Learn how to make a gingerbread man vase with this fun Dollar Tree Christmas craft! Perfect for holiday decor or gifting. Easy, festive, and budget-friendly!
Looking for a fun and festive way to bring holiday cheer to your home? Have you ever wondered how to make a gingerbread man decoration that is unique? This Dollar Tree Christmas craft is perfect!
With just a few supplies and some creativity, you can transform a simple vase into an adorable gingerbread man that will steal the spotlight in your holiday decor. I’ll show you step-by-step how to make a gingerbread man that’s both budget-friendly and charming! Did I mention unexpected?
If you have been following me, you may have picked up on my new obsession with the Dollar Tree cylinder vase.
If I had more time, I’d have so many more projects done already!
Some will have to wait until next year.
How to Make a Gingerbread Man Vase Video Tutorial
You can see exactly how I made the gingerbread man in this video tutorial. I have some bonus Dollar Tree Christmas craft ideas in there too!
Materials You’ll Need for this Dollar Tree Christmas Craft
*Disclosure: This blog uses affiliate links from Amazon and other retailers. I earn a small amount from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
- Cylinder vase (Dollar Tree)
- Brown multi-surface paint
- Black
- White
- Red paint
- Paintbrushes (small detail brushes and medium brushes)
- Rubbing alcohol
How to Make a Gingerbread Man Vase Directions
Step 1: Prepping Your Vase
Before I can start showing you how to make a gingerbread man vase, we have to do some light prepping.
Start by peeling off the sticker from the bottom of the vase. Pour a little rubbing alcohol on the sticker. If it doesn’t easily peel off, carefully use a razor blade to remove it.
Clean the vase with rubbing alcohol to remove dust or oils. This ensures the paint adheres properly.
Tip: If you don’t have rubbing alcohol, warm, soapy water works to help soften the label. Remember to dry the vase completely! Also, give it a final clean with glass cleaner. Some soaps contain silicone, making it harder for the paint to adhere.
Step 2: Painting the Vase
The Dollar Tree Christmas craft section is pretty great, and the actual craft section is even better! You can get different kinds of paint, including acrylic paint. That would work since we will cover the whole vase with resin, but a multi-surface paint would be better for a glass application.
Using brown multi-surface paint, apply an even coat all over the vase.
Allow the paint to dry completely before applying additional coats. You’ll likely need 2-3 coats for a smooth, opaque finish.
I let the coats dry about an hour between before applying the next coat.
In the video, you’ll see that I originally went with a much darker brown. I think it would have worked but I like the lighter color for the gingerbread.
Let it dry.
Pro Tip: Before letting it dry, use a light hand with your brush to go over the wet paint to avoid streaks! If your paint isn’t perfectly smooth, which it usually isn’t, don’t worry, once the resin goes on, you won’t see it at all!
Step 3: Adding Gingerbread Details
Here’s where the magic happens! This step is all about transforming your painted vase into a cute gingerbread man.
Eyes: Use black paint and a small detail brush to create two round dots for the eyes. Once the eyes are dry, use a dot of white paint to add the highlight, or as I like to call it, the twinkle.
Smile: With white paint, add a curved line below the eyes for a cheerful smile.
Cheeks: Add small red circles just below the eyes for rosy cheeks.
Icing Details: Add squiggly white lines near the top and bottom of the vase to mimic icing.
Tip: Feel free to get creative! You can add a bow tie, or even a Santa hat to your gingerbread man design.
Step 4: Sealing with Resin
For a glossy, professional finish that protects your paint, apply a coat of resin.
Be sure to mix the resin according to the directions provided by the manufacturer.
Carefully pour the resin over the vase, ensuring even coverage. I am in search of a cup turner that fits the size of this vase. That would make things easier. In the meantime, I put my gloved hand in the vase to hold it and pour the resin on the vase. I use the other hand to smooth it all over the surface.
Once it is covered with the resin, I invert it on a stand to let the excess resin drip off.
I use a heat gun to pop the bubbles. You want to do this quickly because if you add too much heat, your resin will run right off your vase.
Allow the resin to cure for at least 12 hours before handling it.
Safety Tip: Always use resin in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves.
While the Resin is Curing
Ready for More?
Dive into my Holiday Sparkle Workshop, where I teach you how to make 5 resin Christmas ornaments using one mold. You will learn how to create stunning handmade ornaments with resin. Use the exclusive discount code: HOLIDAYSAVINGS to save 40%!
Step 5: Display Your Gingerbread Vase Dollar Tree Christmas Craft
Your gingerbread vase is complete! Just because it’s a vase, it doesn’t have to be used as one! Also, you can do the same thing on different sized and shaped vases.
Use it as:
- Festive Holiday Centerpiece: Fill with festive flowers (poinsettias, holly, etc.) for a stunning centerpiece.
- Candy Cane Holder: Use it to display real candy canes that guest can grab during holiday gatherings.
- Holiday kitchen utensil holder: Add a festive touch to your kitchen by storing wooden spoons and spatulas.
- LED Light display: Place battery-operated fairy light inside to create a warm glowing decoration.
- Gift basket alternative: Fill the vase with small holiday treats like chocolates, cookies, or mini ornaments to gift a friend.
- Hot Cocoa Bar Accent: Use it to hold peppermint sticks, chocolate dipped spoons, or cinnamon sticks at your hot cocoa bar.
- Napkin or Utensil Holder: Perfect for the holiday buffet to keep rolled napkins and utensils organized.
- Mini Christmas Tree Base: Insert a small faux Christmas tree into the vase to act like the tree base – you might want a short vase for this one…but they have them!
- Craft Supply Organizer: Don’t forget to decorate your craft room. The gingerbread man vase will keep your paintbrushes tamed and organized.
- Potpourri Container: Fill the vase with holiday-scented potpourri, like cinnamon sticks, pine cones and cloves to create a fragrant decoration,
If you are doing holiday games, you can incorporate it by giving it as a prize to the winner. Put some candy and cookies in there as a bonus and everyone will want it!
I hope you enjoyed this project! This Dollar Tree DIY project is easy, affordable, and guaranteed to bring smiles to your holiday gatherings.
More Vase Projects & Gingerbread Projects
- DIY Old Fashioned Rock Candy Salt Resin Vase: A Stunning Dollar Tree Project
- Spooktacular Dollar Tree DIY Halloween Frankenstein
- Dollar Tree Craft | DIY Halloween Mummy
- How to Make a Gingerbread House for Christmas DIY
Gingerbread Decor
Who knew there was so much fun gingerbread decor out there?
Remember: Life’s too short not to shimmer, so grab your glue gun and your glitter!™
Find me on Instagram!