Circled Cross

Suzanne Hastings from St. Jerome Catholic Church in Phoenix, AZ brings us this Lent look.

From Suzanne: For the lenten season, I built a crown of thorns to go around the crucifix. The vines and thorns were constructed using pool noodles. Pool noodles were first painted brown and using a box cutter. Only one side of the pool noodle was cut lengthwise. I then placed each noodle on a round circular frame using the cut side tucking the metal ladder into the hollow of the pool noodle. I only put the sliced pool noodles on the outside of the ladder. The frame was built using two metal masonry ladders wired together and then wired to hooks in the wall for stability. The rest of the uncut pool noodles then were strung together using flexible electric wire. I used the electrical wire as it wasn’t too expensive yet it could hold 8-10 pool noodles. We made three long strands.

Once the pool noodles were strung, paper mache was used to cover the pool noodles. When they were dry, each strand was wrapped around the metal frame, leaving somewhat large gaps so another string of pool noodles could be added. I used zip ties to hold in place. We repeated this two more times. I also paper mached single pool noodles to add where it was needed and again used zip ties to attach. We used light brown paint to touch up any cracks.

To make the thorns, pool noodles were cut in half lengthwise and then cut in different thorn size. Using scissors a point was cut and then each one painted a dark brown to contrast with the light brown of the vines. I used wooden skewers and threaded the thorn first and leaving the point end to stick in the vine. We used strip lights to illuminate the crown.

The crown of thorns was displayed on Ash Wednesday and throughout lent. On Palm Sunday we covered the cross with red material and added palms to the altar. Fake tree trunks that I made, were used to hold the palms. We progressed the crown through holy week starting on Holy Thursday with water flowing through the crown using blue gossamer and for water pouring out of clay vessels, we used blue/green mesh all symbolizing washing feet. Then on Good Friday we shined red lights and placed a cross in front of the altar draped in red material, which was then removed during mass. Finally, the crown of thorns was transformed by taking off the thorns and adding flowers to symbolize new life and celebrating the resurrection of Christ at Easter. The flowers were zip tied onto the vines, which allows for easy removal without damaging the vines.

The number of items needed for this project will depend how large you make the crown. Our crown was 12 feet high by 8 feet across. We have a very large altar and wanted to make a statement, however, this project can be done on a smaller scale.

2 masonry wire ladders from home improvement store $6 each
Approximately 35 pool noodles bought at the dollar store – $35
Wooden skewers – one bag from the dollar store. $1
Paint – I look for the oops paint cans at home improvement store – I bought 2 cans $9 each that was left over from another project (tree trunks)
Brown butcher paper $10 for a large roll
Glue 10 bottles from dollar store 2 bottles for $1
Electrical wire – depends how thick the wire is. I used 2 rolls and the price was around $10 each.
Around $100 to make

This remarkable crown of thorns design demonstrates how everyday materials can be transformed into powerful worship visuals that carry deep spiritual significance. The circular frame surrounding the crucifix creates a dramatic focal point that draws the congregation’s attention to the central symbol of Christian faith while the organic, twisted vine texture adds visual interest and texture to the stage. The use of pool noodles as a base material is particularly ingenious—their lightweight nature makes the structure manageable despite its large scale, while their cylindrical shape naturally mimics the twisted branches of actual thorn vines.

The progression of this design throughout the Lenten season offers an excellent model for churches seeking to create dynamic, evolving stage environments that reflect the journey from solemnity to celebration. By planning multiple visual stages—from the stark crown of thorns to the triumphant Easter flowers—Suzanne created a visual narrative that paralleled the spiritual journey of the congregation through Holy Week. This approach of designing with transformation in mind allows a single stage element to serve multiple purposes, maximizing both budget efficiency and visual impact.

The lighting strategy employed here also deserves attention. The strip lights illuminating the crown create depth and dimension, casting interesting shadows that enhance the three-dimensional quality of the vines and thorns. For churches with limited lighting equipment, even simple uplighting or strategically placed floor lamps could achieve a similar effect, highlighting the texture and form of the crown without requiring complex rigging or expensive fixtures. The interplay of light and shadow on the paper mache surface creates an organic, living quality that draws viewers in and invites contemplation.

From a practical construction standpoint, this design offers several advantages for volunteer teams. The materials are readily available and inexpensive, with most items sourced from dollar stores and home improvement centers. The techniques involved—painting, cutting, paper mache, and basic assembly—are accessible to volunteers with varying skill levels, making this an excellent project for involving multiple members of the congregation in the creative process. The use of zip ties for attachment points allows for easy adjustments and repairs, ensuring the structure remains stable throughout the weeks of use.

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Pro Tips for Creating Organic Stage Elements

Plan for Scale and Proportion: When creating large circular or framing elements like this crown of thorns, carefully consider the proportions relative to your existing stage elements and cross. Take measurements of your altar area and create a simple sketch or cardboard mockup to visualize the scale before beginning construction. The 12-foot height of this crown was specifically chosen to complement the existing crucifix while maintaining visual balance within the large altar space.

Master the Paper Mache Technique: For a smooth, professional finish on your organic forms, use a mixture of one part flour to one part water with a tablespoon of salt added as a preservative. Apply thin layers rather than thick ones—multiple thin coats create stronger, smoother surfaces that are less prone to cracking. Allow each layer to dry completely before adding the next, and consider using a hair dryer on low heat to speed drying time when working on deadline.

Create Realistic Texture with Paint: Achieving a convincing organic look requires layering multiple paint colors and techniques. Start with a base coat in your primary color, then dry-brush on lighter and darker shades to create depth and highlight the texture. For the thorns, the contrast between the dark brown points and lighter vine color creates visual interest and helps the dangerous-looking elements stand out from the background.

Design for Transformation: When planning seasonal stage elements, consider how they might evolve throughout the season. This crown was specifically designed with zip-tie attachment points that allowed for easy removal of thorns and addition of Easter flowers. By building in these modification points from the beginning, you create a versatile design that can serve multiple purposes and tell a complete visual story from Lent through Easter.

Related: Strips Falling – A fabric strip stage design using fishing line and fabric strips of varying sheens, perfect for creating dynamic vertical elements that transform from Good Friday to Easter.

Related: LED Sunburst – A stunning LED cross design with radiating light beams that creates a powerful worship focal point using RGB light strips and DMX control.