Nur’s Nook: Connect with Your Community—Create a Welcoming Door
“Let us try to do the will of God … shunning division and welcoming the divine oneness of humanity.”
—‘Abdu’l-Bahá, PUP
Last week, my family went to a house-swarming party. I was excited to meet our new moth neighbors! But none of them talked to me. I felt unwanted, and it really dimmed my light.
I talked with my family, and we decided to have a Games, Bugs, & Grubs party at our treehouse. We’re inviting diverse bugs of all ages, from ants to yellow jackets.
We consulted about helping everyone feel appreciated, and decided to greet guests with kind smiles and pass out nametags. We’ll ask about their favorite places to fly and listen to the answers with respect. My sister will lead party games, and we’ll all try to make sure no one feels left out.
I made this fun welcoming door craft for everybody to sign. You can make one for your community, too!
You’ll Need: three 4½" x ⅜" (11.4 x 1 cm) standard craft sticks, six 6" x ¾" (15 x 2 cm) jumbo craft sticks, ruler, empty half-gallon (1.9 L) beverage carton, books, acrylic paint, duct tape, tacky glue, paintbrush, scissors, water, thin permanent markers, medium-sized bead, four straight twigs, craft moss, tiny charms or ornaments, small nature items (such as pinecone scales or pebbles), adult to help
What You Do:
Step 1: For door, put six jumbo craft sticks side by side in an even vertical row.
Step 2: Glue a standard craft stick about 1" (2.5 cm) from each end of door. Glue another standard craft stick diagonally between horizontal sticks. Stack books on door to help it dry flat.
Step 3: With help of adult, make doorway by cutting section about 6" x 4¼" (15.2 x 10.8 cm) from carton. Make it the same size as door’s vertical row, but with straight edges.
Step 4a: Flip door over. Place carton doorway next to door so long edges meet. Secure door and doorway together with duct tape to make a smooth hinge.
Step 4b: Cover hinged side of carton with duct tape so it’s smooth. Fold door and doorway together at hinge. Trim any excess taped carton so edges are even with door.
Step 5a: Open door and place on table with taped side of doorway face down. Paint front of door and back of doorway. Let dry.
Step 5b: Flip door over and paint inside of door and taped doorway. Let dry.
Step 6: Close door. Glue small bits of moss around it for border. Avoid covering standard craft sticks. Moss border should be nearly even in thickness with standard craft stick crossbars.
Step 7: For doorframe, use plenty of glue to secure twigs onto door’s border. Stack books on top to help frame dry flat.
Step 8: Glue to front door and doorframe tiny decorations such as charms, ornaments, moss, and nature items.
Step 9a: Create “Welcome” sign in permanent marker on small piece of carton. Glue sign and bead for doorknob to front door.
Step 9b: Inside doorway, draw or paint a welcoming picture or message. Invite community members to sign. Display door inside or outside.
For a printable version, download a PDF of this craft
Characters493 Nur152 Nur’s Nook100 Arts & Crafts25 Crafts213 Inclusive8 Community20 Communities57 Take Action1 Openness39