How to build a realistic Christmas nativity scene: step-by-step guide
How to build a Christmas nativity scene realistic, well-proportioned and rich in details?
Making a Christmas nativity scene yourself means combining tradition, creativity and techniques from model making. Before starting, however, it is important to design the scene well, to choose the scale of the figurines and to use suitable materials for structures, rocks, vegetation and small details.
With the products SUPER GLUE Colle21, Technofoam21, the Leonardo range and the natural vegetation Teloxis Aristata, it is possible to create a personalized nativity scene, from a small scene family to a real Christmas diorama.
In this guide, we will see how to build a Christmas nativity scene step by step, what materials to use and how to obtain a more realistic result.
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How to build a Christmas nativity scene: where to start ?
The first mistake to avoid is starting construction without having defined the project.
Before cutting or gluing any material, it is preferable to determine three elements:
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the dimensions of the base;
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the height of the figurines;
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the main location of the Nativity.
The size of the characters determines the scale of the entire nativity scene. Houses, doors, paths, stairs, trees and accessories must therefore maintain consistent proportions.
In addition, it is useful to make a small sketch of the scene. This will make it easier to predict buildings, paths, mountains and different light points.
1. Prepare the base of the crib
The base constitutes the structure on which the entire scenography will be built.
It can be made of wood, rigid cardboard or using light materials intended for model making.
To create walls, buildings, floors, rocks and structures in relief, a particularly interesting solution is Technofoam21 by Colle21.
👉 Discover Technofoam21 by Colle21
Technofoam21 is available in several thicknesses and is suitable for creating dioramas, miniature sets and model creations.
It can be used in particular to manufacture:
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stone walls;
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houses ;
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arches;
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paved floors;
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walls;
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stairs;
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rocks;
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mountains;
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caves.
2. How to build the houses and walls of the nursery?
Once the base is prepared, you can start creating the architectural elements.
To obtain a realistic result, it is best to avoid too perfect surfaces.
For example, an old wall can be engraved to reproduce stones or bricks. Then, different shades of paint and patina effects allow you to simulate dust, humidity or wear.
For this type of work, the Leonardo range by Colle21 allows you to go further in the creation of decorations and finishes.
👉 Discover the Leonardo range by Colle21
The Leonardo range is particularly suitable for creative projects, dioramas and miniature settings.
3. Install the lighting before completing the decor
If you want to build a lit nativity scene, this step is essential.
The cables, LEDs and different light points should ideally be planned before finishing the houses and the landscape.
Indeed, installing the lighting once the scenography is completed risks forcing some to be dismantled or damaged. parts.
You can include:
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lights in the houses;
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Nativity lighting;
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lanterns;
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camp fires;
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a starry sky;
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day and night effects night.
Also, by hiding the cables and power supplies under the structure from the start, the end result will be cleaner and more realistic.
4. How to create mountains and rocks for a nativity scene?
Mountains and reliefs help create depth in the scene.
With light materials like Technofoam21, you can superimpose several layers and then work them to obtain irregular shapes.
Then, you can add paint, sand, pigments, small stones and vegetation.
It is best to avoid mountains too symmetrical.
In nature, the reliefs are irregular. Therefore, a few imperfections often result in a much more realistic nativity scene.
5. How to glue the different elements of the nativity scene?
A Christmas nativity scene often brings together many different materials.
Wood, foam, plastic, resin, metal and natural materials do not necessarily require the same type of glue.
This is why SUPER GLUE Colle21 offers a wide range of glue solutions. bonding.
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Depending on your project, you can choose different viscosities and different types of adhesives.
A fluid glue can be useful for small parts and precise assemblies.
Conversely, a thicker formulation can provide more control on vertical or slightly irregular.
The principle therefore remains simple: choose the glue according to the material and the type of assembly.
6. Create realistic trees with Teloxis Aristata
Vegetation can completely transform the look of a nursery.
To create realistic trees and shrubs, the Teloxis Aristata constitutes an excellent natural base.
SUPER GLUE Colle21 offers a Teloxis Aristata Kit 20 × 30 cm + Permanent Adhesive Spray 300 ml, designed for dioramas, models and nurseries.
👉 Discover the Teloxis Aristata Kit + Permanent Adhesive Spray Colle21
Teloxis Aristata has very fine branches.
