What is a Jesse Tree without the symbols? Today I devoted the afternoon to making the ornaments for my advent calendar. I had researched a lot of different options; I had seen them made out of felt, clay, paper, wood and knitted out of yarn. I did experiment with salt-dough a few weeks ago as an option, but it turned out badly. Besides, I really wanted mine to be wooden too, since that's what I had growing up.
So, with my husband eagle eyes to help, we finally found wooden circles slightly less than 3" at Michaels for 28 cents each. I also found several special cut outs that worked well for some variety; a whale for example was perfect for the symbol for Jonah. I also found an apple shape, crown and "house/barn" already cut out. For the symbols I googled Jesse Tree symbols and printed them out from Jesse Tree Treasures to look at as a guide. I used tempera paint and painted the symbols myself. It was really very fun and relaxing.
Here is how they all turned out in the end.....I was pleased with the result, although I'm not completely done yet. I still plan to add some glitter to the crown, baby Jesus's stable and the star and perhaps a few others if the creative whim takes me there. I am also planning to print out the verse and short paraphrase of the story and attach it to the back. I also still need to thread the holes with some string.
Above: The symbol Earth for when God created the Heavens and the Earth and the Apple and the Snake
Above: Baby Moses in his basket boat and the Horn of Gabriel
Above: The temple and the scroll
Above: The crown for story of Saul, the Lion for Daniel in the Lions Den and the Whale for Jonah swallowed by the big fish.
Above: The Little town of Bethlehem and the Hammer and nail is a symbol for Joseph.
Above: The baby Jesus in the manger
Next I still have to figure out what I want to do for the numbers on the pockets and then sew the pockets on. Getting closer!
