Family Tree Christmas VBS Christmas
Tree Collage
Family Tree Christmas Collage is a theological reflection on the genealogy of
Jesus and our adoption into the family of faith through the sacrament of
baptism. The art project builds on the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1:1-17
and/or Luke 3: 23-38 together with the significance of baptism in Ephesians
4:4-6 and Galatians 3:27-28. The collage art project includes layers that connect
the story each child’s family with the genealogy of Jesus through the sacrament
of baptism.
Materials List
·
Corrugated cardboard cut into squares (sample
shown is 8-1/2”x 8-1/”) for the backing/base
·
Scrapbook, card stock, or wrapping paper cut
into strips in varying widths
·
Christmas tree shape sized to nearly fill the cardboard
backing
·
Rubber stamps—handmade or store bought
·
Ink pads various colors
·
Acrylic paint various colors
·
Decorative ribbon, glitter, and embellishments
·
Christmas music
·
Genealogy of Jesus from Matthew 1 or Luke 3
·
Wood shapes—squares and stars
·
Bailing wire to make a hanger for the completed
piece
·
Optional—miniature photos of family members to
glue onto the collage
·
Mod Podge, scissors, paintbrushes, and cotton
swabs
·
Hairdryer to force dry between layers
Begin by creating the background layer which includes
portions of the genealogy of Jesus from Matthew or Luke, strips of music from a
favorite Christmas carol, miniature photos of the child’s family. The cardboard
can be left exposed in places or the entire piece may be covered with a piece
of decorative paper. Letters also can be used to stamp the name of the child’s
family and/or the names of the Trinity and the family of faith. Use acrylic to
add a light coat of paint over the basic background collage. To make the tree, find a Christmas tree shape on the
internet that can be sized and used a template to glue strips of paper. Once
the tree is covered and the glue has dried, hold the paper up to a window so it
is backlit and cut out the exterior shape of the tree.
Glue the tree onto the background and add embellishments
as desired. Stamp words on the background and/or tree that express the feelings
of Christmas and the relationship to the Trinity. For a three-dimensional
feeling, paint wooden shapes and use them as packages under the tree or as a
star atop the tree or in the sky. 
Making a custom stamp out of Styrofoam also adds depth. Use a dull pencil to draw a simple shape like a star, cross, or snowflake; add drops of acrylic paint into the recessed areas and spread with a fine paint brush; then “stamp” the image on the collage. Clean up excess paint using a cotton swab. Use a piece of bailing wire to create a simple hanger for the completed piece. When the art is done say, “Tell me about your family tree,” have the children share their stories.