Life of Christ DIY Christmas Ornament

Life of Christ Christmas Ornament

The ward (In the Mormon Church the members are split into groups called wards depending on where they live) that I am blessed to be in has a Christmas Tree that they put up every year.  The families are all supposed to make an ornament that revolves around Christ to put on the tree.  As I was contemplating what to do I came across an idea from a blog I saw not too long ago.  http://wmcraftgoodies.blogspot.com They used blocks like this to make an ornament with pictures of their children on it.  I love it and thought it to be very creative.  I then thought it would be perfect to depict the life of Jesus Christ and I am very pleased with the outcome.

During the Christmas season with all of the focus of the world around us being on worldly things it is easy to become caught up in the commercialism of Christmas and forget why we are truly celebrating.  Jesus is the reason for the season as the song goes.  I love the pictures that I chose to use on the ornament.  I started the first block with the events that surround Jesus Christ’s birth.  The second block I chose pictures that show him at the time he started his ministry, beginning when he was baptized by John the Baptist.  The third block goes on to the last supper and ends with the beautiful resurrection.   Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ gave all that we may someday be able to return to our loving Father in Heaven.  Because of the love Jesus has for all of us he came to earth to atone for us.  The atonement is the greatest gift ever given and he was the only one that could do that for us.  Not only did Jesus atone for us, but he died for us then was resurrected, paving the way for us to one day live again.  During the Christmas Season there are so many that turn their hearts towards the Savior.  Jesus Christ set an example for us in giving.  He taught us his gospel, he performed many miracles, he had compassion for all, but most important, he loved.  In John 13:34-35  it says; “A New Commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.  By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”  I hope that we can all find ways of showing our love to all those around us not only this Christmas season, but always.  We develop love for others and show our love by serving. 

Life of Christ Christmas Ornament

Step-by-Step Instructions

I used 2X2’s and had them cut into 2” blocks.  I first went to Joanne’s to see if they had any precut blocks, but they had very little in the wood craft section, so I headed to my local hardware store and they were kind enough to cut it for me. The 2X2 I got was only $1.89, so I got several blocks pretty cheap. 

I then took my blocks and drilled a whole through all of them.  After that I sanded them.  They are now ready for painting.

You can of coarse use any color you choose.  For this project I chose to use a Christmassy color, hunter green.  I would recommend at least 2 coats and be sure to let it dry completely before going to next step.

Next I got out my pictures that I had printed from the computer earlier and the Mod Podge. Using a small paint brush I then lathered the Mod Podge onto the back of the pictures and laying them onto the blocks one at a time.  After finishing one block I then Spread the Mod Podge over the entire block just as shown in the pictures below.  I would recommend at least 2 layers if not more.  Be sure to let dry between layers.                                                                                
Here is what it should look like after the Mod Podge has dried.

We are now ready to make a bow and thread the ribbon through the blocks.  You can make the bow however you like.  I chose to make a simple Christmas bow by making several loops and a smaller loop at the end.  As you can see this process was quite messy due to me buying ribbon with a lot of glitter.  Needless to say I am not a huge fan of glitter. I always get it in my eyes.

 

I then took another piece of ribbon and made a knot for the middle.  You want the ribbon with the knot to be long enough for 2 tails to go through the blocks. Using a hot glue gun, glue the knot to the front of the bow and partially around.  Now you can string your blocks.  I wrapped the end of my tails with masking tape and threaded a needle through it to help me get the tails through the holes on the blocks.  Depending on the type of ribbon you use you may or may not need to tie a knot between each block.  With this ribbon it wasn’t necessary. After you have all your blocks on your tail you can position them how you please and then tie a knot at the end.  Be sure to leave some tail at the end as a tassel. I then added a loop at the back of the bow so that it can hand on the tree. 

Here is a couple others I made using different ribbon.

These will make great gifts for neighbors I think and it’s a great way to share your love for Jesus Christ and to share the gospel with others.  Add your testimony of the Savior with it when you take it to your neighbor.  I hope that you all can experience the true meaning of Christmas this year.  Merry Christmas and God Bless all of you.