DIY Gingerbread Man Decoration

This contributor post was written by Patty of P.S. it’s in the details.

I could just eat him up! He is so sweet and fun to make.

Meet Mr. Gingerbread Man – he looks like the real cookie, but he’s made from recycled cardboard. The ‘sugar’ coating is actually coarse crystal glitter.

I make similar gingerbread people decorations for my Etsy store using kraft paper.

We’ll be using cardboard here (some creative recycling!) for a sturdier body.

I’ll be showing you how to make the boy, but you could also make a girl (add a fun bow to her head!). Or, you could go traditional red and green or even all white! The decorating possiblities are endless!

Here are the materials you’ll need

• cardboard 
• brown ink 
• three assorted buttons 
• glitter glue and coarse crystal glitter 
• white pen 
• sequin trim 
• common crafting supplies: scissors, pencil, small paint brush, mini glue dots 
• the gingerbread man template (provided in post)

How to Make a Gingerbread Man of Cardboard

1. Trace the gingerbread man template onto cardboard.

gingerbread man template

2. Cut him out.

3. Ink around his edges with the brown ink. It adds depth and makes him look like a perfectly baked cookie.

4. Use a white pen to add the ‘icing’. Draw a line around his body and add eyes and a big smile. (I used a broad tip uni-ball Signo pen.)

5. Add his buttons with mini glue dots.

6. Add mini glue dots to his wrists and ankles and add the sequin trim.

You could also use a ric-rac trim or a ribbon.

7. Use the paint brush to add glitter glue to his feet, hands and body, up to his neck. Stay inside the white lines.

8. Sprinkle with the glitter, and then shake off the excess.

9. Let him dry. The glue will turn clear once it dries completely.

Isn’t he cute? Just remember – you can’t eat him, no matter how good he looks!

But you can use him to decorate your home for Christmas.

Or, make a bunch and give them as gifts, use on tags or add to a present as a great little detail.

Make him into an ornament or a refrigerator magnet – be creative!

I hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

About Patty: Patty Schaffer is the owner of P.S. it’s in the details, an Etsy shop where you can find creative paper things that will make you ooooo and ahhh! Her shop specializes in paper accents for scrapbooking, card making, gift giving and home decor. Patty also shares DIY and craft projects, news on upcoming shop releases and other fun things on her blog, Capture the Details.

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