How to Make Nutcracker Crackers

Wrap an 8.5 × 17.5cm panel of black cardstock around one end securing in place using tacky glue. Trim a 9.8 × 17.5cm panel of blue cardstock for the cracker middle, followed by a 5.5 × 17.5cm peach cardstock for the other end securing both in place using more glue.

Cut a 4 × 12.5cm panel of black cardstock then draw out and fussy cut a hair line on each of the two shorter sides. Attach the hair to the peach cardstock panel ensuring to leave approximately 1cm of peach cardstock showing around the bottom.

To make the hat, trim a 2.5 × 3.5cm piece of blue cardstock, round of two of the corners then make a crease line approximately 1cm from the straight edge. Make tiny cuts from the straight edge to the crease then glue this cut part to a trimmed 4 x 17cm panel.

Fold up the hat peak and fix in place over the face and hair. Use the end of a pencil rubber to create the rosy cheeks, dab the rubber into a pink ink pad and stamp on to the face.

Fussy-cut a moustache shape and fix to the centre of the face, draw two tiny eyes and a smile.

Decorate each soldier using a variety of different embellishments, mix and match the colours so that each soldier compliments each other.

To make the arms, cut a 1.5 x 13cm strip of cardstock, fold in half and fix a piece of double sided tape to one side. Place a punched circle of peach cardstock at one end then fold the strip creating an arm and hand.

Top tip: Make a template for the hair and mustache, then use these to draw and cut them all out.

Your crackers are then ready to be added to your Christmas table!