Bring the meaning of Christmas to craft time with this paper plate nativity craft for kids using the FREE template to keep things simple. It’s the perfect way to remember Jesus during Christmas.
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Looking for a festive and meaningful activity to celebrate the Christmas season? With this FREE printable template, you can create a beautiful Christmas paper plate nativity craft that kids and families will absolutely adore!
Not only is the Christmas paper plate craft easy to make, but it also provides a creative way to teach children about the nativity story. This hands-on activity combines art, storytelling, and festive fun, making it the perfect addition to your holiday celebrations.
With just a few supplies like paper plates, craft paint, and a FREE printable template, you can create a stunning nativity scene that’s perfect for storytelling, holiday decor, or Sunday school.
Christmas Paper Plate Nativity Craft
Supplies Needed to Make Your Paper Plate Nativity Craft
Gather these simple supplies to get started:
- 2 Paper plates
- Craft paint (blue in 2 shades, tan, white, and brown)
- Paintbrush
- FREE Craft Template (download below)
- Popsicle sticks (optional for puppet craft)
- Glue or stapler
How to Create Your Christmas Paper Plate Nativity Craft
1. Paint the Background
Start by transforming one of the paper plates into a beautiful backdrop for your nativity scene:
Use dark blue paint to cover the upper portion of the plate, creating the night sky. Add light blue paint near the bottom of the plate to represent the horizon.
Paint the bottom of the plate tan to mimic the ground.
Once the paint is dry, use white paint to add dots in the sky for stars. A toothbrush or a fine paintbrush can make this step super fun!
2. Paint the Stable
Next, create the stable where baby Jesus will rest:
Take the second paper plate and carefully cut out the center, leaving the rim intact. This will form the stable’s frame.
Paint the bottom part of the plate. Start with the top section of the stable dark blue, the middle section light blue, and the bottom section tan for a cohesive look.
Use brown paint to decorate the sides of the rim, mimicking the wooden beams of a stable.
3. Assemble the Nativity Scene
Now, it’s time to bring the nativity together:
Glue or staple the rim of the stable plate onto the background plate. Align the plates so that the stable sits prominently in the scene.
If you’re making a puppet version, leave an opening at the bottom where children can move baby Jesus within the nativity scene.
4. Add the Characters
Bring the story to life with Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus. Use the FREE printable template to trace and cut out the pieces for each character.
Color or paint the characters, adding details like Mary’s blue robe, Joseph’s brown cloak, and baby Jesus in white swaddling clothes.
Glue Mary and Joseph onto the background plate on either side of the stable.
Add baby Jesus to the center, either glueing him in place or attaching him to a popsicle stick for an interactive puppet element.
Optional Puppet Craft
Make the craft even more engaging by turning it into a puppet play:
- Attach popsicle sticks to the backs of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus.
- Slide the popsicle sticks through the opening you left in the plates, allowing kids to move the characters around as they retell the story of Jesus’s birth.
Educational Benefits of This Craft
This craft isn’t just fun – it’s also educational!
- Storytelling Skills: Kids can learn and retell the story of Jesus’s birth, strengthening their comprehension and verbal skills.
- Fine Motor Development: Painting, cutting, and gluing help improve hand-eye coordination and precision.
- Creativity: The customizable elements encourage kids to use their imagination and personalize their nativity scenes.
- Religious Education: This craft is a hands-on way to teach the significance of the nativity and its characters, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.
Ways to Use Your Paper Plate Nativity Craft
The finished craft is more than just a decoration—it’s a versatile activity:
- Holiday Decor: Hang it on the wall, display it on a mantle, or use it as a table centerpiece.
- Gifts: Share these handmade nativity crafts with family members or as thoughtful gifts for teachers or Sunday school leaders.
- Interactive Learning: Use the puppet version to act out the nativity story, making Bible lessons more engaging.
Download the FREE Nativity Template
Ready to start crafting? Download the FREE Nativity Template to get all the characters and elements you need. This printable set makes it easy to create a beautiful and meaningful nativity scene with your kids or students.
Conclusion
This Christmas Paper Plate Nativity Craft is the perfect blend of creativity, learning, and holiday fun. With my FREE printable template, creating your own nativity scene is easy and rewarding. So grab your supplies, download the template, and let’s celebrate the true meaning of Christmas in the most creative way possible!
Print the Directions
Christmas Paper Plate Nativity Craft with FREE Template
Materials
- 2 Paper Plates
- Craft paint (blue in 2 shades, tan, white, and brown)
- Paintbrush
- FREE Craft Template (download below)
- Popsicle sticks (optional for puppet craft)
- Glue or stapler
Instructions
- 1. Paint the BackgroundStart by transforming one of the paper plates into a beautiful backdrop for your nativity scene:Use dark blue paint to cover the upper portion of the plate, creating the night sky. Add light blue paint near the bottom of the plate to represent the horizon.Paint the bottom of the plate tan to mimic the ground.Once the paint is dry, use white paint to add dots in the sky for stars. A toothbrush or a fine paintbrush can make this step super fun!
- 2. Cut out and Paint the StableNext, create the stable where baby Jesus will rest:Take the second paper plate and carefully cut out the center, leaving the rim intact. This will form the stable’s frame.Paint the top section of the stable dark blue, the middle section light blue, and the bottom section tan for a cohesive look. Use brown paint to decorate the sides of the rim, mimicking the wooden beams of a stable.
- 3. Assemble the Nativity SceneNow, it’s time to bring the nativity together:Glue or staple the rim of the stable plate onto the background plate. Align the plates so that the stable sits prominently in the scene.If you’re making a puppet version, leave an opening at the bottom where children can move baby Jesus within the nativity scene.
- 4. Add the CharactersBring the story to life with Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus. Use the FREE printable template to trace and cut out the pieces for each character.Color or paint the characters, adding details like Mary’s blue robe, Joseph’s brown cloak, and baby Jesus in white swaddling clothes.Glue Mary and Joseph onto the background plate on either side of the stable.Add baby Jesus to the center, either glueing him in place or attaching him to a popsicle stick for an interactive puppet element.
- Optional Puppet CraftMake the craft even more engaging by turning it into a puppet play:Attach popsicle sticks to the backs of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. Slide the popsicle sticks through the opening you left in the plates, allowing kids to move the characters around as they retell the story of Jesus’s birth.
Notes
Ways to Use Your Paper Plate Nativity Craft
The finished craft is more than just a decoration—it’s a versatile activity:- Holiday Decor: Hang it on the wall, display it on a mantle, or use it as a table centerpiece.
- Gifts: Share these handmade nativity crafts with family members or as thoughtful gifts for teachers or Sunday school leaders.
- Interactive Learning: Use the puppet version to act out the nativity story, making Bible lessons more engaging.
Download the Template
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