To make this craft, you will need just 1-page of the template printout, glue, string, and scissors.
I find it helpful to use something to score the lines — my preferred tools are a ruler and push pin.

Cut out the shape.

Fold along the middle of the diamonds and snip out the resulting triangles.

Lay those scissors aside, it’s time to start folding!

If you are adding “bang” inserts, then add those now!

Scoring the lines really does help give a crisp look, though it’s not necessary. I use a ruler and a push pin because it’s easy to hold.

Add glue to the three tabs and glue together your 5 sided tube.

Take roughly 25 cm / 10in of twine and pass it around the gather point a few times until it’s short enough to tie in a double knot.

If you are going to pull your crackers slide your surprise items inside before tying the second end.

This is a comparison of the two sizes, both are big enough to hold a surprise.

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A4 size
(210 x 297 mm)

Download colour Download no colour

US letter size
(8.5″ x 11″)

Download colour Download no colour

The post Biblical Christmas Crackers | Craft appeared first on Jesus Without Language.

They also compliment the traditional 4 characters used to symbolize the candles on an advent ring – especially if the 1st or 2nd of December is a Saturday.

These are so simple. Cut out the card for the day you need, slip it into your advent routine, and take a second to discuss the big Christmas story. For printing in Colour- A4 PDF – 4 pages For printing in Colour- US PDF – 4 pages

Want the cards in big for a community Advent hunt?
Would you like coloring pictures for each day?
How about a mini craft every day – templates included!

Link: Grab the big pack!

The post Christmas prompt cards appeared first on Jesus Without Language.

For the wonderful Carol who requested this on facebook. This is my little nativity scene. It took me about half an hour to make up from scratch and while it’s not robust enough to store from one year to the next it is rather darling.

The angels come from this craft and my roof was the inside of a cookie packet. The other characters are on this one page PDF printout, and for them you will need a sheet of acetate, a stapler and a glue stick. Print onto regular paper and cut round the characters.

Take the sheet of acetate and cut into 2 pieces lengthways. One half will be used for the walls the other half will be used for the characters. The characters stand up using a rectangle of acetate rolled into a tube and stapled.

There should be enough acetate in one sheet for all your characters. Try and put the staple where it won’t be seen and attach the paper to the acetate using a glue stick.

To form the building take the second half of the acetate and cut in lengthways again. Fold these pieces into 4 sections creasing well. Overlap the 2 end sections and secure either with a stapler or using sticky tape over the edges if they will be very visible. Rest the roof on the top (I used a bit of sticky tape at the top so it kept it’s shape).

Arrange your characters wherever you wish, if you want to rest an Angel on the rooftop you may want to add a concertina piece of paper for it to stand on. As you can see we added a string of lights and a star in the sky! (sadly i only had red lights left for the photo’s but blue replaced them later on)

Add the Magi here

The post Christmas Extras | Craft 2 appeared first on Jesus Without Language.

THINGS THAT DON'T FIT ELSEWHERE

The post Christmas Extra’s appeared first on Jesus Without Language.

As a final craft for this years Christmas update we have an angel. Not really specific to any story but matching the Angel graphic in the Christmas Heroes post, this little character works well on it’s own or with an electric tea-light under it. This angel is heavily inspired by the free paper-craft angels over on the Allsorts blog. If an objection is voiced then this craft will be removed.

To make this heavenly messenger you’ll need the PDF printout and a glue stick. You may opt for using an additional piece of sticky tape.

Cut round all the shapes. Start with the largest piece, you need to fold the two wings inwards. Push the two straight folds of the wings together to form the cone body. If it helps put a little piece of tape to secure.

Take the back of the wings and fold them down the middle, then cover the blank side in a thin layer of glue and attach to the wings on the model. You may have to smooth down your angel at this point.

Add a little glue to the very middle of the arms piece – directly above the straight line. To attach the arms hook them behind the head and position so the sash goes from the body across the right shoulder.

Your angel is complete! It’s time to add your choice of message. I’ve included 2 messages and a blank banner for you to choose from.

To add the message just use two of dots of glue on the hands.

I’ve tried to minimise ink usage for this design but it is designed to be printed in colour. I believe printing in colour sends a powerful message to the kids (see this post) However, I know the frugal and those with no capacity for colour printing will try converting it, and the glow effect will leave ugly lines. So I’ve made a frugal friendly version. It has no backs to the wings, 2 angels per page, and no colour.

The post Christmas Extras | Craft appeared first on Jesus Without Language.

Here are the extra images you may need to tell the Christmas story.

There are 2 styles of Angel, one with solid wings and one with feathered wings, I’ve included a character you could use for Zechariah as well as the generic baby graphic, a sheep and even an attempt at a donkey. Find Elizabeth, Mary, Joseph, the shepherd and Anna in their lesson sets.

The images are displayed small here, click on the image you wish to have, then save the image that loads.
(Please note : these images have no watermark but are not copyright free, they are only intended for classroom use.)

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