Have you ever tried to make your own Crucifix? I hadn’t either, but I figured this was the week to try. When I started planning for celebrating Easter Mass at home I wanted to have a larger Crucifix to place near my TV so I started to look around to see what I had at home that could be use to craft a Crucifix. I was lucky enough to have air dry clay, but if you don’t have this you could use paper mache, salt dough, or even decoupage a paper image onto a Cross.
I love to see your creations too! Please share them on Facebook with us or send me pictures at Audreyg at stjoegold.org.
Step 1
Make the body of Jesus. As you lovingly fashion the body of our Lord from whatever materials you have available, pray a decade of the Rosary while meditating on the Transfiguration (Luminous Mystery) or another Mystery of your choice. I basically made long rolls of clay for Jesus’s arms and legs with a thicker one for His torso and a ball for His head. I used a toothpick and water to create details and smooth areas. Air dry clay curls a little bit during the drying process so you may need to continue to press Jesus’s limbs down as the clay dries. A little bit of curling is ok.
If you have kiddos who think making Jesus is too hard, they can try another project like a bunny!
Step 2
Make the Cross. I used a weather 1 x 2. I sawed it to the size I wanted then marked out the area I needed to chisel out. Pray another decade of the Rosary while chiseling and meditating on the Crucifixion of our Lord. I used a chisel and hammer to make a notch in eace piece so that they fit together.
Step 3
Glue your Cross. I used wood glue to attach the two pieces together. I clamped it for about an hour and then let it dry overnight.
Step 4
Attach the body of Jesus to the Cross. You will probably need a very strong adhesive for this - E6000 or contact cement - if you are attaching clay to wood. Be sure to work in a well ventilated area. Let dry overnight.