Create a beautiful nativity scene using an egg carton as the stable!
This charming Christmas craft transforms a simple egg carton into a meaningful display featuring Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus.
Egg Carton Nativity Materials
Gather these supplies to create your egg carton nativity:
Essential Supplies:
- 1 egg carton (6-count works best)
- Cardstock/felt paper – (blue, orange, brown, tan/beige, black, yellow, white, pink)
- Raffia or shredded paper (for straw)
- Scissors (adult supervision recommended)
- Glue stick or craft glue
- Black marker (optional for facial features)
- Small pearl gems (optional for stars and decoration)
- Nativity character templates (provided)
How to Make Your Egg Carton Nativity
This craft is perfect for older children or adults, creating a meaningful Christmas decoration.
Step 1: Create the Black Backdrop
- Cut a piece of black construction paper to fit the inside of the egg carton lid
- Glue the black paper securely to the inside of the lid
- Alternatively, you can paint the lid with black acrylic paint if preferred
Step 2: Cut and Assemble Mary
- Using the Mary template, cut out all the pieces from cardstock (or felt paper)
- Layer and glue the pieces to create the complete Mary figure
Step 3: Cut and Assemble Joseph
- Using the Joseph template, cut out all the pieces from cardstock (or felt paper)
- Layer and glue the pieces to create the complete Joseph figure
- Use a black marker to create Joseph's beard
Step 4: Cut and Assemble Baby Jesus
- Using the baby Jesus template, cut out all the pieces from cardstock
- Glue the hair to the face and then glue the face to the body.
- Wrap the white strips of cardstock around his body so it looks like a swaddle.
- Use a black marker to draw eyes.
Step 5: Create 3D Folded Stars
- Create two 4-point origami stars (or for an easier option cut two stars from paper instead).
- To get started cut two squares from yellow construction paper (5 x 5 cm)
To create the 3D folded effect on each star follow the directions in this video:
- Repeat the folding process for the second star
- Layer one folded star on top of the other and glue together
- Add a small pearl gem to the center top of the star
Step 6: Complete Your Scene
- Glue the large 3D folded star to the upper portion of the black backdrop
- Add small pearl gems scattered across the black backdrop to represent stars in the sky (Alternatively, use white paint to add small dots if pearl gems are not available)
- Add raffia or shredded paper strips to the bottom of the egg carton
- Place baby Jesus in the center egg cup on the straw
- Position Mary on one side of baby Jesus
- Position Joseph on the other side
- Display on a shelf, mantle, or table
- Close the carton for easy storage after Christmas
Final Thoughts on This Egg Carton Nativity Craft
This egg carton nativity craft brings the Christmas story to life with simple construction paper figures and a recycled egg carton stable.
The 3D folded stars and pearl gem details create a beautiful night sky scene that makes this meaningful craft perfect for celebrating the nativity story with kids!
Ready for more Christmas crafts for kids? Check out these festive favorites:
- 35 Christmas Keepsake Craft Ideas
- 30 Christmas Popsicle Stick Ornament Crafts for Kids
- 30 Fun DIY Clear Christmas Ornament Crafts Kids
- Create a Complete DIY Nativity Scene with These 5 Toilet Paper Roll Crafts
Explore our kids craft blog for even more Christmas crafts that combine creativity with meaningful holiday traditions!
