My First Tutorial - Christmas Cracker

Ok, I have decided to try and write a tutorial, I hope you can follow it!

I have converted the measurements to inches here

This pattern works really well with either A4 cardstock or 12 x12 Double Sided Designer Paper (you will get 2 crackers from each 12 x 12 sheet). I have used Very Vanilla cardstock for the cracker shown in the tutorial (double sided paper doesn't show up very well). On with the Tutorial then.

Cut a piece of A4 card down to 14.5 cm wide, stamp one side randomly with images of your choice (I have used Peaceful Wishes stamped in Cranberry Crisp, True Thyme and Basic Brown). Score on the unstamped side at 13.5cm on the long side, turn the card and from each short side score at 5cm, 7cm and 9cm, I have marked the score lines on the photo if you are more of a visual person (I definitely am).

Now fold the card into the centre on the 7cm score lines (the middle one of the three at each end) as shown in the photo.

Next you will need my "monster teeth" template. I couldn't work out how to put it here so I have uploaded it at Splitcoast Stampers here


When you print it ensure that page scaling is set to none, they have to be 13.5cm wide by 4cm deep. I print directly onto a contrasting colour of card to make my life easier. Using paper clips attach the monster teeth as shown, the piece on the left is the small score line.

Cut out the teeth using a pair of scissors. When you get to the tab piece on the left hand side cut towards the template at a 45 degree angle as shown. Repeat on the other end.

Open up the cracker and cut the top and bottom tabs at a 45 degree angle as shown.

Now put sticky strip the whole length of each of the tabs as shown (you don't want your cracker to pop open on its own!). I attached the belly band to the actual cracker before I assembled it. I cut a piece of Cranberry Crisp 13.5cm x 4cm and piece of Very Vanilla 13.5cm x 3cm. I stamped the Very Vanilla, then stuck the layer to the body of the cracker using sticky strip. Doing it now rather than later does make it quite stiff to fold!

Stick the middle section together first - it is really hard to reach into the middle from the outside (yes, that is the voice of experience talking!).

Place a cracker snap inside the cracker along with whatever other goodies will fit. Cut two pieces of 6mm wide grosgrain ribbon and tie around each end, trim and you are done!

If you have any problems following my directions please feel free to contact me.

Have a great day :-)