Decorations like nativity sets may serve as a gentle reminder of the true meaning of Christmas to guests. If you have a Nativity set, you may wonder how to assemble it. You may be wondering what to look for while making your first purchase.
The first thing you should do when planning to set up your Nativity scene is decide where you will put it. Whether the room is long, narrow, or short and broad, either configuration will impact how the characters assemble into a scene.
Most people put their artwork on a mantle or a unique table. Think about your children and whether or not you want it out of their reach (a brilliant idea if it's fragile and they're young!) or at eye level so they can view and enjoy it with the rest of the family. You can also choose to put your setup outside with Outdoor Nativity Sets.
Nativity scenes come in various styles, materials, colors, and numbers of figurines, making selection difficult. For this reason, we have compiled some advice to assist you in selecting the most suitable nativity set for your family.
Style
The style of the nativity figurines is the first thing that catches the eye of the viewer of the nativity scenes, both in the woodcarving store and the online shop. There is a wide variety of designs for wooden nativity sets, including if you could change the numbers to how you'd want, what would they be? Incredibly basic and cutting-edge? A timeless design with intricate details? In garments made of organic material? Or in a new and unexpected manner, one that's fun?
The modern aesthetic is characterized by strict minimalism. The sculptures could be more varied in terms of detail. The animals and shepherds are in the open. The contemporary aesthetic is fresh and youthful, making it an excellent choice for urban dwellers and families with children of all ages.
Simply said, a classic design has stood the test of time and can be used in any setting or decor. The nativity figures have spherical bodies with a lot of fine detail, and their flowing garments give the impression that they are in motion.
Styles from the Far East are often quite basic and unadorned. Characters' attire, turbans, and other accouterments suggestive of Eastern culture are fundamental to this aesthetic. The towering walls, vast landscapes, columns, arches, and palm palms of the stable's design complement the orientalism of the nativity figures.
The Alpine farmers inspired this rustic or rural aesthetic. The nativities in the crib are decked out in aprons, regionally appropriate attire, and hats. The stables resemble the traditional cow shelters across the Alps, with stone and wood walls.
Type of wood
Maple wood, light and somewhat soft wood that can be handled easily with the chisels, is the material of choice for most classic woodcarvings, including statues and nativity figures. Lighter and harder than maple wood, lime wood (linden wood) is ideal for detailed work.
A nativity scene carved from pine wood is an excellent option for anybody desiring an unusual wood with a pleasant aroma. Cribs like this are often kept in their original state so that the wood's grain, texture, and—most importantly—fragrance may be appreciated to their fullest.
The versions of the figurines
There are many variants of nativity figurines and other wood-carved sculptures. You can get wooden figures that haven't been touched up with any paint or wax, so they appear raw. With wooden variants, the natural grain of the wood from which the figurines are carved is readily seen. If you want a monochromatic and tricolored wax treatment, they are available in the stained and stained three colors variants, respectively.
The shading on these figurines is quite realistic and visually fascinating. The figurines in the vintage design have been given a unique treatment that gives them an aged appearance. The most well-liked rendition of the wooden figurines is a colorful one since the painted versions include very recognized faces, clothes, animals, and accessories.
Oil paints, which seem bolder and more concise, are the most popular choice for coloring wooden sculptures. Watercolor paints, which are light and delicate, are also employed on occasion. Remember that every nativity set and other wooden statue is unique since it is painted by hand.
The size of the nativity figurines
The size of the figurines is a crucial consideration. Most shops have nativity sets ranging in size from 5 cm to 40 cm in height, with the reference always being to Joseph. When carving a series of figurines, Joseph is considered the "beginning figure," All subsequent sculptures are created in reference to him.
Take a crib with a height of 10 centimeters as an example; the children, shepherds, and animals in the cradle would be shorter than Joseph but would be in scale with his height. A 10-centimeter nativity scene requires a 10 cm Jesus child, even though the actual size will be considerably less. Not each figurine in the nativity scene, but the set as a whole is what is measured.
So what is a reasonable size for a nativity set? After all, the accessible area determines this option. Use smaller figurines, such as 7–9 cm, if you only have a little room for the nativity scene; if you have a lot of space, pick bigger figures or put up more nativity figures.
Size of the stable
Even the stables come in various sizes, each designed to accommodate a specific set of nativity figurines. Simply said, if your nativity figurines are 10 centimeters tall, then a stable that is also 10 centimeters tall will be the most appropriate size for them.
Accessories and animals
Some baby cribs include an abundance of ornaments and stuffed animals. The sheep that go with the shepherds are by far the most common animals, although some cribs also have larger creatures like elephants and camels and smaller animals like chickens, kittens, goats, and so on. In the same way, particular cribs, especially traditional cribs, come with a plethora of included accouterments.
While shopping for a nativity set, keep these things in mind.
