Nativity Lantern - Explore the Christmas Story with this simple Upcycled Craft

At this time of year we love filling our house with light. Our Advent candles & Christmas tree lights are filling the house with a welcoming glow & brightening up those dark evenings. 

To add a special glow to our house Minnie created a beautiful Nativity Lantern, & it's been lovely to have as a centrepiece on the table for meal times.



This upcycled craft is simple to create, all you need is a clean jam jar or coffee jar, some white baking paper (or tracing paper), 2 strips of thin card (your choice of colour), some double-sided tape, & felt-tip pens.

We started by measuring a section of greaseproof paper around our jam jar, making sure it was slightly taller than the jar.


Then my artist started to design her Nativity scene. We had carols playing & a few Nativity storybooks nearby to inspire our artwork. She decided to draw Mary in a stable with baby Jesus in the manger. Soon an angel was added hovering above the stable, & as it was a night sky lots of stars were added too.


To create the top & base of our lantern we attached two strips of card with double-sided tape to Minnie's design.


To finish we simply rolled the greaseproof paper around the jar & secured the edges together with a strip of tape, taking care not to crease the greaseproof paper that was above the jar.


To illuminate the Nativity Lantern we added a battery operated tea light which lit up the design perfectly & gave the lantern a wonderful glow.


My kiddo is so pleased with her lantern that it's been on tour around the house lighting up every room. 

Such a neat way to explore the Christmas Story, the key characters & events, & a beautiful reminder of the light that comes at Christmas. 

If you're looking for more Christmas decorations check out the great ideas featured in the Christmas Countdown Blog Hop: 

Crystal Snowballs  Rainy Day Mom
Gingerbread Man Decoration  Adventures of Adam
Jolly Salt Dough Garland  Crafty Mama in ME
Easy Cinnamon Sled Ornament  Playdough & Popsicles
Egg Carton Snowman  Sugar Aunts
Bubble Wrap Holly Wreath  Crafty Kids at Home
Gingerbread Paper Decorations  Creative Family Fun
Kids Art Decorations  Non Toy Gifts
Handmade Card Holder  My Bright Firefly
Easy Cinnamon Scented Sled Play Dough & Popsicles 
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