Christmas Decoration: Recycled Nativity Scene and 3 Kings

This Christmas decoration project will create three kings laden with shiny gifts, along with a nativity scene with Joseph, Mary and Jesus. You can also add animals and angels if you like.

Begin your Christmas decoration by gathering together some construction paper, recycled wrapping paper, recycled Christmas cards, recycled bows and old Christmas tree decorations such as broken strings of beads or old yet small ornaments you no longer use. Get creative and see what recycled Christmas items you can find. It's okay if the paper is crumpled or messed up. You'll be folding it in such a way that it won't matter.

Cut out three bodies for your three kings Christmas decoration, and also cut out the bodies of the characters from the nativity scene. Draw their faces in a stylized manner, and try giving one of them a dark face, and color one in a medium tone and the third one in a light tone. This provides the impression that your they come from different countries.

Take the scraps of Christmas wrapping paper or cards and fold it over the three kings' bodies so that it looks like elaborate royal robes. Fold and change patterns wherever necessary. Then give each one a colorful turban made of Christmas wrapping paper or Christmas cards. You can give them pantaloons made out of shiny material (see picture) or give them skirts with interesting patterns. Lay strings of shiny beads over the top of their "clothing" to serve as jewelry.

Then make tiny "presents" out of the wrapping paper, and the little recycled Christmas decorations. Decorate with small bows or pieces of ribbon. Be careful not to use anything too big for this project, or it will dwarf your characters. Try making little jeweled goblets and other precious gifts out of paper.

Create a north star out of wrapping paper.