DIY Gingerbread Man Made From Terra Cotta Pots

This DIY gingerbread man is a perfect addition to your home this holiday season! It also serves as a candy dish, making it a great gift idea for those who love candy. Best of all, it’s super easy to create using just a couple of clay pots. Gather your supplies and get started!

How To Make DIY Gingerbread Man

If you are new here, you may not know I love terra cotta pots!

Terra cotta pots are inexpensive and super easy to use as craft supplies. Most people only think about using them in the spring and summer, but they are perfect for winter crafting!

So, today, I thought it would be fun to show you how to make your own custom DIY gingerbread man from two clay pots. This project can be easily completed in a day, doesn’t require too many supplies, and is a great kids’ Christmas craft!

Plus, did I mention that it’s a candy dish, too?! – It’s both fun to make and functional!

Supplies Needed To Make Terra Cotta DIY Gingerbread Man:

• Clay pots (two of the same size)
• Ric rac (I used white in two different sizes)
• Black, white, and pink paint (I recommend Patio Paint for terra cotta)
• Ribbon
• Wood beads
• White buttons
• Hot glue and glue gun (substitute if you are crafting with kids)
• Paintbrushes

Step 1: Glue Two Terra Cotta Pots Together

Start by gluing the two pots together, as shown below. You can also glue the small ric rac around the wood beads.

Step 2: Add Wood Beads & Ribbon To Terra Cotta Pot

Add the wood beads and ribbon to your clay pots.

Step 3: Add Ric Rac To Top & Bottom Of Terra Cotta Pot

Glue on slightly larger ric rac to the top and bottom of the gingerbread man.

Step 4: Add Buttons

Glue on a couple of buttons, as shown below.

Step 5: Create Gingerbread Man’s Face

Start painting on a face, as shown below. To get dots, use the handle end of the paintbrush.

Step 6: Add White Dots To Eyes

Add white dots to the eyes to make them pop.

Allow to dry completely, and then your terra cotta gingerbread man is ready for Christmas candy for a fun display and a great gift idea.

This fun holiday craft idea can also be made by the kids. Line them up and let them all make their own gingerbread man. They will love the final results!

Buy your clay pots and get started today! Will you be making your own DIY terra cotta gingerbread man?

FAQs About DIY Gingerbread Man

Here are a few common questions that I often see readers asking about creating this DIY gingerbread man. If you have a question, please check to see if I’ve already addressed it below. If you don’t see your question listed, feel free to leave it in the comments!

Can I Change The Size Of This Project?

Yes, you can! As long as the two terra cotta pots are the same size, you can make this DIY gingerbread man as big as you like.

Can I Paint The Terra Cotta Pots?

Absolutely! If you don’t like the look of the terra cotta, you can paint your pots before you glue them together.

Can I Use Puff Paint Or A White Paint Pen For This Project?

Yes, you can! If you would rather skip gluing on the ric rac, you could use puff paint or a white paint pen to create those gingerbread details instead.

However, the only thing to keep in mind is that using puff paint or a white paint pen will add more time to the project. This is because you will have to wait for everything to dry before you move on to the next step.

Is Hot Glue The Best Type Of Glue To Use For This Project?

Yes. Hot glue is easy to use (be sure to supervise young children so they don’t get burned), sets quickly, and adheres strongly.

If you are in a pinch and need a good substitute for hot glue, I recommend using craft or super glue. Both will require longer drying times and will probably be a little messier. But they will work well if you don’t have a hot glue gun.

What Other Embellishments Could I Add To This Gingerbread Man?

You could add so many different embellishments to this gingerbread man, depending on what supplies you have on hand and your Christmas decor style! I went the traditional route, but you could do the following:

• Change the bow to a scarf
• Add a bow to the top of the pot (to make it more like a gingerbread girl)
• Add fake gum drops for buttons
• Add a candy cane or cookie to the gingerbread man’s hand (to look like he is holding it)
• You could add legs to the gingerbread man by following our terra cotta Santa craft tutorial

4 More Gingerbread Crafts

Did you love this DIY gingerbread man and want more gingerbread man crafts? Then check out the projects below!

• DIY Paper Gingerbread Christmas Decor
• Gingerbread Man Canning Lid Ornament
• How to Make a Personalized Gingerbread Christmas Ornament Using Glowforge
• Paper Plate Gingerbread Man