Nativity 3D Box Tutorials: Baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph

Now available:

 cut file designs of 3d nativity boxes.

These three range in size from 2 5/8" to 7 1/4" tall.

They may look like they are constructed from wood blocks

but they are BASE-AND-LID boxes made of card stock.
Though there are several steps in the process,
they are not difficult to construct.

Make them yourself, or let your little people help you,

then talk about the reasons we celebrate Christmas.

Construction for all three boxes will be demonstrated here.
Scroll to find steps and photos for Mary or Joseph as you need.

BABY JESUS IN MANGER

1. Identify and cut the pieces. Note that the boxing shapes for the LID (top, right) and BASE have tiny symbols cut into the end tabs or top tabs nearest the end to help match them in perimeter order. Also note that the manger darkest brown piece will be layered UNDER the front medium brown piece so that the nail holes will show through as contrast.

NOTE the Baby base shape between the blanket and trim shapes and the other baby components. This is used to assemble the smaller pieces accurately. You may also wish to accent the half-circle "eye" cut by running a thick needle tip loaded with distressing ink or similar along the cut. A pinky end dipped in makeup blush adds color to cheeks of all three box designs.

2. Begin with the LID shape. Fold the boxing strips on perforations: side tabs inward; fold end tabs and side perfs to match the "mountain" or "valley" folds of the corresponding corners of the LID face shape.

 3. Before gluing, shape the side section of the boxing outward slightly by curling it slightly over a finger or thumb as shown. This is more easily accomplished BEFORE the tabs are folded, or just re-straighten them for the curling step.

4.  Apply glue and join the first seam to the LID. 

5. Continue joining segments in order. For the curved section, align the ends, then flex and work the boxing edge to match the curve of the lid face shape. While glue is pliable, continue to make adjustments as necessary for an accurate, smooth joint.

6.  Join the end tab to the first boxing end.

7. Continue the sections edge-joining process until all three boxing strips are joined and in place. This image shows the final end-to-end tab gluing process. Because the space is tight in this corner, take time and use fingers or other sharper-edge tools like a ruler or pencil to be able to apply pressure against the ridge and side end for an accurate and neat joint.

Repeat the assembly for the BASE.

8. Assemble the design shapes separately, then glue to the face of the LID, keeping the "echo" margin between shape edges and box face edges.

Fit base into backside of lid to complete the box. Insert a small packet of doll weight pellets or similar material, if desired, before closing box. Glue layers together (see Mary tutorial for these steps for that box). 

MARY TUTORIAL

9. Identify and cut the shapes. 

Note that this image shows the design foundation shape (bottom left) upon which  the colored pieces will be assembled.

10. Fold the boxing shapes on perforations: side tabs inward, other end tabs inward, shape sections to match the corners of the LID shape.

11. Shape the curved sections by "curling" them slightly over finger or thumb so that they imitate the lid curves that correspond.

(NOTE that Mary's curves are inward curls while the manger edges are outward curls.

12. Align and attach the first section of the boxing strip you begin with. Here the left side, second segment above the curve is being joined first. This is one choice for a starting place. It may be helpful to have the section beyond the curve in place before the curved section is attached so that the curve can be flexed against that secured edge for better fitting during gluing.

13. Next, glue the curve. Align the opposite end (or both ends if construction order different that what is described in step 12) and glue, then while glue is still pliable flex and glue the curve section in between to match and fit the LID edge accurately.

14.  Continue joining segments in order. Attach the next boxing strip end tab to edge of first strip as construction progresses. 

Complete boxing strip joining.

 15. Assemble design shapes onto their component base shapes, then onto the foundation shape. Note that the eye and veil/headdress contrast is provided by the foundation shape.

16. Glue the design shape, centered, onto the LID. Once glued and positioned on the face, it may be helpful to turn the LID over on a smooth hard surface and apply finger pressure from the backside, as shown here. This may assist the edges to attach more smoothly.

17. Fit the base inside the lid. 

18. If desired, before closing box, prepare and insert a small baggie of doll weight pellets.

Glue the baggie in place, if you have concern about movement within the box.

As an optional step, apply glue between the LID and BASE edges. This way, the box will function more like a wood block figure.

JOSEPH TUTORIAL

19. Identify and cut the shapes. (Missing from this layout is the dark brown staff)

20. Fold the boxing strips on perforations, tabs inward, other folds to match the LID shape.

21. Position and attach the first edge of boxing strip to LID. Continue attaching edges, joining boxing strip ends, etc., to complete the LID.

22. Assemble the design shapes on their base shape or component shapes until completely assembled.

Attach design shape to LID face.

23. Complete BASE in similar fashion. Add weight pellet baggie, if desired, then fit base into lid backside.  Apply glue between the lid and base edges (see illustration at the end of Step 18) if desired.

Enjoy your completed three-figure project!