We all know decorating gingerbread men is one of the most fun holiday traditions, but let’s face it – baking a real one isn’t always feasible. But fear not! You can still experience the joy of crafting and customizing your own unique creation with this simple paper version.
In this blog post, we’ll be taking you through step-by-step instructions on how to decorate a paper gingerbread man. Through creative use of construction paper, crayons and a little bit of imagination – you’ll have an awesome festive decoration in no time at all! So grab some supplies and get ready to start celebrating the season with your special creation!
14 Step-by-step Guidelines on How to Decorate a Paper Gingerbread Man
Step 1: Get Your Supplies.
You’ll need construction paper in a variety of colors, crayons, scissors and tape or glue. It’s also helpful to have a ruler and pencil on hand. This will help you measure and draw the pieces of your gingerbread man correctly. But if you don’t have these items, it’s still possible to make the gingerbread man without them.
Step 2: Cut Out the Pieces.
Using your construction paper and scissors, cut out two 3” x 6” rectangles and four 1 ½” x 4 ½” rectangles. These will be the body, arms and legs of your gingerbread man. It’s also helpful to draw a gingerbread man shape on the paper first before cutting it out. You can use the ruler and pencil to make sure everything is even.
Step 3: Assemble the Body.
Take one of your 3” x 6” pieces and fold it in half lengthwise to make a crease down the middle. Then take both ends and fold them up towards the top center so that it looks like an upside-down V-shape. This will form the body of your gingerbread man. You can then tape the sides together to hold it in place.
Step 4: Attach Arms and Legs.
Using your tape or glue, attach two 1 ½” x 4 ½” rectangles (your arms) on each side of the V-shape you just created as well as two 1 ½” x 4 ½” rectangles (your legs) at the bottom of the V-shape. You may also want to add creases into the arms and legs to give them a more realistic look.
Step 5: Add Decoration.
This is where the fun begins! Use your crayons, markers and/or paints to draw on facial features such as eyes, a nose and a mouth. You can also use construction paper to add clothing items like scarves, hats or mittens. The possibilities are endless – so let your imagination run wild and get creative with this step.
Step 6: Attach Ribbon.
Cut a 12” piece of ribbon and attach it to the back of one arm of your gingerbread man using tape or glue to make him look more festive. You can also attach bells, ornaments and other decorations to the ribbon for added flair. This is also a great way to make sure your gingerbread man can hang easily on the wall.
Step 7: Glue on the Second Piece.
Take your remaining 3” x 6” rectangle and glue it to the back of your gingerbread man, overlapping the edges slightly to make him look three-dimensional. It doesn’t have to be perfect – just make sure all the pieces are glued securely together. You can always trim off any excess paper after the glue has dried.
Step 8: Trim the Edges.
Once your gingerbread man is fully assembled, use scissors to trim any excess paper off of the edges. This will help give him a cleaner look. You can also use the scissors to add texture by cutting small lines into the paper where appropriate. It’s all up to you – so have fun with it!
Step 9: Punch Holes for Stringing.
Use a hole punch to make two holes in his arms and legs, about 1” from either end. These will be used for stringing later on. This step is optional, but it will help to make your gingerbread man look even more polished and professional. You can also use ribbon or other materials to string him up and hang him from the wall.
Step 10: Paint or Color Designs on Him.
Now it’s time to turn your gingerbread man into a true holiday decoration! You can paint festive designs or patterns onto him using paints or markers, or you can use crayons to color and shade different areas of the body. It’s all up to you – so get creative and have some fun.
Step 11: Add Glitter and Shimmery Effects.
Use glue to add glitter or other shimmery accents to your gingerbread man – This will make him look even more festive! You can also use sequins, gems and other sparkly items to add texture. This step is optional, but it will make your gingerbread man look even more unique.
Step 12: Hang Him Up.
Using a piece of string, thread it through the holes in his arms and legs that you punched earlier on. Then hang him up for all to see! It’s a great way to show off your creativity and add a festive touch to any room. Remember – there’s no wrong way to decorate a paper gingerbread man, so have fun and let your imagination run wild!
Step 13: Admire Your Creation!
Take a step back and be proud of what you’ve created – your very own one-of-a-kind paper gingerbread man decoration! He’s sure to bring some extra holiday cheer into your home this season. But don’t stop here – you can also use these same steps to make snowmen, reindeer or other winter-themed decorations.
Step 14: Display Him!
Place your paper gingerbread man in a spot where he can be seen and enjoyed by all! He’s sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. You can also give him away as a gift – it’s sure to be cherished for years to come. After all, what could be better than a homemade decoration.
And that’s it – you’re done! With just a few simple steps (and some creativity!), you now know how to decorate a paper gingerbread man. So get out those supplies, take some time to create, and enjoy the festive season with your special decoration.
Why Should You Decorate a Paper Gingerbread Man?
Decorating a paper gingerbread man is an easy and inexpensive way to bring some extra holiday cheer into your home. Plus, it’s a great activity for the whole family – kids will love getting creative with colors and decorations.
And once he’s finished, you can hang him up as a reminder of all the wonderful memories made during the holiday season. So this year, why not try making your paper gingerbread man decoration? It’s sure to be a treat for everyone!
Which Type of Paint or Colour Should You Use?
The type of paint or colour you use to decorate your paper gingerbread man is completely up to you. You can choose from a wide variety of paints, markers, crayons and other materials – it all depends on the effect you want to create.
If you want a bright and cheerful look, go for brighter colours like yellows, oranges and reds. For a more sophisticated look, you can use muted tones such as browns and greys. Or if you’re feeling extra creative, mix and match different colours to create a unique design. It’s all up to you – so have fun with it!
How Much Will It Cost?
Decorating a paper gingerbread man is an inexpensive activity – all you need are some basic supplies and a little creativity! For example, with just $15 you can purchase paints, markers and other materials to create your festive decoration. So gather up the family, break out the supplies and let the holiday decorating begin!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What Supplies Do I Need to Decorate a Paper Gingerbread Man?
A: You’ll need scissors, glue, ribbon, tape, markers or paints and a hole punch (optional). But the most important thing is your creativity!
Q: How Much Time Does It Take to Make One?
A: That depends on your level of skill and how detailed you want to make it. But it shouldn’t take more than an hour or two.
Q: What Other Holiday Decorations Can I Make?
A: You can use the same steps to create paper snowmen, reindeer, Santa Claus and other winter-themed decorations! Have fun with it and get creative.
Q: Where Can I Display My Gingerbread Man?
A: You can hang him on the wall or place him on a shelf. He’s sure to bring some extra cheer into any room!
Conclusion
With this simple guide to decorating your paper gingerbread man, you now have all the necessary information on how to decorate a paper gingerbread man. Whether you’re making decorations for the holidays or just having some fun with arts and crafts, the possibilities are endless when it comes to crafting these smiley-faced little guys!
So get out your scissors, glue, pens and markers, and start creating a masterpiece of yuletide cheer. Before long, you’ll be hanging a unique piece of art on your wall that celebrates the festive season! Finally, don’t forget to enjoy yourself along the way –the most important part of being creative is having fun in the process.
