Hang a delicious-looking gingerbread man on your Christmas tree with this adorable paper plate bauble craft!
This festive ornament combines the charm of a gingerbread man with the elegance of a hanging decoration, perfect for adding handmade character to your holiday display.
Gingerbread Man Paper Plate Bauble Materials
Gather these supplies to create your festive ornament:
Essential Supplies:
- Paper plate
- White paint or paint pen
- White, Red, Green construction paper
- Brown paint
- Pink construction paper or paint
- Black & Brown marker
- Googly eyes
- Scissors
- Glue stick or craft glue
- Paint brush or paint dabber
- Red string or ribbon for hanging
- Free gingerbread man bauble printable template
How to Make a Gingerbread Man Paper Plate Bauble with Kids
This craft is perfect for children ages 5 and up with adult supervision for painting and cutting.
Step 1: Paint the Paper Plate Base
- Turn the plate upside down (we will design everything on the bottom of the plate)
- Paint the brown paper plate with brown paint
- Apply two coats to ensure full coverage and let dry completely between coats
Step 2: Create the Stitched Edge
- Use a white paint pen or white marker to draw a stitched line around the edge of the paper plate
Step 3: Prepare the Template Pieces
- Cut out all the template pieces from the corresponding colored construction papers
- Outline each piece with a black marker for definition
- Add details like leaf veins on the holly leaves and details to your red bow
- Punch a hole to the top of the bauble red piece
Step 4: Attach the Red Bow
- Glue the red bow pieces to the bottom of the gingerbread man
Step 5: Add the Icing & Bauble Topper
- Glue the white icing piece to the top of the head to represent the icing trim
- Attach the bauble topper to the top of your bauble
Step 6: Add the Holly and Berries
- Glue the green holly leaves to the upper right side of the ornament
- Attach the red berries next to the holly leaves (you could also use pom poms for the berries)
Step 7: Attach the Eyes
- Glue the googly eyes to the face in the upper center area
Step 8: Add the Rosy Cheeks
- Dab two pink circles on the cheeks using a paint dabber with pink paint, or cut and glue two small pink circles from pink construction paper
- Use a black marker to draw a simple smile below the cheeks
Step 9: Add the Hanging String
- Attach a red string or ribbon to the top for hanging
- Your gingerbread man bauble is ready to display!
Final Thoughts on This Gingerbread Man Paper Plate Bauble Tutorial
This ornament craft brings together traditional gingerbread character with modern bauble decorating techniques.
The stitched edges and detailed embellishments transform a simple paper plate into a charming keepsake ornament that kids will be thrilled to hang on the tree or give as gifts.
Ready for more fun Christmas and holiday crafts? Check out these favorites:
- 15 Amazing DIY Gingerbread House Kits for Kids
- 25 Baby Jesus Nativity Crafts for Kids
- 25 Christmas Fingerprint Crafts for Kids
Explore our kids craft blog for even more creative seasonal projects that combine simple materials with festive fun!
