Sliding Doors Nativity Scene | Cutting Machine & Laser Cutting | Craft Genesis - Print

Sliding Doors Nativity Scene

Make your own classic manger scene with a fun new twist! This 3D laser cutting project features functional sliding doors that open to reveal the holy family on Christmas morn. Learn how to make your own with the help of step-by-step project instruction.

Supplies

  • .125" Wood or MDF
  • Wood glue

Tools

  • A Glowforge or other laser cutting machine
  • Digital calipers for measuring kerf

Products Used

  • 3D Nativity Shadowbox with Sliding Doors (Laser Cutting) (Sku: CM81499-1)

To make your own Christmas nativity scene with sliding doors, all you need is a laser cutting machine like Glowforge, .125" wood or MDF, wood glue, and a little time. Start by cutting out all of your pieces following along with this laser cutting design's downloadable PDF cutting guide, then continue reading to begin the building process.

Steps To Complete

To start, stack and glue the two base pieces (B and C) together, making sure to line up the slots.

Insert Mary, Joseph, the manger, and the two animals (L, N,O, P and Q) into the inner slots located on the base - Jesus' manager should be in the middle.

Glue the window detail piece (R) to the back piece (K).

Slot the side pieces to the back piece (E1, E2, and K) and secure with glue if desired.

Attach the front piece (A) to the sides and back, and secure with glue if desired. Then, slot the 4 sides into their corresponding parts on the base.

Quick tip: Lightly sand the front piece (A), especially the area across the top of the door opening. This smooths the wood and will make the doors slide more easily once assembled.  

Then line up the small pieces (G) with the scored guidelines on the slider (H) and attach with glue to form the completed slider mechanism. 

Line up the decorative frame layer (the one that includes a slider slot - piece J) with the peak on the front of the barn and glue it in place.

Place the two sliders into the channel on the decorative frame layer (J).

Place the remaining decorative frame layer (I) on top of the first one (J), securing the slider mechanisms with glue.

Next, glue spacers (F) onto the bottom of the door backsides.

Glue the top of the doors (D1 and D2) to the visible part of the slider mechanism.

Glue the two roof pieces (S1 and S2) to the top of the nativity box.

And finally, glue the star (M) to the front of the nativity box.

Your 3D nativity scene is now complete! Create a variety of different looks by using paint or stain to color the pieces before assembling. You can even add your own battery powered lights to the back of the box to create a stunning "glow" effect. Be as creative as you want to be!