Baby Jesus in a Manger Ornament

We had another fun afternoon with our Women of Grace 3rd grade girls yesterday.  For their craft, I showed them how to make these Baby Jesus in a Manger Ornaments. We are taking them through this season of Advent, hitting the most important aspects of it (since we only see them weekly). Today's focus was on the setting of the birth of Christ. My friend talked with the girls about the events happening in Bethlehem right around the time of his birth and why it was so remarkable and unexpected that the King of Kings would be born in such lowly conditions. Our hope is that the ornaments would serve as a reminder to them of the Reason for the Season...Jesus.
Here's what we used to make the ornaments: miniature wreath, brown felt, white felt, wooden boy piece, black Sharpie, pink Sharpie, raffia, jute or ribbon to hang the ornament, and glue gun. If you follow my Pinterest boards, you'll see my inspiration for this ornament.

Start by cutting the brown felt into a circle about the same size as the wreath and run a line of hot glue around the edge.

Press the wreath to the brown felt.  It's now a manger.

Bundle up a small amount of raffia and put a dollop of glue in the center of the brown felt and wreath. Press down to adhere the raffia to the manger.

Take the wooden boy and wrap him in the white felt by putting his head in one corner, bringing up the opposite corner and then wrapping the two sides in. Secure with hot glue. With your Sharpie markers, make a face for Jesus.

Put some glue on top of the raffia and/or on Baby Jesus' back and press him into the manger to secure. Use jute, ribbon or cording for a hanger.

When I see this sweet ornament on the tree, I can't help but think of the song Away in a Manger.

Away in a manger no crib for a bed,

The little Lord Jesus lay down his sweet head.

The stars in the sky look down where He lay,

The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

I am so grateful for the birth of this special baby more than 2000 years ago. May you experience the joy that comes from knowing Him this Christmas and always!

I'm linking up at some of these great parties and

Savvy Southern Style, Debbiedoos and Between Naps on the Porch