How To Make Your Own Christmas Cracker

Cut paper

• Cut cardstock or wrapping paper into 7-in. by 12-in. rectangles.
  • Always pick a good quality wrapping paper, not the cheap stuff.
  • Christmas crackers often have reinforced ends, but I used a stiff paper instead.
• Place paper horizontally on work surface, good side down.

Measure and mark

• Measure and mark from left to right:
  • Two inches from left paper edge;
  • 3/4-in. from first mark;
  • 3/4-in. from second mark.
• Repeat measurements and marks from the right side of the paper edge.
• Repeat marks along the bottom of the paper.

Draw lines

• Turn the ruler vertically, keeping paper aligned horizontally.
• Hold ruler on the 2-in. marks.
• Draw a vertical straight line from top to bottom of paper.
• Move to the first 3/4-in. marks and draw a vertical line.
• Repeat until you have six vertical lines.

Optional: If using cardstock, score the paper with a stylus instead of drawing lines. This will make it easy to fold.

Fold paper

• Flip the paper over and fold the top flap toward you.
• Crease the paper at each line.
  • You will have three folds on each end of the paper.

• Flip the paper backside up.
• Fold and re-fold the creases accordion-style, making a triangle with each middle fold pointing up.
  • When done, this will look like two witches hats running along the folds.

Cut triangles

• Grab one witch hat and pick up the paper.
• Hold the folded edge toward you.
• Start 1/4-in. from the edge and snip a triangle from the fold to the line.

• • Continue down the fold, snipping triangles.
  • Important: Leave about a 1/4-in. of paper flap between triangles or the cracker will fall apart.
• Repeat on other side of cracker.

Roll up the cracker

• Open up the paper and place it horizontally on work surface, good side down.
  • You will see two rows of vertical diamond cutouts.
• Place a craft paper tube in the center of the cracker between the cutouts.

• Align the paper so it will roll evenly.
• Do a practice roll and gently direct the diamond cutouts inward.
  • It should resemble a piece of wrapped hard candy.

Tape the cracker

• Unroll and run a line of two-sided tape on top edge of paper, including cracker ends.
  • Use a glue gun or regular tape, whichever you prefer.
• Roll up the tube again and lightly press to seal tape.
• Make sure the cracker ends meet evenly, then press to seal.

Fill the cracker

• Slide a cracker snap through the tube and tape each end to the cracker.

• Tie one end of the cracker with curling ribbon.
  • Don’t over-tighten; the ribbon may cut through the paper diamonds.
• Add toys or riddles and a traditional crown, if you like to the open end of cracker tube (see how-to below).
• Tie the end with curling ribbon, sealing the treats inside.
• Decorate as desired.

Pull the cracker!

Traditionally, crackers are pulled at Christmas dinner.

• Get a partner;
• Hold one end and have your partner hold the other;
  • Grab firmly or the cracker may not snap;
• Count to three;
• Pull!
• If you have the majority of the cracker, the goodies are yours.

Make paper crowns (optional)

• Lay a 20-in. by 30-in. sheet of tissue or wrapping paper horizontally on work surface.
• Fold in half along the horizontal (long) axis, then in half again.
  • You should have a 30-in.-long, four-ply strip.
• Measure your head circumference, mark the paper and cut off excess.
• Fold in half three times and cut off the top and bottom.
• Cut a triangle from one cut end, then a half triangle right next to it.
• Unfold four crowns and glue ends together.