Today I am sharing a very simple Good Friday Watercolor Cross Craft that you can make with your kids as you reflect upon the incredible truth that Jesus died on the cross for us. Oh, what a Savior!
But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:6
I’ll be the first to admit that Good Friday isn’t the easiest thing to explain to kids. The cross isn’t neat and tidy. It’s gruesome, brutal, and a really heavy topic. But goodness! It’s so important. Without seeing the enormous sacrifice Jesus made on the cross and the true weight of that truth, the hope and joy of His resurrection won’t be the best news ever.
Lately we have been pairing reading Scripture with a creative project and it’s been so neat to see the conversations that come up when we are creating together. It’s such a simple way to engage our head, hands, and heart with the Bible. Especially when the concepts are more difficult to grasp. I hope you’ll dive in alongside your kids and give it a try!
Here’s what you’ll need:
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- Printed Cross Template (No printer? No problem! You can easily draw your own.)
- White Cardstock
- Watercolors
- Brown Construction Paper
- Glue Stick
- Paint Brush
- Marker
- Scissors
Good Friday Watercolor Cross Craft for Kids Instructions:
After you’ve gathered your supplies, give each child a piece of white cardstock. Use a marker to write, “Jesus died for me!” There is something so incredible about seeing this powerful truth written in your child’s handwriting.
Next, it’s time to start the background. Grab a paintbrush and watercolors and begin painting the backdrop.
For our picture we were inspired by The Sun Stop Shining in The Jesus Storybook Bible and decided to paint a sky in shades of yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, and black.
Once your sky is painted to your liking, set aside the paper to dry.
While the background is drying, you can begin making the torn paper cross. First use scissors to cut around the cross template.
Then, cut the brown construction paper in 1” strips.
Hand the strips to your kids and let the tearing begin. You may have noticed that we are on a big torn paper craft kick around here. It’s just so much fun for kids to tear the paper!
Use a glue stick to attach the torn paper pieces to the cross.
Finally, use glue to attach the cross to the watercolor sky background. Set the finished project aside to dry.
Read aloud Luke 23 after you finish making the craft. Take some time to thank Jesus for dying on the cross in your place.
Each year we really enjoy making this Easter story snack and it would be a great thing to serve while you are reading aloud. Kids + snacks = great combo for reading aloud.
Hang up your picture somewhere where you’ll see it often and be reminded that Jesus rescued the whole world.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” John 3:16-17, ESV
Download the cross template by clicking the button below:
Jesus willingly died in our place to pay the price for our sin and bring us back to God. Because of His death on the cross we have been brought from death to life. That my friends is a humbling and truly life-transforming truth! I’m praying for you as you engage with your family and reflect on Good Friday.
Looking for other intentional Holy Week ideas? You might like these ideas:
- Holy Week Journal Activity for Kids
- Christ-Centered Easter Basket Ideas
- He is Risen Easter Printable Banner and Sign
Love this Good Friday Watercolor Cross Craft for Kids? Pin the image below for later or share this idea with a friend!
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