The holiday season inspires a mix of creativity and magic, and what better way to celebrate this festive time than with a fun, family-friendly craft project? Whether you’re looking for a whimsical decoration, a memorable gift, or a creative activity to do with kids, this craft stick Nutcracker ballerina puppet will bring the story of the Nutcracker to life.
With a handful of simple materials and easy-to-follow steps, you can create your very own Nutcracker-themed puppet to add charm to your holiday celebrations.
Get ready to craft, create, and transform basic supplies into something magical!
These adorable Nutcracker ballerina puppet dancers are perfect for your Christmas ballet show! They’re made out of craft sticks and are so easy to make.
Craft Supplies:
- Jumbo Popsicle Sticks – 3 per craft
- Mini Popsicle Sticks – 2 per craft
- Mini Wooden Clothespins – 2 per craft
- Low Temp Glue Gun
- Craft Paint
- Paint Brush
- Small Paper Plate
- Craft Paper
- Scrapbook Paper
- Scissors
- Holiday Print Cupcake Liner
- Gold Pipe Cleaner
- Sharpie Markers
- Foam Nutcracker Stickers
Directions:
- Start by heating up your glue gun until it’s ready to use.
- To create the base for your glue THREE jumbo popsicle sticks side by side. Then, glue TWO mini popsicle sticks horizontally across the back to hold them together, forming a sturdy “fence” shape. Christmas ballerina friend,
- Set the base aside and allow it to dry completely. Repeat this step for each you plan to make. ballerina craft piece
- Once dry, prepare your craft paint by squeezing your chosen color onto a paper plate.
- Use a paintbrush to fully coat the popsicle stick base in paint. If you’d like, you can also paint your mini clothespins (which will serve as the ballerina’s arms and hands) in complementary colors.
- Set all painted pieces aside to dry thoroughly.
- Next, gather your cupcake liner, gold glitter scrapbook paper, skin-tone cardstock, and scissors.
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- Fold the cupcake liner in half to form the ballerina’s tutu. Add a small dab of hot glue inside the fold to keep it in place.
- From the skin-tone cardstock, cut out a small circle to serve as the ballerina’s head.
- Using the gold glitter paper, cut out a hairstyle for your ballerina and glue it onto the head shape.
- Once the head and tutu are prepared, glue both pieces onto the painted popsicle stick base. Attach the folded cupcake liner at the center to create the tutu and place the decorated head at the top of the stick.
- For the arms and hands, take TWO mini clothespins and clip them onto a decorative nutcracker sticker (or any similar item) to make it look as though your ballerina is holding it. Secure this combined piece with hot glue to the front of the popsicle stick, just above the tutu.
- To create legs, fold a gold pipe cleaner in half. Attach it to the back of the popsicle stick base using hot glue.
- The finishing touch: Use black and red Sharpie markers to draw a simple face on the ballerina’s head. Add black eyes, a nose, and red lips. Feel free to include any extra embellishments to make your ballerina unique!
- Allow your to dry completely before displaying or playing with it. Nutcracker ballerina puppet
- Be proud of your creation and share photos with us on social media! Don’t forget to use the hashtag #gluedtomycrafts.
RELATED —> Craft Stick Snowman Ballerina
It’s the MOST WONDERFUL time of year and we love celebrating by making {and sharing} creative craft ideas with our readers!
If you enjoyed today’s Nutcracker ballerina puppet tutorial, on our website you will find even MORE easy step-by-step tutorials that are perfect to recreate with your child!
So on that note, be sure to check out these fun posts, listed below, for even MORE crafty inspiration from Glued To My Crafts!
And as always – if one of our crafts inspires you, be sure to share it on our Facebook page!
Popsicle Stick Christmas Tree Wagon
Popsicle Stick Christmas Carolers
Wooden Spoon Christmas Friends
Popsicle Stick Christmas Fireplace
