Nativity Handprint Crafts

 

Nativity Handprint Crafts

 

I’ve always enjoyed making handprint crafts with young children.  There’s just something about painting their sweet little hands, the giggles that ensue, and the smiles that always result.  And, of course, a memory is made and a print is captured– one that can never be duplicated seeing as our children are constantly growing and changing! 

For the month of December, some common handprints that can be created are snowmen, reindeer, Santa, Christmas trees, hearts, and angels.  Considering our family’s desire to focus more on the true meaning of Christmas and the birth of Jesus, I’ve often desired to make a nativity handprint. After some eager experimentation by my 9 year old, I think we’ve found one that we like!  The painting involved is a bit more detailed than your typical handprint craft, but I think it is well worth the time as it produces a beautiful, meaningful keepsake.

 

Steps to Creating Your ‘Nativity Handprint Craft’

 

1) Choose what item you want to make your nativity handprint on.

You may wish to have your child’s handprint on paper, cardstock, a potholder, an ornament, a December calendar page, etc.

2) Paint your child’s hand.

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You can use washable tempera paint for printing onto paper, but I’d recommend using acrylics for printing onto other items.

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Thumb – angel  (You can paint the entire thumb one color.)

Index and pinky fingers – shepherds 
Ring finger – Mary
Tall finger – Joseph

(Paint the tip of each finger a skin color to form the face and then choose another color for the rest of the finger to be the clothes .  Try to paint each ‘person’s outfit’ a different color.)

Palm – baby Jesus in a blanket, on yellow hay, in a brown manger

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Since there is a lot of paint to be applied (and the paint can dry rapidly), you will want to try to paint quickly and/or may need to retouch a few areas of the hand before going on to the next step.

 

3) Press the painted hand onto your choice of material.

For flat items, simply have your child place their hand straight onto the paper and then gently press their hand down.  For round items, like an ornament, have your child grasp the item.  (You may wish to have them practice them before their hand is painted.) Whatever the item to be printed, encourage your child to not move their fingers or palm in order to avoid smudges and smears.

Once you believe the print is transferred, the child can lift their hand away – straight up from a horizontal surface.   For a round object, you may wish to gently pull the round object away as he/she pulls their hand straight back in the opposite direction.

 

Some examples….

cardstock

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Styrofoam ornamentIMG_3514

plastic fillable ornamentIMG_3532

 

4) Use a small paintbrush to touch up any areas that may not have been filled to your liking.

You could also repaint your pinky to add wings to your angel.

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5) Let air dry. 

The time allowed for drying will vary based upon the material that you chose to paint. (Paper will be quicker than other items.  Our plastic fillable ornaments took at least an hour to dry completely.)

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6) Use colored permanent markers to add details.

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**If your handprint is painted on a clear fillable ornament, you will have a couple of additional steps.

a) stuff with shredded paper

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b) add a Scripture reference

Free printable tags for Luke 2:10-11 at Hubbard’s Cupboard

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c) Attach twine as a hanger and then wrap it with a thin ribbon to form a bow.

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And, there you have it –  
an enjoyable craft that can foster a moment to pause, during this busy season,
and to communicate the meaning of Christmas! 

 

Photos Nativity Handprint Crafts

 

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”

Luke 2:10-11

Names of Jesus Paper Ornaments

Names of Jesus Paper Ornaments

 

In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
He was with God in the beginning.
Through him all things were made;
without him nothing was made that has been made.

John 1:1-3

John 1 may not sound like a typical portion of Scripture to be memorizing during the Christmas season, but as you memorize and reflect on the meaning, it becomes a wonderful text to dwell upon leading up to the celebration of Christ’s birth!

The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.

John 1:9

Who is Jesus? Why did He come to earth? What were the circumstances surrounding his birth? How did people  respond to His coming? How will you respond to the Good News of God sending His One and Only Son, wrapped in flesh, to die on the cross for the payment of your sins?  These are just a few of the questions my children and I are contemplating as we take time to memorize John 1 and study the significance of some of the titles given to Jesus as we work our way through His Great Name: Jesus (Volume 2).

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.
We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only,
who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:14

As we study His Great Name, I am continuing to attempt to come up with additional, creative ways that we can have His name before our eyes, ingrained in our minds, and pulling on our hearts this Christmas.  Why?  Well, as we grow older and mature in our faith, we need reminders that Jesus is more than a baby born in the manger long ago.  Our Heavenly Father sent the Son of God, the long awaited Messiah, Immanuel, the Creator, the Alpha and Omega, the Light of the World, the Servant of the Lord, the Lamb of God, etc.  – to redeem His people and to bring glory to His Name!

Today, I want to share one more possibility for intentionally setting a reminder of who Jesus truly is before our hearts and minds – making Names of Jesus Paper Ornaments.  As you prepare and assemble these ornaments with your children, I pray that you will take time to look up the verses under each title of Jesus and reflect on the amazing outpouring of love and mercy God has shown to us in sending the gift of His Son, Jesus!

 

How To Form Your ‘Names of Jesus Paper Ornaments’

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1) Download the FREE Names of Jesus Paper Ornaments printables from Hubbard’s Cupboard.

2) Print the ornament pieces onto white cardstock.

3) Carefully cut around each circle.

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4) Rearrange the name circles by making a color pattern that appeals to you.

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5) Fold each circle in half, between the two titles of Jesus.

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6) Using a glue stick, attach one folded backside to a different folded backside.

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7) Continue gluing until you have connected half of the folded circles together.

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8) Then, affix another set of four folded circles together.

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9) Cut the gold curling ribbon (or another thin ribbon) to approximately 10 inches in length.

10) On one set of assembled circles, use glue to adhere the ribbon.

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11) Spread glue all along the backside of one set of glued circles.  Carefully align and join the two sets of circles.

