DIY Paper Nutcracker Soldier

To say that I collect nutcrackers would be an understatement. I have over 100 of them. It all started when my dad took me to the ballet and I became immediately enchanted.

It’s one of the things I shared with my students at the beginning of each new school year as we got to know each other. And each Christmas, each student would make their own paper nutcracker soldier.

Now I want to share that joy with you! Keep reading for a simple DIY paper nutcracker soldier tutorial. It’s an economical Christmas craft to make with a group or in a classroom too.

DIY Paper Nutcracker Soldier

Materials needed:

Construction paper –

You can use whatever colors you want but you do need a paper that is a heavier weight than photocopy paper so it holds its shape. I used construction paper but a light cardstock or something similar would work too.

Glue –

Plain white school glue is what we used but just know that you’ll need to use a bit of patience to give it some drying time. Some of my students found the gluing process frustrating, so I always had scotch tape on hand too.

Embellishments –

These are optional. You can certainly make all of the embellishments from paper and still have a lovely nutcracker soldier. But, we had a fully stocked art supply center and the kids loved adding their own personal creative touches to their soldiers.

Ribbon, googly eyes, pompoms, felt, glitter, sequins, buttons, and other items like that can really be fun!

Black Marker

Scissors

Pencil

Free Template Pattern

Click here to download your free pattern pieces.

How to make your paper nutcracker soldier:

Trace and cut out the pattern pieces:

The provided template includes patterns for the body base, head, hair, moustache, hat, arms, hands, and accessories. Trace the patterns on the selected papers using a pencil and cut them out.

Attach the hair and moustache:

Attach the hair cutouts on both sides (left and right) of the head cutout and attach the moustache cutout 

Start creating the hat:

Attach the strip cutout along the bottom side of the hat base and attach the 3 teardrop shapes on the hat as you like.

Finish the hat:

Attach the hat pattern on the top side of the head pattern.

Draw the face:

Use a black marker to draw the face of the papercraft nutcracker doll.

Create the belt:

Cut slits along the marked lines inside the buckle cutout. Insert the belt string through the slits to make the papercraft belt.

Attach the trousers:

Attach the trousers cutout on any one side of the base cutout.

Finish the belt, buttons, and trousers:

Attach the belt pattern along the top, inner side of the trouser part. Attach the 6 decorative button cutouts on the suit part of the base.

Attach the head:

Attach the head pattern right above the top pair of buttons, on the base.

Start making the sleeves:

Attach the strip cutout along any one side of the sleeve cutout and attach the hand cutout to the opposite side of the sleeve.

Roll the sleeves:

Roll the sleeve pattern to form a cylinder shape.

Attach the tops of the arms:

Attach the round cutout to the top end of the cylinder shaped arm pattern.

Create the main cylinder:

Roll the base pattern to form a cylinder shape as well.

Finish assembling the soldier:

Attach the arm patterns on both sides of the base cylinder shape to complete the craft. 

From here you can add any embellishments you want, if desired.

More nutcracker themed crafts:

• Paper bag nutcracker puppets
• Craft stick nutcracker
• Nutcracker paper chain countdown calendar

Find the story of the nutcracker here.

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