Wings for the angel

I decided to give my angel looped wire wings similar to the ones on Willow Tree angels. I wrapped the wire around three fingers, squished it together in the middle and wrapped the loose ends tight around the middle. Then I used super glue to fasten the wings to the angels back. The wings would be much more secure if they were put onto the angel before baking, using a "u" shaped piece of wire or two to fasten them to the back.

Tutorial for the Nativity figures - Part 5

The stable was made from scrap bits of wood with a cardboard back. I used moss to cover the roof. The star is a wooden cut out painted gold and dressed up with glitter dust. A store bought stable could be used...or display the figures without a stable. I hope the instructions make sense. As always leave a comment if you need clarification. Oh, I use Sculpey and Super Sculpey polymer clay but any polymer clay will do. Air drying clay would also work but you would have to paint the figures after they dry.

Tutorial for the Nativity figures - Part 4

Tutorial for the Nativity figures - Part 3

Tutorial for the Nativity figures - Part 2

Tutorial for the Nativity figures - Part 1

Lize requested a "how to" on the Nativity. This took some thought because I usually just grab the clay and smoosh it around until I get what I want, lol. These instructions are for an angel, a shepherd and a sheep. All of them are made basically the same way with variations to get the little person you want. This will take 5 posts so be patient. :-) The instructions are on the photos so poke them to make them larger.

It is finished

Here's the finished, and much improved, stable. I did get the saw out today and shortened the overhang on the left side. I added a back and stained the whole thing with a rough coat of walnut. Oh, and I also added Fairy Dust to the star to make it glow.

Tomorrow my girls come home. The oldest's fiance is also coming for the night. I can't wait to have everyone home!

No room in the inn

So I made them a little stable. I have three different sizes of stables for my own nativities and all three are made of rough wood so I raided my scrap box last night and came up with this. It was late and I wasn't in the mood to get out the saw so if I couldn't break it over my knee and sand it smooth, I didn't use it, lol. I probably need to add some more back supports to fill it in a bit but this is how it looked last night before the glue was completely dry. I think I will dry brush some shades of brown over the wood, too, to age it. So far, so good, though.

Well, it's sort of a mini...

These figures are approximately half scale (1:24) so I guess they qualify as minis, lol. My daughter is getting married next summer and she and her husband will be starting their own traditions. I made this Nativity set for her, if she likes it, as a small starter set. I will have to find a stable as this one goes with the first Nativity my hubby and I bought. My daughter reads my blog so I will probably hear soon whether she likes it. :-)