How to Make a Contemporary Creche

comments (12) December 15th, 2008

Jeffery Rudell, contributor

50 users recommend

For a soldier serving far from home, this modern holiday creche arrives in a simple envelope but will bring with it all your hopes and sentiments for the season.

Bold shapes and bright colors put a distinctly contemporary spin on the traditional nativity scene.

An understated envelope offers little clue to the surprise within. What better Christmas Card than to send the whole Christmas story in one package?

For a soldier serving far from home, this modern holiday creche arrives in a simple envelope but will bring with it all your hopes and sentiments for the season.

Photo: Jeff Rudell

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Given the relatively small scale of the pieces, I chose shapes that were not too detailed. The goal was the "suggestion" of an animal only, not a realistic depiction of one.

I tried to pick coordinated colors of a consistent value. (The "Black Sheep" is the one component I left out of the finished project because I thought it was too dark).

I tried to limit myself to an overall format of 9 inches x 6 inches, so I made my largest figure (a camel) that size, and scaled all the other pieces in relation to it.

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Contemporary Creche
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Comments (12)

dotted writes: How fun! This is also good for the folks who move a lot; students, truckers, airline folk, people in small homes, or just because you want to give something special. I know it's best to cut inside the paper but for those of us who aren't there yet or for kids, could I cut in from the outside? And if so is there a good way to seal the cut?
Dot
Posted: 8:58 pm on December 21st

Jeff_Rudell writes: mistah's comment points out an oversight on my part, chiefly that the "Noel" envelope is intended only as packaging for storing the nativity components. I would still recommend a sturdy manila envelope be used to when sending this item through the mail in order to protect your creation from dirt or damage. Think of the "Noel" envelope" as the project box and the manila envelope as the wrapping paper that hides your surprise. Thank you, mistah.
Posted: 6:48 am on December 17th

mistah writes: I think this is an absolutely wonderful idea! I can't wait to show my nieces and nephews how to do this---not only for Xmas, but also for birthdays and other holidays. A word of caution about the outside enevelope, however. It would be a shame for those beautiful creations to get destroyed by automated machinery used in the USPS. If anyone is inclined to cut the letters "Noel" (or any other phrase) out of the outside envelope either use clear tape on both sides of the cut, or a very strong paper weight. I'd sugesst the former or not cutting it. There are billions of letters going through our machinery and things get caught, torn, etc. Not always, but it can happen. I'm just sayin...
Keep those creative juices flowing!
Posted: 4:47 am on December 17th

LAURAMCHUGH writes: Jeffery you are the Paper Master. Everything you do is done with such care,time,talent and great skill. I am always impressed and waiting to see what you come up with next. This has simple clean lines and would look great in any home or office. I am a middle school art teacher and know that sometimes the simplest looking designs are usually the hardest to acheive. Congrats on acheiving a clean line holiday theme project that we all can attempt. Thanks for sharing you talents. I use this site and share your great projects with my students and they to are amazed. Keep up the great work. Happy Holidays, Happy Crafting and we look forward to more of your great project designs in the new year. You should market these. xoxoxox
Posted: 4:12 pm on December 15th

Carriecan writes: This is shockingly great! I agree with the other comment--I want to BUY this--I don't think I could make mine so beautifully--and the colors you chose--just perfect
Posted: 3:12 pm on December 15th

Asia_Tatiana writes: Oh my, I am absolutely thrilled for my idea to have been considered! Thank you Jeffery! And as for this project...it is amazing, wonderful, and so beautiful. I love how you are able to render a simple idea so stunningly. Thanks again for the shout out!
Posted: 3:06 pm on December 15th

AWilcox writes: I am speechless, what a wonderful HOLIDAY Treat! I know so many people who would love to have something like this as a decorations around their homes, under their tree, on the fireplace mantel, on a nearby coffee table or any display area during the holidays!

This is magnificent, great work like always. I don't even want to attempt making this - just tell me how can I buy this? It makes a terrific Christmas present that can be cherish for years.
Posted: 2:47 pm on December 15th

brooklynflower writes: Jeffrey, I love this one!!! All of your ideas are always beautiful, but this one is achievable by virtually everyone at any skill level. LOVE that it packs flat as well- a lovely gift to make! --Steph Gueldner
Posted: 2:03 pm on December 15th

Peggy123 writes: Wow! What an amazing idea, as always!
Posted: 1:59 pm on December 15th

halfaperfectpair writes: This is amazing!!
Posted: 11:41 am on December 15th

wildenfunky writes: Oh JEFFERY!!!! To have your talent!! This is truely divine!!! And so special that you can send it to people. Thank you so very much......yes, MaryCorbet, the 'sendability' is very exciting!! Merry Christmas everyone, from a sweltering Zambia!! :) lvoe Adrien
Posted: 9:46 am on December 15th

MaryCorbet writes: Very nice!

I like the simplicity and the "sendability" of it...
Posted: 8:36 am on December 15th

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