Terra-Cotta Manger Scene

Decorate your home in true holiday spirit with this easy-to-make miniature tableau of the Holy Family, perfect for a windowsill or a child's dresser.

CRAFT MATERIALS:

2 small terra-cotta pots
1 small terra-cotta saucer
Acrylic paint
Fine-point marker
3 wooden knobs, one smaller than the others
Tacky glue
Fabric
Embroidery floss
Raffia

Time needed:

About 1 to 2 Hours

Directions:

1. Paint the terra-cotta pots and saucer. Use a fine-point marker to draw faces on the wooden knobs.

2. Once the paint is dry, turn the pots upside down and use tacky glue to attach a larger head to the bottom of each pot. When the glue is dry, drape a piece of fabric around the top of each head and tie it in place with embroidery floss.

3. Form a swaddling blanket from another piece of cloth, as shown, gluing it to secure the shape. Glue the small head to the blanket and set it in the saucer on a bed of raffia.

Tip: Paint the pots in advance and let the kids put the other pieces together.