🌿 1. “Back to Bethlehem” Natural Forest Crib
Materials: bark, twigs, dried leaves, stones, moss
✨ Build the stable from bark pieces, use twigs for fences, and natural moss as grass.
🌟 Looks earthy, organic, and very authentic.
🌾 2. “Jute & Burlap Nativity” Rustic Fabric Theme
Materials: jute cloth, burlap, cotton thread
✨ Make all characters using rolled jute bodies and burlap robes.
🌟 Warm, rustic, and 100% biodegradable.
🍃 3. “Leaf Art Crib” (Pressed & Fresh Leaves)
Materials: dried leaves, banana leaves, coconut leaves
✨ Create characters using shaped leaves; banana leaf for stable roof.
🌟 Artistic and visually unique.
🪵 4. “Wood Scrap / Driftwood Crib”
Materials: driftwood, leftover carpentry wood, wooden pegs
✨ Assemble the stable from driftwood; peg dolls become figures.
🌟 Natural, elegant, and competition-worthy.
🌾 5. “Clay & Mud Village Nativity”
Materials: locally made clay, mud paste, terracotta pieces
✨ Sculpt simple figurines and houses. Add sand and stones for Bethlehem.
🌟 Earthy, handmade, and beautiful.
🪴 6. “Living Green Crib” (Plants-Based Scene)
Materials: potted plants, bonsai, real moss, soil
✨ Build crib around living plants, creating an eco garden Bethlehem.
🌟 Fresh, vibrant, and long-lasting.
🧵 7. “Recycled Paper & Newspaper Crib”
Materials: newspaper, cardboard, brown paper, glue
✨ Roll paper to form figures; shred newspaper for hay; cardboard for stable.
🌟 Budget-friendly AND eco-friendly.
🥥 8. “Coconut Shell & Husk Nativity”
Materials: coconut shells, husk fibres, coir rope
✨ Use shell halves as manger, husk figures with rope details.
🌟 Very unique, durable, and sustainable.
💫 9. “Mud Pot / Earthen Pot Crib”
Materials: small clay pots (kulhads), natural dye paints, jute
✨ Use upside-down pots for bodies; hand-paint faces; organic materials for scenery.
🌟 Distinctive and earthy.
🌱 10. “Seeds & Grain Art Nativity”
Materials: lentils, wheat, seeds, pulses, rice
✨ Create mosaic-style figures or backgrounds using grains and pulses.
🌟 Highly creative, colorful, and eco-conscious.
———————————————————–
🌿 “Back to Bethlehem” Natural Forest Crib 🌿
A 100% eco-friendly, nature-inspired Nativity scene
📌 Materials Needed (All Natural & Biodegradable)
For the Stable
- Tree bark pieces (flat, curved, or irregular)
- Twigs / small branches
- Dried leaves or palm leaves (for roof)
- Natural glue (fevicol also fine, but avoid hot glue if you want full eco)
- Natural jute rope or twine
For the Ground / Base
- A wooden plank or thick cardboard base
- Dry moss / green moss
- Small pebbles and stones
- Sand or soil
- Dried grass or hay
For the Figures (Holy Family & Others)
Choose any one style or mix them:
- Wooden peg dolls or
- Small twigs wrapped with jute for bodies or
- Mini clay figurines
- Fabric scraps (cotton or jute) for robes
- Twine or thin rope for belts/headgear
Decorative Natural Elements
- Pinecones (whole or broken pieces)
- Seeds, pods, acorns (optional)
- Dried flowers
- Star made from twigs or bamboo sticks
Optional (Enhancement)
- Battery LED warm lights (eco-friendly and reusable)
- Natural dyes for minor coloring
🛠️ Step-by-Step Guide
STEP 1 — Create the Base (Bethlehem Ground)
- Take a wooden board or thick cardboard as your foundation.
- Spread a thin layer of glue.
- Sprinkle natural sand or soil to create ground texture.
- Add patches of moss and small pebbles to represent a rocky Bethlehem landscape.
Tip: Keep the center slightly elevated using a little mud mound for the stable.
STEP 2 — Build the Stable Structure
Back Wall:
- Arrange large, flat tree bark pieces vertically as the back wall.
- Glue them firmly; tie with twine if needed for stability.
Side Walls:
- Use 3–4 twigs or sticks on each side to form stable sides.
- Tie them using natural jute rope in cross knots (looks rustic).
Roof:
- Place two thick twigs across the top like beams.
- Layer dried palm leaves, coconut leaves, or large dried leaves on top.
- Secure with twine for an authentic thatched-roof effect.
Result: A naturally aged, forest-style stable.
STEP 3 — Prepare the Manger
- Use a small curved bark piece or coconut shell half.
- Fill it with dried grass or hay.
- Place a tiny twig or clay Baby Jesus figure inside.
- Add a thin jute rope for a bed border (optional).
STEP 4 — Make the Figures (Eco Style)
Option A: Twig + Jute Figures
- Cut twigs to figure height (Mary shorter than Joseph).
- Wrap middle section with jute to form bodies.
- Add small fabric scraps as shawls or robes.
- Use a tiny round seed or clay ball for heads.
Option B: Mini Clay Models
- Shape simple bodies without too much detail.
- Use natural pigments for light decoration.
- Wrap shawls of leftover cotton cloth.
Arrange Figures:
- Baby Jesus in the manger
- Mary kneeling on one side
- Joseph standing with a staff (twig)
- Add shepherds and animals if you want more detail
STEP 5 — Add Scenic Details
- Place moss around the stable floor for grass.
- Add small stones, pinecones, or dried flowers for decoration.
- Use twigs to build fences, paths, or a small firepit (tiny red seeds look like embers).
Animals idea:
Make sheep by wrapping cotton on peanut shells or small twigs.
STEP 6 — Create the Star of Bethlehem
- Take thin twigs or bamboo slivers.
- Arrange them into a star shape using rope ties or glue.
- Place the star on top of the stable roof or hang it above using thread.
Optional: Wrap a tiny LED around it for glow.
STEP 7 — Final Touches
- Dust a little sand on top for a natural desert effect.
- Spray a very light mist of water to freshen moss.
- If using LEDs, hide the battery pack under moss.
- Step back and adjust figures for balance and symmetry.
🌟 Your Natural Forest Crib Is Ready!
It will look rustic, earthy, and deeply connected to the original Bethlehem environment — perfect for competitions.
Nelson MCBS 
Leave a comment