Nutcracker Split Pin Craft (Free Printable)

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Today’s craft is a moveable Nutcracker puppet using our free printable and split pins. This craft is a fun and interactive holiday activity where kids cut out and assemble the Nutcracker’s parts, attaching them with split pins to create movable arms and legs.

This Nutcracker split pin craft is a fantastic holiday-themed activity that allows kids to create their own moveable Nutcracker puppet.

It’s perfect for boosting fine motor skills as children cut, assemble, and attach the pieces using split pins. The end result is a cute puppet with movable limbs.

Why You’ll Love This Craft

Interactive puppet: Kids can move the Nutcracker’s arms and legs, making it a fun toy or holiday decoration.

Christmas Craft: A perfect addition to holiday crafting and a great activity for Christmas parties or classrooms.

Fine motor skills development: Cutting, gluing, and attaching the pieces helps kids practice precision and coordination.

Customizable: Use the colored version or let kids add their own touch by coloring in the black-and-white printable.

Materials

• Nutcracker split pin printable: Available in both colored and black-and-white versions, this printable includes all the Nutcracker pieces. Both versions come on one PDF you can download instantly.
• Scissors: To carefully cut out each part of the Nutcracker.
• Split pins (brads): Used to attach the Nutcracker’s limbs and make them moveable.
• Glue (optional): If you want to secure some parts before using the split pins.
• Crayons or markers (optional): For the black-and-white version, so kids can color their own Nutcracker.

The Printable

The Nutcracker split pin craft printable comes as a PDF file and includes 4 pages in total. You’ll find 2 pages of colored Nutcrackers in traditional red and green attire and 2 black-and-white pages for kids to color.

Each page includes the Nutcracker’s separate arms, legs, head, and body, making it easy to assemble once cut out. This instant download is printer-friendly and perfect for both home and classroom use.

Instructions

1. Download and print the Nutcracker split pin PDF file. Choose either the colored version or the black-and-white version for coloring.
2. Cut out all the Nutcracker parts using scissors, including the head, arms, legs, and torso.
3. Punch small holes at the designated spots where the limbs will attach to the body. You can use a small hole punch or carefully create holes with scissors.
4. Insert the split pins through the holes, attaching the arms and legs to the Nutcracker’s body. Ensure they are not too tight so the limbs can move.
5. Secure the pins at the back and make sure all the pieces are properly attached.
6. If using the black-and-white version, color in the Nutcracker parts with crayons or markers before assembling.

Top Tips

Use thicker paper or cardstock for a sturdier Nutcracker puppet that will last longer.

Make sure the split pins are loose enough so the limbs can move freely.

Keep younger kids supervised when using scissors and split pins.

Personalize your Nutcracker by adding extra decorations, like glitter or stickers.

Educational Uses

This Nutcracker split pin craft offers more than just a fun holiday activity—it helps teach important skills. Kids can learn about mechanical movements as they put together a puppet with movable limbs.

Provides an opportunity to discuss the history and cultural significance of the Nutcracker, especially if you want to introduce them to the Nutcracker ballet.

It also helps promote fine motor skill development, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving as kids figure out how to assemble their puppet.

Grab the Free Printable

To grab the free Nutcracker split pin printable, just enter your name and email in the pink box below. We’ll send it right to your inbox, along with updates for more fun printables.

This is for personal or classroom use only, not for commercial use. Enjoy crafting!

This Nutcracker puppet split pin craft is the perfect way to bring the holiday spirit to life with an interactive twist. Kids will love creating their own moveable Nutcracker puppet and playing with it once it’s assembled.

Whether it’s for a holiday party, a classroom activity, or just a fun weekend craft, this project is sure to provide hours of creative entertainment.