Paper Plate Nutcracker Craft For Kids

Bring the magic of the holiday season to life with a charming Paper Plate Nutcracker Craft your kids will love! This simple project is perfect for inspiring creativity and adding a festive touch to your holiday season crafting.

DIY Paper Plate Nutcracker

Bring the magic of the Nutcracker to life with this delightful paper plate craft! My daughter and I are going to see the Nutcracker Ballet this year and we are so excited to see this performance on stage. I’ll be honest, i’m not typically a HUGE fan of nutcrackers (although they are growing on me) but they are a classic Christmas character and we think these paper plate versions turned out pretty cute!

These fellows are perfect for a festive crafting session with the kids, this project turns an ordinary dessert-sized paper plate into a charming nutcracker character. With a combination of cardstock, paint, and your imagination, you’ll create a whimsical craft that celebrates the season’s spirit.

Materials Needed to Make a Paper Plate Nutcracker

• FREE Nutcracker Template
• Dessert-Sized Paper Plates: The base of the nutcracker.
• Cardstock: Black, chocolate brown, white, pink (medium shade), yellow, green, red, and kraft paper.
• Paint: Apple Barrel Lite Mocha is what we used (or a similar color for the face).
• Template: For the nutcracker’s features.
• Black Sharpie: For detailing features like the eyebrows.
• Circle Punches: Optional, for easily cutting eyes and cheeks (or use a Cricut machine for precise cuts).
• Glue: Strong craft glue or hot glue for assembly.
• Scissors: For cutting out template pieces.

How to Make a Paper Plate Nutcracker

Step 1: Paint the Paper Plate

• Flip the dessert-sized paper plate over and paint the back with Apple Barrel Lite Mocha to create the nutcracker’s face. Allow the paint to dry completely before moving to the next step.

Step 2: Cut Out Template Pieces

• Use the template or freehand draw and cut the nutcracker’s features from cardstock.

Step 3: Assemble the Nutcracker’s Face

• Attach Hair: Glue the hair pieces to both sides of the paper plate.
• Add Nose and Eyes: Place the nose in the center of the face. Position the eyes on either side of the nose.
• Add Eyebrows: add black eyebrows above each eye.

Step 4: Add Cheeks, Teeth, and Mustache

• Glue the cheeks below the eyes and attach the teeth beneath the nose. Position the mustache on top of the cheeks and teeth, ensuring all features are still visible.

Step 5: Add the Hat and Top Details

• Place the hat at the top of the nutcracker’s head and attach decorative pieces like a brim, stripes, or a feather to add personality.

Crafty Tips

• Plan the Layout: Arrange all the features on the plate before gluing to ensure the spacing looks right.
• Skin Coloring: we used Apple Barrel Lite Mocha (you can find this paint on Amazon or most Walmarts and craft stores) for our nutcrackers skin tone but feel free to use a lighter shade or darker shade to best match your family and friends!
• Use Quality Glue: Strong glue will keep all the layers secure, especially the hat details.
• Customize Your Nutcracker: Experiment with colors for a unique twist or match your holiday decor.
• Try a Circle Punch: These can speed up the process and make perfectly round eyes and cheeks.

Your paper plate nutcracker is now complete! This festive craft is perfect for adding a touch of holiday cheer to your home or as a creative activity for kids during the winter season. With a little patience and imagination, you’ve turned simple materials into a delightful decoration. Display your nutcracker proudly, and don’t forget to share the fun by making more characters with friends and family. Happy crafting!