I love this simple story-stones activity in the lead-up to Christmas. I’m just wishing I thought of it when my boys were small – they’d have made a lovely, sentimental keepsake – and they’d be adorable painted in a child’s hand!
My first set is more detailed – and has more pieces. I was having so much fun (I did these in the early days of my broken collarbone!) that I thought I’d try a simpler version – hence the second set. (Click the pic for larger images.)
It’s kind of cool to match the shape of the rock to a suitable image. Would definitely recommend – for kids or adults. 🙂
I paired my story stones with the book; ‘The Christmas Baby‘, by Sally Ann Wright and Honor Ayres.
The activity can be extended further with these really cute DIY Finger Puppets, by Paul Hallam.
This week’s Poetry Friday is hosted by Karen Edmisten*. Thanks Karen!
The Gift
Baby
in a manger,
snugly swaddled,
surrounded by
earthy aromas of
dust and straw,
musky animal scents;
oxen,
donkey,
chickens ...
Lowly
shepherds,
unkempt
outcasts
garbed in workwear,
flock to
the babe,
as wise men
in faraway places
make plans
to lavish
gifts upon
the Christ Child.
Grateful
for a place
to rest,
Mary and Joseph
wonder at
the miracle;
Jesus.
© Kathryn Apel ~ All rights reserved.
Wishing you all a blessed Christmas season.
Kathryn Apel 
Your nativity stones are adorable. I’d love to make a set when my grandchildren get old enough to help. When my kids were little, we made a nativity with clay-dough that you bake and paint. It has withstood the test of time. I love your poem. So full of imagery and word choice. I’m expecting to swaddle a newborn at Christmas this year. My youngest daughter’s baby girl is due any day.
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Your clay-dough project sounds great, Margaret. My son made me a make’n’bake nativity necklace that I usually wear Christmas Day. It’s precious. If I get out of this sliing, I’ll wear it this year, too. Looking forward to seeing pics of your new grandbaby. How exciting!
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Love it! You do a great job of painting animals lying down — hard to get those legs tucked properly! (I’m sorry about your collarbone! How did that happen? Have I forgotten?) My daughter Elena made a crèche for her dad out of felt, cotton balls, and paint. It’s pretty amazing.
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