A few months ago I decided that this year I wanted my children to have a nativity that was artistic and beautiful, but also durable enough to be touched and played with. I looked around online and found many lovely nativity sets, but they were all upwards of $200-$300! Around the same time I started experimenting with making peg dolls for Zane’s nature table. I thought to myself, wouldn’t these peg dolls make an interesting nativity? One thing I don’t have is tons of cash, but I do have some free time (occasionally) and I love to make things, so I gave it a shot. I didn’t use any patterns; I just created their faces and clothes as I worked on each one. I’m so happy with the finished product, and I hope my children enjoy looking at it and playing with it for years to come. Right now we just have out the shepherds, Mary, Joseph, and the animals because, of course, baby Jesus has not been born yet. The wise men will come on Epiphany (January 6).
[Just a note: I did not make the wooden animals; the peg doll bodies came from ArtDexi.]
I love it!
That came out really cute!
Really special!!
Love it!!!
This is great!!!! Is that Damian or Joseph? Just kidding. It is fantastic! Love it.
Jessica, the resemblance is uncanny, isn’t it? 🙂
I really want to make something like this too! Did you buy the peg people somewhere?
Oh oops I just saw the link on your blog! 🙂 Which size did you use? And my, those acorn people are so freaking cute (on that site).
Yes, I bought mine here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtDexi, but you can get similar ones at Michaels (a couple of dollars for a two-pack). The felt also came from Michaels (I think 33 cents/sheet). I thought about making patterns to share, so maybe if people are interested I could do that.
I used the large people for everyone except baby Jesus who came from a set I don’t see listed anymore. You could convo the seller and ask her. She’s seen my nativity project snd will know what you’re talking about.
I’m totally interested! (Hope you don’t feel I’m stealing your idea). I love the idea of a nativity the kids can play with. I have a few nativity scenes around the house, from different cultures (Peru, Germany, etc). Not to play with of course!
Oh, the small shepherd also came from the other set.
I’m sure I’m not the first to think of it 🙂 It’s so hard to find nativities that are pretty but also durable AND affordable!
What did you use for paint?
The peg doll’s bodies came pre-painted and coated with beeswax, which means they’ll probably last longer. I painted their faces and hair with regular ‘ol craft paint. I recently made St. Nicholas peg dolls for the kids and I just used craft paint on the bodies, which worked fine, too.