It can therefore be used as a basis for reproducing:
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miniature trees;
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shrubs ;
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bushes;
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hedges;
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dry vegetation.
The adhesive spray then allows you to add foliage, flocking, artificial moss or other decorative materials.
7. How to create a realistic floor?
A convincing nursery should not have a completely uniform floor.
You can combine several materials:
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sand;
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gravel;
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earth;
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moss;
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small pebbles;
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pieces of wood;
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bark;
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vegetation;
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paths.
In addition, create slight differences in level.
A slightly lower path, a rock in the foreground or a small hill in the background can give more depth to the scene.
8. Position the figurines correctly
The arrangement of the figurines should naturally guide the eye towards the Nativity.
A good method is to create several small groups.
For example:
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artisans near shops;
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shepherds along the paths;
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animals in rural areas ;
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the Three Wise Men towards the Nativity.
The proportions must also remain consistent.
The buildings, accessories and decorative elements must therefore be constructed according to the size of the chosen characters.
9. Add the little details
It is often the details that transform a simple nativity scene into a real diorama.
You can for example add:
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crates;
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barrels;
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tools;
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baskets;
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barriers;
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stairs;
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doors;
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windows;
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signs;
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animals;
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small objects in shops.
However, avoid filling every space.
A few more ventilated areas allow the composition to breathe better and enhance the Nativity.
SUPER GLUE Colle21 to build your Christmas nativity scene
A nativity scene can bring together dozens of different materials.
It is therefore preferable to have several gluing solutions rather than using the same glue for the entire project.
The range SUPER GLUE Colle21 includes different viscosities and technologies to meet varied needs.
In addition, Technofoam21, the Leonardo range and products for dioramas allow you to work not only on assembly, but also on the complete creation of the decor.
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Don't want to build everything yourself? Arte del Presepe by Alessandro Scerzi
Not everyone has the time or desire to build a nativity scene entirely from scratch.
For those looking for a simpler solution, Alessandro Scerzi of Arte del Presepe also makes handmade nativity scenes prepared.
This allows you to benefit from a composition ready to install without having to carry out all the construction stages.
👉 Discover his achievements and contact him directly on the Facebook page Arte del Presepe Artigianale.
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FAQ – How to build a Christmas nativity scene ?
How to build a Christmas nativity scene yourself?
Start by choosing the dimensions of the base and the size of the figurines. Next, set the location of the Nativity, houses and lights. Finally, build the settings, add the vegetation, accessories and characters.
What material should I use to build the nursery houses?
You can use wood, cardboard, cork or materials specific to model making. Technofoam21 by Colle21 is particularly interesting for making structures, walls and decorations.
How to create realistic trees for a nursery?
The Teloxis Aristata allows you to create very natural ramifications. You can then use an adhesive spray to attach foliage or flocking.
When should the lighting be installed?
It is advisable to plan and install the majority of the lighting before completing the scenography, in order to be able to hide the cables without damaging the elements already built.
What glue to use to build a nursery?
It depends on the material. A nursery can bring together plastic, wood, foam, metal, resin and natural materials. It is therefore preferable to choose the SUPER GLUE Colle21 solution corresponding to the support and the type of assembly.
How to make a nativity scene more realistic?
Work especially on the proportions, the different levels of the ground, the textures, the shades of color and the small details. In addition, avoid surfaces that are too uniform and perfectly symmetrical.
Can we buy a nursery already made?
Yes. People who do not want to build everything themselves can discover the artisanal creations ofAlessandro Scerzi – Arte del Presepe.
Conclusion
Knowing how to build a Christmas nativity scene means above all designing the scene well before get started.
Proportions, base preparation, lighting, building construction, vegetation and small details all play a role in the end result.
With Technofoam21, the Leonardo range, the Teloxis Aristata Kit and the different solutions SUPER GLUE Colle21, the construction of a nursery can become a real project of modeling.
The main thing is to move forward gradually, to observe reality and above all to let your creativity speak.
👉 Discover the entire range SUPER GLUE Colle21
👉 Discover Technofoam21 by Colle21
👉 Discover the Leonardo range by Colle21
👉 Discover the Teloxis Aristata Kit + Permanent Adhesive Spray Colle21
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