We’re doing another crown of thorns this year.  Last year, I made the crown myself and let the kids add the “thorns.”  But we got brave and made it a family affair this time around.  We all pitched in and the results are fabulous. (Note to self: work on pride during Lent . . . )

Would you like your own crown?  Check out the instructions below!

Measure out 4 cups flour.  (Sticking your tongue out while doing this is not necessary, but seems to help.)

Add 1 cup salt.

Stir in enough warm water to make a stiff dough (approximately 1 2/3 cup).  Knead until dough is smooth.

Divide dough into 3 even balls and roll each into a long “snake.”  (These should all be the same length, or as close as you can get them.)

Braid the snakes together and . . .

twist the braid into a circle or crown.  This step should be done on a cookie sheet so you don’t have to move it again.

Insert round toothpicks (the thorns) shallowly into the crown.  It is best to twirl the toothpicks around once they’re in, even pulling them out and sticking them in the same hole so that they are easy to remove once the crown is dry.

Put in as many thorns as you like!

Then, bake in a 300 degree oven FOREVER. 

Just kidding.  It took ours 2.5 hours.  It’s necessary to keep the temp rather low so that the crown doesn’t crack and get overly brown.  Anyway, check the progress every 30 minutes or so and remove from oven when the crown is dry.  Let cool.

We place ours on the dining room table for the duration of Lent.  Each night, as a review of our day, every family member gets to remove a thorn for each of the small kindnesses or sacrifices they have made throughout the day.  The kids love the removal process and it does encourage them to be extra helpful because they know it “makes Jesus feel better.”

On Holy Saturday – hopefully all the thorns are removed! – we paint the crown gold and glue on jewels, transforming the source of suffering into a victory crown for Our King.

Wouldn’t you like one for your home?