Easy DIY Nativity Blocks, with updated designs

I am so excited to get back to this project!  These little nativity blocks make such a sweet and simple decoration for Christmas (and I love nativities!).  

I created my original nativity blocks way back in 2013, and although they're still going strong as part of my personal nativity collection, I've been eager to re-design them so that I can *share them with you.  I love creating things for my readers and clients that they can simply order + DIY without having to do all the design work!   

*Due to a change with the design software and the connected print company in 2020, those 2013 designs are no longer available.  (This is my story of having to pivot.)  So, as I said, I've been itching to re-design and share these with you!

These make such fun gifts because they are 100% unique (since I've designed them myself), and the DIY part is pretty easy, too!  Plus, they are inexpensive to make.

I've made two versions for you, too!  There's a 3-piece Chunky Nativity Blocks set, and a 6-piece Silhouette Nativity Blocks set.  The supplies are easy to get, and step-by-step directions are included.  

So let me show you what I've got for you!

Introducing: (new!) Chunky Nativity Blocks

I call them "Chunky" because they're made from a 2x4 piece of wood, just perfect for little hands.  This is the new design I created using a new software program, a new (amazing!) professional print company, and new digital art. 

Keep reading for directions on how to order this 8x8 (scrapbook page) print and make the blocks, and envision them on blocks like this: 

These are the painted blocks I cut and painted
for my original Chunky Nativity Blocks.

Introducing: (new!) Silhouette Nativity Blocks

These are obviously silhouettes of the Nativity figures, but they're also made from a 1x4 piece of wood, which makes them a little slimmer and lighter than the Chunky version.  Both are kid-friendly since they're unbreakable, though.  This is the new design I created using a new software program, a new (amazing!) professional print company, and new digital art. 

Keep reading for directions on how to order this 12x12 (scrapbook page)print and make the blocks, and envision them on blocks like this, painted the color of your choice: 

These are the blocks I cut and painted for
my original Silhouette Nativity Blocks.

What You'll Need to Make These Nativity Blocks

Whichever design you choose (not saying you can't do both!), you'll need:

• The printed scrapbook page(s).  Allow about 10 days for printing and shipping.  They are cardstock-thick and have a glossy coating.  The Chunky Nativity Design is available here, and the Silhouette Nativity Design is available here.  Instructions for ordering for print are right there when you open the projects--just look to the right.  While you're waiting for the print pages to come in the mail, you can do the remaining steps:
• wood from a home improvement store.  I suggest a 2x4 for the Chunky Nativity Blocks (you'll need less than 2 1/2 feet) and a 1x4 for the Silhouette Nativity Blocks (you'll need 13 inches).
• a saw to cut the wood (power saw recommended; I suggest asking someone at the home improvement store to cut it for you if you don't have a power saw)
• the Chunky blocks from a 2x4 piece of wood:  one block 3 1/2" long and two blocks 4 1/2" long
• the Silhouette blocks from a 1x4 piece of wood:  four blocks 3 1/2" long, one block 4 1/2" long, and one block 5 1/2" long
• sandpaper to smooth the rough edges of the cut blocks
• a small paint brush and craft paint in a color of your choice (brown?  blue?  tan?)
• scissors to cut the pieces out of the scrapbook pages. 
• adhesive (I've used Xyron and even simple permanent double-sided tape to adhere paper pieces to blocks, but I'm sure adhesive spray is good if you prefer that)

Instructions to assemble the blocks are pretty intuitive, but they are included on the scrapbook pages, too.

NOTE:  I am a Forever affiliate called an Ambassador (a decision I made because I love it so much), so these are affiliate links. I earn a commission from anything purchased at my website, and being your Ambassador means I'm here to help you with questions, too.  If you're new to Forever and open your free account here to give it a try, you'll get a $20 welcome coupon towards these Nativity pages!

If Gifting

I have my own set (of my original nativity blocks), but I also gifted them, too.  They are amazing to gift for two reasons:

1. They are so unique!  Nobody else will be gifting these to your friends, family, and neighbors.
2. They are affordable!  The wood is inexpensive (you may even have scraps already), and the 8x8 page is $1.75-$2.28 depending on the sale you hit, while the 12x12 page is $3-$4, depending on the sale.  (Shipping is not included--it will be the highest cost, but will still make this an affordable gift.)

And as you saw in my red NOTE above, if you're a new FOREVER user, you actually get a $20 coupon when you first open your (free) account, so you can get about 10 of the Chunky or 5 of the Silhouette pages free! 

I gifted mine (back in 2013 with my original designs) in cellophane wrap, and I think they turned out pretty cute.

What I can tell you for sure is that the recipients LOVED them!!  

And I keep my nativity blocks by my front door so that when I have kiddos come visit they have a fun distraction from my 60+ nativities in my collection in the next room, many of which are breakable.

I hope you have fun with this DIY project and enjoy taking advantage of the "hard part" already being done for you since I created it.  

If you'd like to try your hand at creating digitally using Artisan software, too, check out the tutorial I made for you at that link.

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