I wrote a post a few years back that included 21 Free Nativity Printables, and every year it gets more and more popular. Obviously there is a lot of interest out there for DIY nativity projects, so I figured I would bring you 21 more. It’s the perfect time to get started on one of these for yourself OR as a gift idea. Hmm…
Silhouette Nativities
This first one is kind of like a printable, but the images are silhouettes. Doreen was nice enough to share her DIY Silhouette Nativity Templates so we might make our own. She says you can use a projector to make large images to trace and cut out, and she also shows us how she made the sweet manger out of branches. Be sure to check out her blog Hymns and Verses. (Pin from here)
But why settle for a mantle sized nativity silhouettes when you can go all out and make a nativity scene for your front yard? That’s exactly what Nicole did over at Coe Marie Design and she’s documented the whole process for us. Sweet! I can add it to my to do list.
Want something smaller scale? These Wood Nativity Silhouettes are printed from a pdf file, cut out of MDF, then spray painted. I like the chalky black look to them.
This faux pyrography set is awesome and easier than real wood burning. (For tons of actual wood burning ideas, visit my Pyrography Board.) Robyn from Create it. Go! used a Sharpie and vinyl stencil to draw on slices of wood. The resulting Nativity Wood Chip Garland is beautiful and works equally as well as ornaments on small tree.
Clothespin Nativities
Let’s start with something easy and adorable. Got it. These clothespin nativity ornaments from Missy Dear satisfy both requirements and then some. I’m thinking this might be a good one for my Girl Scouts this year. Or maybe even teacher gifts. (Pin from here)
If you can find old-fashioned clothespins, then you should try making this beautifully simple ornament from Adventures of a DIY Mom. So sweet. (Pin from here)
I believe it was inspired by this Rustic Wooden Nativity Ornament at Shaken Together Life. She provides a full tutorial.
Lego Nativities
How about a nativity made out of Lego? There are tons out there, but here are three you can actually build.
Simple Lego Nativity (Pin from here)
Lego Nativity Ornament with instructions by Frugal Fun 4 Boys
Complete Lego Nativity Scene with instructions from Ben Lego (Pin from here)
Pallet Nativities
Feeling a little more adventurous? Try making a nativity from pallet wood like Veronica did on Passion, Pink, & Pearls. Cute right? (Pin from here)
Just want a manger? This minimalist manger made from a pallet is beautiful. Check it out at See Shell Place.
You could use a pallet as a backdrop for an entire nativity scene, like this Nativity Pallet Art from Chaos Served Daily. Megan used a silhouette pattern for her Silhouette Machine.
Eighteen 25 also used a nativity silhouette from the silhouette online store to make this piece of art.
Similar, but not exactly the nativity itself, Kim from The Kim Six Fix made a Lighted Reclaimed Lumber Christmas Sign with a full tutorial. (Pin from here)
Nativity Rocks
If you’re on the artistic side you could try to paint your own nativity images on rocks, like Jennifer from The Deliberate Mom. (Pin from here)
The dotting technique Cindy Thomas used to create a Unique Nativity Set Painted on Rocks is amazing. Think you could do it? (Pin from here)
The easiest way to make a nativity set out of rocks (other than buying this set from Unique Nativity Sets) is to decoupage images onto rocks yourself. Use one of the many printables in my 21 Free Nativity Printables post.
Nativity Blocks
There are a ton of ways to make kid-friendly nativity scenes using simple lumber, even I gave it a try. I drew pictures on the blocks freehand then burned the image with my pyrography set. Read all about my Wood Burned Nativity Blocks.
Want something easier? Try DoodleCraft’s Wooden Silhouette Vinyl Nativity Set, but you must have a Silhouette Machine for this one too.
Why not combine a felt craft with a block nativity? That’s what Rachael did over at Travel Parent Eat. She had a similar set as a child and is sharing how to recreate one of your own. (Pin from here)
Nativity Nail Art
Seriously, who knew nativity nail art was a thing? If only I were talented enough to pull off this Nativity Nail Art from Will Paint Nails for Food. Right? She has an entire Christmas-themed collection, so be sure to check that out. So cool. 
This style from She Who Does Nails might be more my speed. But then of course I’d have to have nails to begin with.
That should be enough to keep you busy, but if not, be sure to check out the rest of my Christmas projects.
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