Our Jesse Tree

We’ve been using the Jesse Tree to shape our Advent celebration for almost twenty years. Early on we had only a booklet of daily readings, but over the years we added—creating our own devotional series (that carries through the 12 Days of Christmas!) and crafting ornaments to accompany each day’s reading. Now all six of our children, 20s to tot, eagerly join in the celebration. We use the readings on this website and finish each evening with hanging the day’s Jesse Tree ornament.

Find out more about how we celebrate with so many ages here, or scroll down to get crafting! These ornaments are easy to make, but take a bit of time. At the end, however, you’ll have beautiful keepsakes that can be used year after year.

We made ours extra tiny and store them in little boxes made from leftover Christmas cards.

Jesse Tree Day 16: Jonah

This cute ornament looks complicated but is easier than it appears. 

What You’ll need

• Oven-bake or air-dry clay or salt dough (note: salt dough must be stored in a dry place or it will disintegrate!)

• Acrylic paints, glitter, glue

• Jewelry-making or needle-nosed pliers

• Flat-bottomed head pin for hanging

Instructions

1.

Shape a fish from clay.

2.

Use a small knife to make an open mouth for the fish and to cut some fins. Attach the fins and shape until it resembles a fish at least a little bit (imperfections add to the charm!).

3.

Add a sculpted Jonah. The easiest way to make him is by forming a small worm for his torso and a small ball for his head. Add arms if desired (no need for legs!). Put Jonah in the fish’s mouth.

4.

Gently push headpin through bottom of the fattest part of the fish and add details with a toothpick as desired.

5.

Dry according to package directions.

6.

Paint as desired.

7.

Carefully bend headpin into hook with pliers.

Resources and Links

Find inspiration for other Jesse Tree Ornament designs at our Jesse Tree Pinterest Board.

For simpler ornaments, use one of our Joy of Advent printables (linked below).

We use Sculpey clay and the materials listed below (affiliate links—support our site without adding to your cost).