The Mom I Want to Be

Collect pictures of nutcrackers. You will find them in books, magazines and so on. Look at all the different styles and if possible, hang pictures of different options around the room while working on the project. You can also read the story of Clara and her nutcracker, and play the music from the ballet while making them.

 

Go here to read the Nutcracker Story online, complete with music, and try Drosselmeiers.com to see pictures of nutcrackers. (The latter is a commercial site that sells nutcrackers.)

 

Empty Pringles® Potato Chip can or paper towel Roll

Felt-various colors

Craft fur, fiberfill or cotton balls for hair (optional)

Tacky craft glue or low temp hot glue

Rubber bands or masking tape to help hold things in place

Yarn, ribbons, braid, trim feathers, buttons, fabric paint, etc.

Thin cardboard to extend the hat beyond the top of the can, cereal box cardboard works well

 

Cover the can or paper towel roll with bands of felt for the shoes, boots, pants, jacket, face and hat. If necessary, glue an extra tube to the top of the can (overlap about an inch) if you want to make your nutcracker taller. Use rubber bands or masking tape to hold together while drying.  Add details to your nutcracker. If you are planning on using fabric paint, wait until you are almost finished to avoid smudging.  Make a line down the center of the legs with yarn or a thin strip of felt.  Arms and hands can be made of rolled tubes of felt. If you are adding trim to the jacket, put trim on first before adding arms.  Felt, craft fur, fiberfill or cotton balls can be used for hair.  Cut a rectangle out of skin tone felt for the nutcracker’s mouth. Add eyes and a nose.  Decorate your nutcracker with ribbon, braid, buttons, feathers, etc. Use your imagination!