Wood Manger Scene

A little wooden stable to house a Nativity scene, cut entirely from one cedar fence picket. Cedar's warm color and rough texture suit the rustic manger look, and a fence picket is dirt cheap — nominally 5-1/2" wide, 1/2" thick, and 6 feet long, so one picket makes the whole thing.

The only real cuts are the 25° bevels on the tops of the sides and the roof pieces, which give the stable its peaked roof. Cut the bottom and sides, attach the sides to the bottom with the bevels oriented so the long point is on the inside, then build the peaked roof.

It's assembled with hot glue in the original — fast and plenty strong for a decorative piece — though you can nail or staple it if you prefer something more permanent. For the back, trace the stable's outline onto 1/4" plywood, or plank it with more cedar picket for a consistent look. A simple, giftable holiday project you can finish in an afternoon.