Shrink Plastic DIY Nativity Ornament

Today’s shrink plastic nativity DIY ornament project is going to be my neighbor gift this year.  It was simple, inexpensive, and will be easy to mass produce.

Supplies needed to make your own DIY nativity ornament:

• Clear Fillable Christmas Ornaments
• Fake Snow
• 5/8 inch Red & White Chevron Ribbon
• Red & White Baker’s Twine
• Manger Craft Die
• White Plastic Shrink Film
• Die Cutting Machine

Cut a piece of shrink plastic to fit over the manger die. Using a die cut machine, cut the shrink plastic following the machine instructions for regular cardstock.

When the plastic is cut, you may need to use a craft knife to separate the rays on the die. Mine got a little hung up. Cut as many manger scenes as you need – they can all be shrunk together.

Once the shape is released, place it on a cookie sheet and melt the shrink plastic following the manufacturer’s directions.

Be warned, shrink plastic tends to curl up when it melts but don’t panic, the plastic will level out when it is completely shrunk. If it starts to curl into itself too much, you can use a utensil to pull it straight. Let the shapes cool, then remove from the cookie sheet.

When the manger is shrunk, it will fit nicely into a 70 mm (2.75″) plastic ornament. Cut a section of baker’s twine and string the twine through the star of the manger.

Add snow and glitter (optional) to one half of the plastic ornament. Don’t add a ton – about a couple of tablespoons.

Place the manger over the snow in the ornament and pull the string tight so the manger “hangs” in the ornament.

Add the other half of the ornament, and snap it shut. You could add a small amount of adhesive to the rims of the ornament to prevent it from popping open. Tie the baker’s twine to the ornament loop, and tie the loop with some ribbon.

You can secure the ribbon with a little bit of adhesive if you like and add a cute “Reason for the Season” tag to the top for gifting!

Shaunte

Shaunte is a 30-something, chocolate-loving, SAHM from Utah. She has been scrapbooking since 1997, the dreaded era of photos cropped with deco scissors. Since then, her work has evolved into a clean, linear, photo-focused style. Her favorite subjects to scrap are her husband and five kids (never a lack for subject material there).