Nutcracker Ballet Craft Ideas {Sugar Plum Fairy}

Popsicle Stick Sugar Plum Fairy

The fun part about this Nutcracker craft is that I made my sugar plum fairy look a little like me with blonde hair and fair skin. You can make yours look like you or your kids too! It’s a fun, Christmas memory to look back on down the road when you’re decorating the tree.

Felt Sheets for Hair Color

Popsicle Sticks

Acrylic Paint Colors in Pastel Purple, Pink, Black & Skin Colors if Needed

Pastel Purple and Pink Tulle

Shiny Silver Pipe Cleaners

Iridescent Glitter

Craft Glue & Hot Glue

Paint Brushes (Fine & Angled)

Scissors

Craft Clips

Clear Fishing Line (Optional)

STEP ONE – Make the Body

Place 2 popsicle sticks side by side. Snap or cut a 3rd popsicle stick in half. Glue the smaller, 3rd popsicle stick to the side by side popsicle sticks. This 3rd popsicle stick should straddle the break between the two side by side popsicle sticks to make them stick together. Repeat this with another set of craft sticks. You can use craft clips or clamps to hold the parts together. If you want this process to go faster you can use a quick setting glue or hot glue

Glue one pair on top of the other like our photo to create a body and legs.

STEP TWO – Paint The Tutu & Ballet Slippers

Using pastel acrylic paint and an angled paint brush, paint the tutu costume & ballet slippers like our photo. For an POC sugar plum fairy you can paint the remaining popsicle stick a light brown color.

STEP THREE – Make the Tutu

Cut a strip of tulle about 6” x 5” inches. Fold the tulle in half 2-3 times and carefully hot glue on to the bottom of the painted ballerina dress, pleating the tulle as you fold and glue. Glue the ends of the tulle to the back of the ballerina and trim any excess tulle if needed. This makes the tutu look a little fuller underneath.

Next, cut another piece of tulle about 3” x 4” and glue it around the top of the tulle you previously glued on. Using scissors, cut the bottom of the of the tulle to create a zig zag pattern.

STEP FOUR – Make Fairy Wings

Fold a metallic silver pipe cleaner into two loops, one slightly smaller than the other, trim away any excess pipe cleaner. Repeat this step to create another set of wings. Carefully hot glue the fairy wings onto the back of the fairy’s body.

STEP FIVE – Paint on a Face

Use a fine tip paintbrush and black acrylic paint to paint eyes with eyelashes and create the fairy’s face. You can get creative with her expressions and make any face you want! If you’re not good with a paintbrush you could use a fine tip sharpie pen but don’t press too hard or the ink will bleed. I like to practice on scrap popsicle sticks before making a permanent decision on a face.

STEP SIX – Add Accents

Use a silver, metallic sharpie to draw laces onto the ballet slippers and to outline the top of the tutu dress. This may take two passes to come out nicely. If you’re good with paint and a brush you can use that instead of the metallic sharpie.

STEP SEVEN – Add Glitter

Using craft glue, spread some onto the top half of the tutu. Sprinkle with iridescent glitter for some pop!

STEP EIGHT – Make the Bun

Using a round template (like a nickel) cut out a circle from felt. Cut the circle in half and glue to the top of the head to make hair with a part line like we did. Cut a smaller circle and glue to the top for a ballerina bun.

Optional: using clear fishing line, create a loop with a knot to hang the ballerina from the tree. I made my loop through the fairy wings in the back.

I hope you enjoyed learning how to make this EASY Nutcracker Ballet Craft Ideas. If you love this Christmas craft idea for kids be sure to check out our other crafts below (we have tons)!

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