No matter how much we plan or how well we budget our time, we always wind up with the Christmas Crazies, trying to finish those last minute jobs. And, all of a sudden, it seems like the number of children we have has doubled as they try to help! One way to manage the kiddos is to have a few easy peasy projects on hand for them to do while you are finishing up your own. Enjoy making your own gingerbread men garland project.

gingerbread men garland project

What could be easier than old fashioned paperdoll chains? In this variation, I used strips of brown paper (used for my gift wrapping) and we cut out a Gingerbread Men Garland. For those of you that may have somehow missed out on making paperdoll chains as a child:

Gingerbread Men Garland Project Directions:

1] Make a copy of our pattern.

2] Fold a length of paper accordion style. The width of the pleats should be the width of the pattern. (In this case it is 2 3/4″) Fold so both ends are on the same side. You can make the chain as long as you like. I made chains 3, 4 and 5 gingerbread men long.

3] Cut out the pattern. Place it on your accordion pleats so the arms and legs are touching the 2 loose ends. Trace the pattern on the accordion pleats and cut out.

Depending on the age of your children, they may be able to do the whole project themselves, or for the youngest, you will need to cut out the gingerbread men garland for them. Then, the children can decorate the gingerbread in any fashion they want. The grandbabies used markers to color theirs, but if you’re feeling more adventurous, put out glitter, yarns, google eyes, etc.

The pattern for our Gingerbread Men Garland project can be found HERE. Enjoy and good luck with your last minute projects!