As you can see in the photos I have put the manger scene in our front picture window - sort of like a store scene is what I had in mind, to remind those walking down the street of the meaning of Christmas. A church is at the end of our block so we do get a lot of foot traffic mornings and evenings.
I've always wanted a larger manger scene than the 6 inch high one I've always had, so this year hubby and I collaborated to make this A-frame crèche.
The crèche is about 24 inches (60cm) high, and about 20 inches (50cm) wide at the base. It is 7 inches (18cm) deep. The back wall panel is 8 inches (20cm) high.
But you can make yours to the space you have available.
What I do recommend is keeping in mind it is a triangle structure for stability in standing. The photo below shows the back wall detail.
Materials needed:
- Two 2-foot (60cm) long boards; one for each wall, in the width of your choice.
- One thin board for the back wall the width you'd like your stable and about 8 inches (20cm) high.
- Paint - I used a diluted acrylic artist paint for the base coat so I could still see the grain of the wood. I used 3 colors to draw on the board patterns and make short strokes to simulate roof thatching. The colors I used were burnt sienna, burnt umber, and cadmium yellow light. I mixed them with just a bit of water on my brush as I drew on the board strokes.
How to make:
1. Cut side boards to finished length.
2. Near the top of one board make 3 screw holes long enough to join boards together at top while base is separated.
3. Lay A-frame on paper and trace the shape for the back wall - cut this piece out.
4. Join the back wall to the 2 long walls with 2 screws from outside the long wall into the sides of back wall.
Now all is joined and you are ready to paint as described above.
I surrounded my manger scene with cool-burning clear miniature lights, and draped 3 of the lights on the string in from behind.
Do you see that I even have placed giraffes looking in from behind.
Be creative with your manger scene. Making this stable was a fun project that I'm happy to be able to share with my doll making readers!
Article and photo credits Susan Kramer
