Looking to make something special this Christmas? If you’re tired of the kitchen mess but love the look of traditional treats, we have the perfect solution! This DIY Christmas gift idea combines farmhouse charm with festive cheer, showing you how to create a faux gingerbread man that’ll look stunning on any tree or mantel.
The „fake bake” trend has been sweeping through holiday decor, especially for those who love the look of seasonal treats but don’t want to spend hours baking. These “bakes” require simple, inexpensive materials, and the results are incredibly life-like. The beauty of fake bake items, such as this faux gingerbread man, is their versatility—display them on a table, use them as tree ornaments, or make them into charming DIY Christmas gifts.
DIY Christmas Gift Idea: Make a Faux Gingerbread Man Ornament
Creating this faux gingerbread man is easier than you might think, and it’s the perfect project for a cozy afternoon. You don’t need any baking experience, and the result is a beautiful DIY Christmas ornament with a farmhouse Christmas decor vibe. Here’s what you’ll need and how to make it:
Materials:
- 1 part flour
- 1 part salt
- 0.5 part water
- brown gel food coloring
Optional decorations: pastel chalk, acrylic paint, thin brushes, glitter, craft glue, lacquer for a long-lasting finish.
In this video, I’ll show you how to make salt dough, which you can use for fake bake projects.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
Combine 1 part flour, 1 part water, and a half-part brown food coloring gel in a mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly until it forms a dough with a texture similar to real gingerbread dough.
Step 2: Shape Your Gingerbread Man
Knead the dough well and roll it out on parchment paper. Using a cookie cutter, shape the dough into a gingerbread man (or any shape you prefer for a DIY Christmas ornament). Lay the cutouts on a baking tray with parchment paper.
Step 3: Dry the Dough
Let the shapes dry naturally or speed up the process by setting the oven to 100°C (212°F) and baking for 2 hours. Once dried, the faux gingerbread man will be ready for decorating!
Step 4: Decorate Your Faux Gingerbread Man
Using pastel chalk, add depth to the figure by lightly brushing it over the edges. Use a small brush to add acrylic paint details like “frosting” and facial expressions. For a farmhouse Christmas decor touch, you can even add a touch of glitter using craft glue.
Step 5: Finish with a Sealant
To preserve your DIY Christmas ornament, spray it with a light coat of lacquer. This will make it shine and protect it for many holiday seasons to come.
Farmhouse Christmas Decor Ideas with Faux Gingerbread Ornaments
These ornaments fit perfectly into farmhouse Christmas decor with their rustic, handmade look. The faux gingerbread man is not only a beautiful DIY Christmas gift but also an adaptable decoration. Here are some creative ways to use your fake bake pieces:
- Tree Ornaments: These ornaments bring a touch of farmhouse warmth to your Christmas tree.
- Table Decor: Use them as part of your table setup to complete a festive holiday spread.
- Gift Toppers: Attach a faux gingerbread man to wrapped presents for a delightful finishing touch.
The Joy of Creating DIY Christmas Ornaments as Gifts
Making your own DIY Christmas gift adds an extra layer of joy to the season. Handmade gifts show thoughtfulness and love, and these faux gingerbread men can be used again and again. This year, skip the stress of real baking, and embrace the fake bake trend with a little creativity and some affordable materials.
Add finishing details like small ribbons, mini pine branches, or bells to customize each ornament. These faux gingerbread ornaments will capture the essence of farmhouse Christmas decor and add a heartfelt touch to your holiday celebration!
Looking for even more fun DIY ideas? Check out these creative projects and get inspired for your next holiday craft.
