Traditional Christmas Gift Nativity Set

I wanted to make my own stable to accompany the hand-painted rock nativity sets that I've been painting as Christmas gifts.

On a recent trip to my local craft store, I found an object in the unpainted wood department I used as a stable for my painted rock nativity. 

Here are the steps I followed to create my own nativity stable:

1. The unpainted, wooden letter/key caddy was rotated so that the arched back now became the stable's floor
2. Brown acrylic paint mixed with water was applied to the unfinished wood with a rag, followed by a coat of gloss sealer
3. Thin wood chips were glued along the front sides of the rotated caddy
4. Thicker wood chips were glued to the top of the rotated caddy to embellish the roof of the stable
5. A thin layer of glue was painted on the floor of the stable and natural moss was then attached
6. A large wooden star was painted silver; gold glitter paint was added for highlighting
7. The star was attached to a slim wooden stick and glued to the back of the stable

The before and after picture shows the finished stable. Note that the rounded back of the unpainted letter/key caddy became the floor for the stable.

For another variation of the DIY stable, I removed the star and used a Mother and Child painted rock.

This DIY stable was made using a small wooden letter/key caddy. The craft store also carried a larger caddy that would be suitable for displaying larger or additional nativity scene figures painted on rocks.

Now my painted nativity rocks have gone from being a traditional Christmas gift to a traditional Christmas nativity scene.

See more nativity set display ideas. 


© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks

No Room at the Inn

I've had a difficult time finding stables to use with my hand-painted rock nativity sets. Most times, I could only find complete nativity sets which included the figures along with a stable. Hobby Lobby, a wonderful craft store, does sell separate stables but they are quite pricey.

I've often mentioned to friends and family how much I like Wal-Mart because I always find what I'm looking for at a price I'm comfortable paying. Wal-Mart did not let me down in my search for a stable to use with my hand-painted rock art nativity figures. For one-third the cost of Hobby Lobby's version, Wal-Mart came through with a larger yet simpler stable for my needs.

Thanks to Wal-Mart, my hand-painted rock art nativity figures won't be left out in the cold.

Painted Rock Nativity Figures in Store-Bought Manger Scene Stable

© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks

Rock Candy

When painting (or gifting) small rocks and stones it is important to keep in mind that young children and nursing home residents may mistake the brightly painted rocks as candy and attempt to eat them.

Painted Rock Hamburger & Pickle Look Good Enough to Eat

Some of my nativity sets feature Baby Jesus glued to a piece of bark which makes the piece slightly larger and less appetizing. The bark also becomes a unique, natural manger.

Remember to always consider the possible recipient of rock art paintings; bright or realistic painted rocks can be deceiving.

© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks