Nutcracker Ornament DIY (Make a DIY Nutcracker Bar!) ♥ Fleece Fun

Handmade Christmas Ornament idea: This Nutcracker Ornament DIY is easy and fun for all ages. Set up is perfect for a party and everyone can let their creativity shine with this tutorial!

I love making handmade Christmas ornaments like this Nutcracker Ornament DIY! But the thing I love more than making ornaments is making ornaments with others! Today I’m going to show you how to set up a “DIY Nutcracker Bar” that will make for some creative crafting and fun. I’m personally planning on doing this with my family on Christmas eve to help keep excited kids (and let’s be honest adults too) busy.

Nutcracker ornament made using fleecefun free template and tutorial

Growing up my parents would take us to the Nutcracker Ballet every year around Christmas time. I remember dressing up for the ballet and how beautiful and magical it seemed. I think that’s why I love the Nutcracker story. It’s a happy Christmas memory from my childhood.

YOU WILL NEED:

Blank Wood Nutcracker Ornaments
Paint or Wood Markers (since it’s for Christmas Eve and I don’t want to deal with paint I’m all about the markers!)
Permanent adhesive Vinyl pre cut out, weeded and with transfer tape
The Cricut Design Space File for the Signs
Faux fur (preferably cut up and ready to go)
Thread (for hangers)
Lint roller (a must when working with faux fur)
Canvas Sign Blanks
Heat Transfer Vinyl
Nutcracker Decorations
Glue gun and Glue sticks
Tape
Wood Craft sticks (to help with vinyl transfers)
The free SVG file (get it by filling out the form)

Nutcracker Ornament DIY

Step 1 – Prep the Items for the Ornaments

To make this Nutcracker decorating bar as easy as possible I made these signs using Cricut Design space. I also got these cute stand ups, banner and gift boxes. I also love these fluffy yarn balls to toss around the table.

The Nutcracker ornaments are sanded and ready to go so all you need to do is set them out!

Cut out the SVG file in the colors desired. I have a selection of items to go ton the coat and eyes for the nutcrackers. Weed the vinyl and add transfer tape to make it easy for your guests.

Cut out hair and beards for the nutcrackers from the faux fur. Run a lint roller along the edges to make it as clean as possible.

Have tape available so guests can mask off part of the ornament while coloring it to make it neater.

Step 2 – Begin to make a diy Nutcracker

DIY Nutcracker ornament creation with fleecefun free pattern

Have the items laid out in the order they are to be assembled.

Grab a nutcracker blank and move onto the color station.

Step 3 – Color the nutcracker (and get creative)

This is where kids and adults can really let their creativity shine.

Step-by-step guide for making a Nutcracker ornament from fleecefun free template

Have them color the nutcracker ornament DIY using the wood markers.

Let them use the tape to mask off parts of the nutcracker.

Step 4 – Add the hair to the Nutcracker Ornament DIY

Detailed Nutcracker ornament DIY project from fleecefun free tutorial

I originally thought that I could get this to work with glue dots, but they refused to stick to the back of the faux fur! While traditional white glue will work the easiest (and most secure) solution is a glue gun. Be sure to have an adult help the littles with this part or be patient with the white glue and let have a little time to dry. It’s fun to add a beard to some of the nutcrackers!

Step 5 – Add the fine details to the Christmas Ornament

Now this is the step where the cute little Nutcracker Ornament REALLY comes alive.

adding the eyes and details to the nutcracker DIY made with fleecefun's free tutorial and SVG files

It’s time to add the eyes and a few details to the front of his (or her) coat. I have a large selection of eyes some are layered ( I recommend doing this for your guests in advance – just to make it faster/ easier).