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Need an engaging and open-ended holiday activity to keep the little ones entertained? Look no further! Quill And Fox presents a delightful template for a paper gingerbread man (or woman) that can be decorated in countless ways. Join us on this crafting adventure and let your creativity run wild!
Keeping Kids Busy During the Holidays
The holiday season is a magical time, filled with crafts and decorations that bring joy to all. But let’s be honest, it can also get a bit chaotic, especially when children are involved. That’s why having a simple and engaging craft on hand is a lifesaver when you need a moment to yourself.
Our DIY gingerbread man decorating activity is perfect for school, home, and children of all ages. From toddlers to preschoolers, kindergarteners to school-aged kids, everyone can participate and create their own unique masterpiece.
Downloading the Template
To make things even easier for you, we’ve created a printable template that includes both a gingerbread man and a gingerbread woman. These designs are large enough to give your little ones plenty of space to unleash their artistic flair.
To download the free templates, simply scroll down and request them using the sign-up form. Once you’ve entered your email address and confirmed your subscription, you’ll receive the printable gingerbread craft template PDF as our special gift to you. Just click the confirmation button, and the download will begin!
Let’s Get Crafty!
Making a paper gingerbread man is as easy as pie. All you need to do is print the template on letter-sized paper or cardstock and use scissors to cut around the gingerbread girl and boy. If you have brown paper or cardstock, that’s perfect. Otherwise, print the template on white or beige paper and cover it with brown paint before cutting.
Decorating Ideas
Now comes the fun part! The beauty of this project is that it’s open-ended, allowing your child to decide how they want to decorate their gingerbread man. Simply print out the template, cut it out, and let their imagination take over. If you need some inspiration, here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Buttons (use three of a kind or create a quirky mix of different-colored craft buttons)
- Pom-poms
- Paint (add colors, details, or even clothing)
- Markers
- Acrylic paint pens (great for covering dark colors and creating a royal icing effect)
- Gel markers
- Glitter pens
- Stamps
- Nail polish
- Yarn
- Ribbons (perfect for creating “icing” or a bowtie)
- Decorative gems
- Fabric or felt scraps
- Googly eyes
- Rick rack trim (excellent for creating icing details)
- Glitter
- Sequins
- Glitter snowflakes
- Confetti (pre-made or homemade using a hole punch)
- Construction paper (punch out colorful shapes for a whimsical touch)
Tip: If you don’t have markers that cover brown, you can use liquid school glue to draw shapes and then cover them with salt or white glitter. When the glue dries, you’ll have a slightly raised design.
For those who prefer a hand-sewn look, use a hole punch to make small holes around the edges of the gingerbread man. Then, “sew” with white thread using a plastic needle.
Beyond Paper: Endless Possibilities
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are many ways to take your gingerbread man craft to the next level:
- Use cardboard instead of paper for a sturdier option.
- Make your gingerbread man out of felt and decorate it with fabric markers or reusable felt shapes.
- Experiment with craft foam for a different texture.
- Use the template as a guide to draw a giant gingerbread man on brown craft paper and decorate it as a team.
More Festive Crafts
Looking for more exciting crafts to enjoy with your little ones this holiday season? Quill And Fox offers a variety of creative endeavors to explore:
- Crumpled Tissue Paper Christmas Art
- Easy Feather Ornaments
- Free Printable Holiday Cards to Print & Color
Join our mailing list using the form below to receive your free gingerbread girl and boy templates as a warm welcome gift. Subscribers gain access to our exclusive printables library and receive exclusive content that may never be published on our site.
So, are you ready to embark on a gingerbread decorating adventure? Let your imagination soar and create memories that will last a lifetime. Happy crafting!