HOW TO ASSEMBLE A LAYERED NUTCRACKER
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When I think if Christmas and traditions, one of my favorite is going to the Nutcracker Ballet. Unfortunately, it won’t be happening this year. Nutcrackers also make great Christmas decorations, so just had to add one to my growing collection of free layered designs.
I don’t mind if you use these designs for personal or small business commercial use up to 200 items, but please do not re-sell or re-distribute the files. I’d ask that you direct your crafty friends here to download the files themselves. Also, I don’t allow my designs to be used in print-on-demand shops or on transfers that will be sold. Click HERE for complete Terms of Service.
HOW TO CUT AND ASSEMBLE A LAYERED NUTCRACKER
This project requires many small pieces, so grab your stash of card stock scraps and get creative! I’ve included a video showing exactly how I assembled my Nutcracker. I tried to keep the video as short as possible, but yet show all the steps of how I assembled the project. ❤️
- 65 lb Cardstock – I used Recollections Brand Cardstock and scraps I had in my stash.
- Art Glitter Glue – Don’t let the name deceive you; this glue has no glitter. You can purchase the precision tip. It’s the best for intricate paper projects.
- Micro-Foam Tabs
- Foam tabs
- Light grip mat (blue light grip)
- Brayer
- Cricut Maker – or your favorite cutting machine.
- Design #100 – Layered Nutcracker SVG – The free SVG cut file (available in my freebie vault—get the password at the bottom of this post).
Grab your smaller scraps; they’re perfect for most of this project!
The bottom layer is duplicated. If you plan to have your Nutcracker stand on a display and use a lighter-weight cardstock, I’d recommend cutting two bottom layers for stability. Heavier-weight paper could also be used on the bottom layer.
If you need to resize the design for your project, it’s recommended to do that while the entire project is still grouped. This will ensure all proportions are maintained.
Using a Brayer will keep your paper securely attached to your mat reducing tearing. I cut the Nutcracker pictured with 65lb weight cardstock from Michaels.
Once all layers have been cut and carefully removed from the mat, you’re ready to assemble. Refer to my video above for detailed assembly instructions.
PLEASE SHARE PRIOR TO DOWNLOADING
Please share! If you enjoy this project/design, please share it on your social media platform or your favorite Pinterest board. I greatly appreciate it!! That helps my blog continue to grow and enables me to continue to provide free designs. 💕 Thank you!
Beautiful SVGs! You are very talented and I appreciate so much that you share for free. ❤️❤️❤️
I cant wait to make the nutcracker. Nutcrackers are my all time favorite decorations. I have all sizes from a few inches to 4 feet tall.
I love all of your creations but I am pretty sure it will take alot to top the nutcracker.
Love this design. I often use Nutcrackers in my holiday displays. I’ll be making this one tomorrow for sure. Will try to make him exclusively with scraps on hand. No promises – but I’ll see whatI can do. Thanks so much.
Enjoy!
This design, as well as others on your site, are just what I’m looking for, however, can’t download them. The WinZip program is not free. What am I doing wrong? Can’t find clear directions on how to get around paying for WinZip on your site. Thanks!
Hi Pam,
All my free downloads can be found in my Freebie Vault. To access, fill out the form on this page with your name and email and you’ll instantly receive the password. No need to pay for WinZip, that may have been an advertisement. Let me know if you need help. https://specialheartstudio.com/get-a-password/
Windows has a way to extract the files. Right click on the downloaded file and click the extract all. If you need any further assistance, let me know and I can help you. I also use a Mac as well. Tracy Lynn Hart on Facebook. I want you to enjoy all the files available to us from Gjoa!
Just love what you make and all your designs – Very generous of you to share. Love the nutcracker and can’t wait to make him!! Thank you!
And really strange – went to order the micro pop dots and if you want to buy two of them the cost is $60! Wow, big error, but just FYI
Thank!!!
I am so excited to see this! I love all of your stuff, but this one makes me so happy. I plan on making it and putting it in a shadow box and giving it to my sister who has collected Nutcrackers for years!!! She is going to love it!! Thank you so much for sharing your talent!
This is remarkable. I’m going to attempt to make this for either my daughter or grandson. Hope it works! Thanks for sharing your talent.
Let me know if you have any questions. Happy to help!
I love your Nutcracker, as well as your other free designs. I have made a couple that I plan to post soon.
I’m looking forward to your class on the Holiday Maker Fest. See you there.
Thank you for sharing,
Julia
Thanks Julia! Can’t wait for the Fest.
Thank you so much for the free pattern! My son collects nutcracker’s and has all sizes. I made this for him this evening. He will LOVE it! I have used several of you patterns and have been really happy with them and the ease of putting them together.
Thanks again,
Andrea
I love the nutcracker. What a great use of scraps. I am going to make a pair for my son to put in his window. Thank you so much.
Nice assembly video! I really enjoyed it and picked up a few tips and pointers.
Thank YOU!
He is so cute!! Thank you!
I’m 73 and joining with lots of enthusiasm and minimal talent. Glad I signed up for Jennifer Makers classes.
I am making the nutcracker now but did not have any of the red pieces in the SVG files I downloaded. There were 8 cuts but not the top or the red foil pieces! Have I done something wrong?
Hi there.
All of the pieces are included in the download. Without seeing what you’re referring to, it’s hard for me to know. Feel free to email a photo if you still need help.
Gjoa
Thanks so much for sharing your designs. My husband collects Nutcrackers and I am going to surprise with this one for our anniversary this month!
Can’t wait till try it
I have just seen this adorable and wonderful on FB, that someone had done recently, they linked to here, hence my visit and subscription. This is a little late for me this year, but I’m sure it will be out next year and every year after. Thank you so much for the file.
Love this
What a beautiful design! Thank you so much for sharing! You have incredible talent.
Thank you!