Wooden crosses are covered in coins – “Paid In Full” Easter Craft.
Materials Needed:
Copper paint (or your choice of metallic paint)
Wood cross (I ordered mine from Mr. Woody’s Etsy shop )
paint brush
coins (your choice)
glue
The first thing I did was raid my children’s piggy banks – literally. I was trying to find “pretty” pennies and those are apparently hard to come by in our house. This was an excellent opportunity for me to explain what this craft and Easter was all about to Reece and Bryce.
Next step was painting the crosses. You can paint them any color you want. I knew I was going to be using pennies, so I used a Martha Stewart copper metallic paint that worked beautifully.
They really only needed one coat but I had to wait for the first area to dry before I finished painting. Since this is multi-dimensional, should anyone be viewing it from the side it will look cohesive.
The next step is to lay out your coins. Figure out if you want heads or tails showing, or both. If you want all of one type of coin or different colors.
Once you have the coins laid out you can start gluing them on. Having the cross painted allows you the option to not cover the entire surface should you desire.
I really liked the look of the copper pennies by themselves but you can add dimension and color by adding another layer of a different coin – I used nickels.
I think these turned out really beautiful and I love the symbolism.
Pamela says
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful project. I am preparing to teach an Adult VBS Class. I wanted to do a craft with them. I believe my adults will love this and I am sure when it gets home, it won’t be thrown in the trash. I had thought about a label, but I am going to let the cross and the coins speak for itself. I believe if someone sees it, the cross it will provide a wonderful opportunity to share the gospel with others.
I LOVE IT!
Linda says
Hello – since the coins have some weight to them, what kind of glue did you use? I love the message and would like to do this as a class project maybe adding a decorative “paid in full” button or sticker… thank you
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I had to look at the pictures myself to find out it’s been so long 🙂 It’s Aleene’s Tacky Glue and here’s a link so you can see what it looks like: http://amzn.to/2FA2qQg
Teresa says
What size crosses did you use? It looks like it was about 35 coins, is this correct?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I think the crosses were about 5 or 6 inches each. It really depends on the design of course, but I would account for 40 coins per cross.
Rachel says
Wow. I see where you were going with this, but you really think it’s appropriate to cover a cross in money?
Beatriz Valdez says
i just noticed this question so i thought i would respond. My opinion only BUT the gospel is not free it has always cost something whether its someone praying for others, Jesus on the cross, tithing and giving for missionaries work. something always so YES i believe its appropriate to never take the gift for granted.
carol says
Hey Trish
Lovelovelove this project! Im an “old” homeschool mom and these kinds of crafts still catch my eye. =) More then the actual project (which is awesome) the thing I love the most is the clear presentation of the Gospel you gave in you description. Everyday is about our debt being paid, so when I make these with my grandbabies…and I DEFINATELY will, they wont come down off the wall, fridge or wherever we hang them when Easter is over. Thank you for the idea and especially the message!
Carol
1 Corintians 15:1-4
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
You are so welcome Carol! So glad you stopped by!