Firmly Rooted

Bill Pendleton at Liberty Heights Church in Liberty Township, Ohio brings us this cross with roots.

They started with a cross they already had on hand. They wanted it to be the center instead of the roots.

To create the root system they first added a large riser to the back of their stage and covered it with black fabric. Then they bought large rolls of butcher paper. They rolled and crushed it to make it look twisted and gnarled. They also bought one box of flexible duct work from Lowes and covered it with the paper. They used screws to mount the flexible air duct pieces to the base of cross. The twisted roots were attached to the cross and wall with screws, fishing line, and staples.

Tip: Spraying the paper with water helps to shape the roots.

They used plants, ferns, and moss from around the building to add to the natural look. They also applied spray paint to the roots to give them a more natural appearance under the lights.

They lit the set from above with 3 LED opti Tri 30’s and under with 2 thin Par 64’s. They used 2 American DJ Mega Bar 50’s on each side of the trees.

The rest of lighting was a combination of 48 pars and lekos, and 2 Robie 575xt Colorwashes.

Total cost of design was $35 because they recycled from around the building.

Creating Natural Root Stage Designs

Natural element stage designs have gained tremendous popularity in church worship spaces because they bring an organic, grounding presence that resonates deeply with congregations. This cross with roots design from Liberty Heights Church exemplifies how simple, everyday materials can be transformed into powerful visual metaphors that enhance the worship experience. The imagery of roots extending from the cross speaks to themes of faith, foundation, and spiritual growth that are central to Christian teaching.

The genius of this approach lies in its accessibility for churches with limited budgets and volunteer teams. Butcher paper, available at any office supply store, becomes the primary sculpting material for creating organic shapes that mimic natural wood and root systems. When twisted, crushed, and manipulated, this humble material takes on surprising dimension and texture that reads beautifully from the audience perspective. The technique of spraying the paper with water to help shape it is particularly clever, allowing volunteers to create permanent curves and bends that would be difficult to achieve otherwise.

The integration of real plants, ferns, and moss adds authenticity that artificial materials cannot replicate. By sourcing these elements from around the building and grounds, the team not only saved money but also created a design that felt connected to their specific place and community. This approach demonstrates how churches can look to their immediate environment for design inspiration rather than relying solely on purchased materials. The natural variations in the plants add visual interest and depth that make the design feel alive and organic.

Lighting plays a crucial role in bringing this natural design to life. The combination of overhead LED fixtures and under-lighting creates dramatic shadows and highlights that emphasize the three-dimensional quality of the roots. The strategic use of side lighting from the Mega Bars adds depth and separation, preventing the design from appearing flat against the black backdrop. Spray paint applied to the paper roots helps them catch and reflect light in ways that enhance their natural appearance, creating subtle color variations that read as authentic wood texture.

From a practical standpoint, this design demonstrates excellent resource stewardship. By repurposing an existing cross and gathering plants from the property, the team minimized expenses while maximizing impact. The flexible ductwork provides an internal structure for the larger root forms, giving them shape and volume without requiring complex carpentry. This combination of purchased and found materials creates a professional-looking result that belies its modest budget.

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Pro Tips for Natural Element Stage Projects

Source Materials Creatively: Look beyond traditional craft stores for your design materials. Hardware stores often carry butcher paper and flexible ductwork at lower prices than specialty retailers. Consider reaching out to local businesses for donations or discounts, many are happy to support church projects. For natural elements like plants and moss, check with your church grounds, local parks (with permission), or even ask congregation members to contribute from their gardens.

Master the Paper Technique: Working with butcher paper requires some practice to achieve convincing organic shapes. Start by tearing rather than cutting the paper for more natural edges. Twist and crumple the paper before shaping it to create texture that catches light realistically. When spraying with water to set shapes, use a fine mist rather than soaking the paper to prevent weakening. Allow pieces to dry completely before installation to prevent sagging or mold issues.

Plan Your Lighting Carefully: Natural element designs rely heavily on proper lighting to reveal their texture and dimension. Test your lighting setup with sample pieces before final installation to ensure you’re achieving the desired effect. Consider using gobos or breakup patterns to cast organic shadows that complement the natural theme. Position lights at multiple angles to prevent flat, uninteresting illumination that would diminish the three-dimensional quality of your design.

Build for Stability and Safety: While paper and plants are lightweight, ensure all elements are securely attached to prevent movement or falling during services. Use appropriate fasteners for your wall and ceiling types, and test everything under vibration conditions similar to what might occur during worship. For designs incorporating real plants, consider how watering or humidity might affect other materials over time, and plan for easy replacement of any elements that may wilt or degrade.

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