How to Make a Gingerbread Man Cookie Cutter

Making gingerbread men has become a holiday tradition in many households. Decorating the little men made of sweet and spicy cookie dough is an activity for the entire family to enjoy. Finding the right cookie cutter to make the right size little men is not always possible. You can eliminate the issue of finding the perfect cutter by making your own.

Things You'll Need

• Paper (optional)
• Pencil (optional)
• Computer (optional)
• Newspaper
• Copper ribbon
• Needle-nose pliers
• Tin snips
• Metal file
• Permanent tape
• Scissors
• Clamp or clothespin

Instructions

1. Draw your gingerbread man on a piece of paper in the proportions you desire. If you are not good at drawing, you may cut out a picture or print one from your computer in the right dimensions.

2. Place newspaper on your work surface. Using your needle-nose pliers, begin molding your copper ribbon around the edge of your gingerbread man drawing. Work slowly to make sure you get all the corners and angles correct.

3. Snip the copper ribbon using the tin snips when you reach the starting point of your gingerbread man.

4. Smooth the edges of your copper ribbon using your metal file. A few rubs of the file is all it takes.

5. Push the two open ends of your copper ribbon together and wrap them with your permanent tape.

6. Apply your clamp or clothespin to hold the tape in place. Wait 72 hours before removing.

Tips & Warnings

• Copper ribbon can be purchased at most crafting or hobby stores. Permanent tape is also available at these outlets.

• The ends of your copper ribbon may be sharp. Use caution to avoid cutting yourself.

References

• What's Cooking America: How to make cookie cutters

Resources

• Gingerbread House Haven