Clay Nativity Scene
Creating a clay nativity scene is more than just a craft; it’s an opportunity to connect with the true meaning of the Christmas season. This hands-on project invites families to reflect on the story of Christ’s birth while working together to shape each figure with care and creativity. As you mold the the baby Jesus, and the simple and serene Mary and Joseph, you’re not just making a decoration—you’re building memories and starting a tradition that can be treasured year after year. Whether you’re crafting as a family, teaching children about the nativity story, or simply seeking a peaceful, creative outlet this holiday season, this simple clay nativity scene is a meaningful way to honor the spirit of Christmas. Let your imagination and heart guide your hands as you bring this timeless story to life.
If you are looking for something meaningful yet simple to make with your children this month, this may be the craft! Let’s get started!
At the end of this post, you’ll find some other suggestions for other seasonal crafts and art projects to do with your kids for the Christmas season.
List of Supplies for Clay Nativity Scene:
- Air dry clay or foam clay
- Clay sculpting tools
- Clay rolling board/ acrylic board
- Clay rolling pin
- Star shaped cookie cutter
Instructions for The Clay Nativity Scene
Step 1
Take some blue clay and roll it into a ball shape. Make sure to take enough clay as we will use this to make the base.
Step 2
Slightly roll the top part to make a teardrop shape.
Step 3
Now flatten it against a smooth surface until you get the desired size.
Step 4
Now take some purple clay and make a rope shape. It should be long enough to cover the sides of our base.
Step 5
Wrap it along the sides of the base.
Step 6
Now take some yellow clay, which will be the hair of Mother Mary in the clay nativity scene, and roll it into a ball.
Step 7
Press it on one side to flatten. Now you should have half a sphere.
Step 8
Flatten it and adjust as needed to make an elongated moon-like shape.
Step 9
Now, place it on the base as shown in the picture.
Step 10
Take a little bit of light brown clay and roll it into a ball then flatten to form a disc; then cut in half. We will use this for the head.
Step 11
Place half of that circle right below the hair.
Step 12
Now take a little bit of red clay.
Step 13
Pinch on two sides and then gently press and stretch the clay. Flatten the clay and also press on the edge of the side using something smooth and even to make two sharp corners. Look at the shape shown in the image to get a better idea.
Step 14
Place it under the head. Make sure there is no space between the hair and the cloth.
Step 15
Repeat the same process on the other side.
Step 16
Take some light blue clay and roll it to form a cylindrical shape then flatten it.
Step 17
Make a smaller circle and cut it in half as we did previously for the head and place it as shown.
Step 18
Now take some yellow clay and form a disc shape.
Step 19
Use a small cookie cutter to cut out a star and place it on the top. Now you clay nativity scene is all done.
- Complete and Quality Material Package: the pottery tools kit comes as a comprehensive set of 12 polymer clay tools; The package includes 1 x wood rolling pin, 1 x wedging board for pottery, and 10 x rolling pin guides; The rolling pins are mainly made from sturdy and reliable wood; This complete set offers not only variety but also quality in terms of material employed, making them sturdy with a comfortable grip
- User Friendly Tools: these pottery tools are designed to be user friendly, allowing artists of all skill levels to create with confidence; Uncomplicated and straightforward, these pottery clay tools offer a smooth scrolling and shaping experience that open up broad possibilities for clay creations; Whether for expert potters or beginners, these tools bring efficiency and simplicity to your craft journey; Not easy to break or rust, reusable and long lasting
- Easy Handling and Compact Design: the pottery tools and supplies are compact and easy handling; With round edges and a sturdy built in handle on the clay wedging board, carrying and moving the tools around is incredibly convenient; Plus, the compact size means they take little space, making it ideal for small workshops or art classrooms; Place the rolling pin guides on either side of the clay, secure the clay, then roll the clay with the wooden rolling pin, and you’ll have a flat piece of clay
- Versatile and Extensive Size Range: the clay wedging board’s size is approx. 12 x 18 inches/ 30.5 x 45.7 cm, ideal for most clay works; Additionally, the pottery teaching rolling mud stick guide ranges in size from approx. 13.4 x 0.8 inches/ 34 x 2 cm (L x W), offering 5 distinct thickness options for more flexibility and precision during your pottery making; With the wood rolling pin about 17.7 inches/ 45 cm long, this versatile and extensive size range suits most of your pottery needs
- Variety of Applications: the polymer clay tools are ideal for a wide array of applications; The varying sizes and combinations, along with their ease of use, make them suitable for pottery classrooms, studios, DIY craft projects, and even professional pottery productions; These tools are versatile, catering to almost creative pottery needs you may have; With this toolkit, the creativity and expertise you can express through clay are virtually limitless
More Seasonal Crafts and Projects
If you’re in search of other projects that go well with this clay nativity scene, we’ve got you covered! While you have your clay out, here are a couple more great winter crafts you can make with clay.
Cute Clay Penguin Craft
Fun and Easy DIY Christmas Gifts Teens Can Make
