There are probably a hundred creative ways to turn The Jesse Tree printables into adorable Jesse Tree Ornaments for this advent project, but I wanted to keep it super simple because Christmastime can be crazy and I knew if I got too fussy and couldn’t finish it during an afternoon naptime, I probably wouldn’t finish it. Just the reality of my life right now.  

Looking at the pictures is probably self-explanatory, but here’s a basic rundown on creating the countdown pieces:

1. Print The Jesse Tree Graphics

Start by color printing The Jesse Tree graphics. Every time I print in color for a project, I use Epson premium matte presentation paper. Though it’s more expensive than regular cardstock, I highly recommend it because it prints vibrant colors true-to-screen while card stock will just soak in and dull the ink. And my feeling is, if you’re going to spend the money on colored ink, you might as well have your project turn out looking good.

2. Cut Printed Jesse Tree Graphics

The printables come in two formats–one with square cutting lines around the images to guide you if using a paper cutter or scissors, and the other blank so you can use a large circle punch, Silhouette, etc.

I went with the guideline version, and used a paper cutter to trim my images into 3″ x 3″ squares. Then I backed them with 3.5″ x 3.5″ squares of colored card stock. Since taking pictures for this post, I also went ahead and laminated the finished cards for durability (and largely inspired by a greasy fingerprint left by a little helper!).

3. Display Your Jesse Tree Ornaments

We’re going non-fussy using baker’s twine and clothespins to hang our advent pieces on the mantle.

Or if you don’t back the pieces, they fit perfectly inside a pocket chart. (I think this would make a fun game or Biblical timeline to test your kids’ knowledge of the sequence of stories. I know it was a good review for me!)

What other ways can you think of for displaying your Jesse Tree Ornament advent pieces?