Picture yourself setting up a manger scene, not with store-bought figurines, but with peanut shells that you’ve carefully chosen and placed.

Each shell becomes a figure including the tall ones standing as Mary and Joseph, the small rounded shell as the baby.

Also, the rough textures give a rustic, timeless quality, almost like something handed down through generations.

Materials Needed

• Peanut shells (whole and half-shells for variation)
• Wood slices or small pieces of sturdy cardboard as bases
• Sprigs of pine, cedar, or faux greenery
• Hot glue gun or craft glue
• Optional: tiny bits of fabric or twine

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Select three main peanut shells, two taller ones to serve as Mary and Joseph, and a smaller one for the baby.

Step 2: Arrange them on a wood slice or base. Glue the figures down so they stand securely.

Step 3: For the baby figure, use a smaller peanut shell or a half-shell lying down. Place it in front of Mary and Joseph to form the manger scene.

Step 4: Add sprigs of evergreen around the base for a natural, festive touch. You could even sprinkle a bit of faux snow for a wintry look.

Step 5: Step back and adjust the placement until it feels balanced.

Step 6: If you’d like, add details like tiny fabric scraps for shawls or halos made from twine, it’s the little touches that bring personality.

Tips:

I’ve found that choosing peanut shells with unique shapes makes the figures more lifelike.

A tall, slightly curved shell naturally looks like it’s bowing in reverence. Keep it simple; the rustic quality is what makes this nativity scene so moving.