Nutcracker Popsicle Stick Craft

Step 1: Gather your supplies.

Set everything out on your work surface so you’re not reaching for scissors or glue mid-step.

Step 2: Build the nutcracker head.

Line up six jumbo craft sticks side by side. Trim additional jumbo craft sticks to width and glue them across the back to hold everything together. This forms the nutcracker’s head.

Liquid craft glue can be used, but hot glue keeps the project moving without long wait times.

Step 3: Build the nutcracker hat.

Line up six more jumbo craft sticks side by side. Trim and glue additional craft sticks across the back to secure them. Measure and trim the hat piece to 5 inches tall.

Step 4: Attach the hat and nose.

Glue one jumbo craft stick across the head about 1.5 inches down from the top to create the hat brim. Attach the hat just above the brim.

Measure and cut one jumbo craft stick to 2 inches long and glue it vertically in the center of the face to create the nose.

Step 5: Paint the base.

Basecoat the head with a flesh tone acrylic paint. Paint the hat brim yellow and the hat blue. Let everything dry, then add a second coat if needed.

Step 6: Trace the pattern pieces.

Download, print, and cut out the nutcracker patterns. Trace the hat trim onto bright green cardstock, the mouth onto white cardstock, the eyebrows and hair twice, and the mustache once onto black cardstock.

Step 7: Cut out the cardstock pieces.

Cut all pieces carefully, cutting just inside the traced lines for a clean finish.

Step 8: Draw the mouth details.

Outline the mouth with a red marker. Use a black marker to draw a simple checkered pattern for the teeth.

Step 9: Assemble the face.

Glue the eyebrows, wiggle eyes, and mustache onto the face. Attach the mouth underneath the mustache.

Step 10: Add the hair.

Flip the nutcracker over and glue the hair pieces to the right and left sides of the head.

Step 11: Decorate the hat.

Glue the bright green cardstock accent to the hat. Add a purple feather, then attach a self-adhesive red rhinestone at the base of the feather.

Step 12: Display your finished nutcracker.

Let everything cool and fully set, then display your nutcracker on a shelf, mantel, or holiday craft display. You can also add names to turn them into festive place cards.