderful tutorial. Thank you for sharing your talent!
PS- do I see a future Bunny family in your future!!!
Thank you Peggy, bunnies are already in my sketch book. Merry Christmas
You and your creativeness are soooooooo cool! Thank you for sharing your wonderful creation! From used to be your area, now in Florida…Barbara
Thank you Barbara, Merry Christmas
Love these and you make it look so easy to do!
Have a wonderful Christmas!
Thank you Connie,Merry Christmas
These are adorable, Jane! Thank you for sharing! Merry Christmas to you and Al!
Thank you Lindsey, Merry Christmas
Those are absolutely adorable! You have such a talent…. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Janice, Merry Christmas
I think these ornaments/place markers are so clever not to mention cute as could be. So much time and effort went into them obviously. So much talent also went into them. Very clever idea. Just love them.
Thank you Diane, the angels are my favorite too. Merry Christmas
I forgot to mention that my favorites are the angels with the stars in their hands. Just so darn cute.
Love these Jane
Thank you Shirley, Merry Christmas
I love these. They are so darn cute!
Thank you Cheryl, Merry Christmas
Love them, Jane, they are adorable. I think we should make these one day? How much fun woul thst be!
Thank you Bonnie, I would love to create together. Merry Christmas
They are so sweet, Jane! Thanks for sharing your creative ideas with us! Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Thank you Julie, Merry Christmas
These are sooooo cute! What a great idea! Thank you so much for sharing, and thanks especially for all the videos!
Thank you Molliann Merry Christmas
I am glad you mentioned your site on TPU. Saved for later when I have more time, but browsing quickly, I don’t know where you find the time to even paint! Your Egg Nativity characters are eggselent! Appreciate tutorials showing how to make our own! Have a Merry Christmas!
Thank you Cynthia so glad that you are enjoying it. Merry Christmas
They are sooooo cute! I wish I had time to make the 20 I would need for dinner. 😊 I’m going to put it on my “to do” list next year!
Merry Christmas ❤️
Thank you Kim, Merry Christmas
How creative Jane! They are adorable. Merry Christmas to you and Al
Thank you Kim, Merry Christmas to you and Scott
Great Job! They are so unique and cute. Merry Christmas!
So adorable, thanks for sharing
Thank you Debbie, Merry Christmas