Nutcracker: Crayon with Texture Rubbing

Here is the most budget conscious version of my Nutcracker project, using just good old-fashioned crayons on white paper. I added a twist of placing a plastic needlepoint tapestry underneath when I was coloring the red suit to give my guy some extra texture.

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Giant Paper Mache Nutcracker, Part 3 and 4

Last week my giant nutcracker project was completed, just in the nick of time for the school’s holiday show. 

White paper towels were paper mached over the newsprint. The next day students painted a layer of red, black and peach acrylic paint. The face, buttons and belt were added when all was dry, and white fur beard pinned at the end (one minute before curtain, to be exact.)

The kids loved working on this project, and a smart 2nd grader already suggested how we could recycle him after the holidays – turn him into Abe Lincoln for President’s Day! Does our school have clever kids or what?

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Nutcracker: Colored Pencil on Black Paper

Here is a sample of my Nutcracker project using metallic marker and colored pencils on black construction paper. I used black construction paper from Michael’s (it’s very black) and Prang Metallic markers (about $1 each from Staples) and Dick Blick Student grade colored pencils. A bit more expensive than your average supplies, but the results are amazing.

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