Nutcrackers are a traditional piece of Christmas decor that are too beautiful to be used to crack open walnuts! We'll show you how to make easy, recycled versions of these ornate wooden dolls, using T.P. tubes and other things from around your home!
T.P. tube
Printed nutcracker template - click the Stats tab above
Plain paper (optional)
Glue stick or tape
Crayons. colored pencils, or markers
Other decor items (ie. feathers, buttons, sequins, googly eyes, etc. - totally optional)
Tacky glue or hot glue (necessary if using optional decor items)
Download our nutcracker template by clicking on the Stats tab above.
Color your favorite template and cut it out
Place a line of glue on one of the vertical edges. You can also use tape.
Now stick the glue side of the template to your T.P. tube, and begin rolling the tube in the template. As you get close to the remaining vertical edge add another line of glue.
Finish rolling the tube within the paper so that it's completely covered.
Press down on the edge to make sure the paper is completely flat and totally sealed.
Your nutcracker is complete! If you wish, you can continue to decorate him by gluing on feathers, rhinestones, or other bits of decor! Use regular glue, or a hot glue gun for embellishing.
Embellishments can be anything from bottle caps to beads, use your imagination - use yarn to make hair, or lace for the hat, add a blunt toothpick for a sword.
Check out my small army of nutcrackers!