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12) Push your fingers towards the centers of the name circles, making sure to firmly press and smooth each one.

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13) Using scissors, carefully trim the edges of the circles that show any white backing.

14) Slightly adjust the direction of each name as needed.

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15) Cut a second color of ribbon to be about 10 inches long.  Tie this piece of ribbon around the first ribbon to form a bow (or tie a second piece of curling ribbon and use scissors to curl it).

16) Display on your tree, give as a party favor, tie onto a present, etc.

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Yet to all who received him,
to those who believed in his name,
he gave the right to become children of God…

John 1:12

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Salvation is found in no one else,
for there is no other name under heaven
given to men by which we must be saved.

Acts 2:14

More resources for studying the Names/Titles of Jesus…

Names of Jesus Banner

Names of Jesus Banner

Would you like a simple, yet meaningful, banner to decorate your home this Christmas?  If so, I have two free printables for you that I hope will bless you and your family! 

I recently finalized the second volume of His Great Name: Jesus.  For each volume, I decided to also create coordinating pennants with the titles of Jesus that we are studying.  Regardless of whether you also choose to explore the titles given to Jesus with us this Christmas, feel free to print and make your own banner to adorn your home and bring a heedful reminder to who we want to focus our hearts and minds on each day- Jesus!

Gather your supplies:

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  • Names of Jesus Banner (2 FREE printables to choose from at Hubbard’s Cupboard)
  • White Trim/Cord (3 yards long and about 3/16 inches thick)
  • Cardstock (white)
  • Scissors
  • Hole Punch 

 

Steps to Creating Your ‘Names of Jesus Banner’

 

1) Download the ‘Names of Jesus Banner’ printable from Hubbard’s Cupboard.

2) Print the banner pieces onto white cardstock.

3) Carefully cut along the thick, black, outside edges of each pennant.

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4) Use your hole punch to make two holes in each name pennant. 
(Punch each hole along the dotted line, halfway between the top edge of the pennant and the name block.)

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5) Organize the pennants so that there is an even amount of names and titles on either side of  the larger ‘Jesus’ pennant.  (We organized our name pennants according to the order in which we plan to study the titles of Jesus using His Great Name: Jesus (Volume 2). )

6) Slide each name along the cord, adjusting the space between each as necessary.

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7) That’s it!  Super easy!

Now, you have a simple, but purposeful trimming for your fireplace, larger doorway, or wall.Names of Jesus Banner2

Let them praise your great and awesome name— he is holy.
~ Psalm 99:3

May you cherish this season leading up to the celebration of the birth of our Savior!

Light of the World Jar Candle Craft

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The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. 
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor,  Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 
Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.

~ Isaiah 9:2, 6-7a

 

Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ!  I’m so thankful that, while we were lost in darkness and sin, God sent His promised Savior and His One and Only Son –  to bring light to our darkened world, to penetrate our sin laden hearts, and to shine the Truth of His holiness, justness, love, and grace.

I’m thrilled to be part of the Bible Christmas Crafts for Kids series hosted by Danika at Thinking Kids .  Today, I’m sharing a simple Light of the World Jar Candle Craft  that could be a delightful gift and/or decoration for helping us to reflect on Christ this season! 

Jesus the Light of the World Christmas Craft for Kids SQ

Jesus, The Light of the World Christmas Craft for Kids

 

His Great Name: Jesus

His Great Name

 

In the Bible, God placed tremendous significance on names. Whether it was the naming of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, Abram’s name being changed to Abraham (Genesis 17:1-6), Jacob becoming Israel (Genesis 32:28), or when Jesus changed Simon’s name to Peter (John 1:42) – assigning names, changing names, or disclosing titles was important and wrapped in meaning.

A couple of Christmas’ ago our family worked together to construct a set of wooden names of Jesus ornaments.  They create a beautiful display on our tree and are a visual reminder of who we celebrate at Christmas – Jesus!   Shortly after assembling the ornaments, they turned into a springboard for a Christmas exploration on the names and titles of Jesus!

She will give birth to a son,
and you are to give him the name
Jesus,
because he will save his people from their sins.

~Matthew 1:21

Were you aware that Jesus has over 200 names or titles that refer to Him?  Why?  Well, each title reveals either more of His nature and character, His position in relation to God the Father, or the mission and purpose that He was to fulfill.  There is so much to discover as you study His Great Name!

His Great Name: Jesus is designed to be a three year advent study focusing on who Jesus is. It creates an opportunity, as a family, to pause during this busy season and to refocus our hearts and minds on who Jesus is, why He came, and His great love and sacrifice for us.

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In Volume 1, our children followed the birth of Jesus chronologically through Scripture readings, learned the meanings behind 13 of the titles and names given to Jesus (such as Savior, Immanuel, and Son of God), attempted to relate the spiritual truth learned about Jesus to their own lives, copied and recited Luke 2:1-20, and sang related hymns of praise to Jesus.

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His Great Name: Jesus (Volume 2) contains 14 additional titles beheld by Jesus.  Our children worked through part of these lessons last December and we look forward to completing them during this Christmas season.  Through Scripture readings, students get a big picture overview of creation, sin, God’s plan for redemption, the birth of Jesus our Savior, His death, burial, and resurrection, His promise to return, and the need for our continual growth in Christ. They also copy and memorize John 1:1-18, learn the significance of Jesus’ titles (such as The Word, Creator, Light of the World, Lamb of God, etc.), discover how these can influence their view of Christ, and sing hymns to praise His Great Name!

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Let them praise your great and awesome name
— he is holy.

~Psalm 99:3

 

Come study with us the most precious name of all – Jesus!

Salvation is found in no one else,
for there is no other name under heaven
given to men by which we must be saved.

~Acts 4:12

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