First Nutcracker Ballet Keepsake

It’s a tradition in my family: the women, young and old, attend The Nutcracker Ballet at Christmas time. This year, at the tender age of (nearly) 4, my daughter will be attending and I wanted to make her a first Nutcracker ballet keepsake to commemorate the occasion.

First Nutcracker Ballet Keepsake Idea

Our Daughter’s First Nutcracker Ballet

To say my daughter is over-the-moon excited would be an understatement! For her first Nutcracker ballet, Elise is ecstatic, overjoyed, a big, pink, ball of bouncing anticipation…

She’s always loved The Nutcracker book and when she became old enough for television, watching the ballets on YouTube became a favorite past time of hers. Her favorite part? The land of the sweets in the second act, go figure.

The Land of Sweets A first Nutcracker ballet keepsake necklace

Real talk: am I worried how she’ll do during an entire performance, complete with the backing of the Pacific Northwest Ballet’s fabulous (and loud) orchestra? You bet. But worrying about it now is borrowing trouble, and I just don’t see the point.

Jeff and I think she’s ready and our seat selection will allow for a discreet, brief respite if she needs it. I believe she’s going to be amazed at the full production of The Nutcracker ballet rather than bombarded by it. 

Jeff is staying home as he’s not one for the ballet. #ratherbedoinganythingelse #likesleeping

Supplies for a First Nutcracker Ballet Charm Necklace

In order to make her first Nutcracker ballet just a teensy-weensy bit more special, I made this charm necklace while she was playing with her Model Magic. 

Psst: I have included some affiliate links but remember, you don’t pay more if you click on them.

  • Clay (oven dried)
  • 5 in one tool set (optional, but awesome)
  • Clay Glaze
  • Metal Chain – I used 20 inches (my girl is nearly 4 and it’s plenty big enough, giving her room to grow into it).
  • Silver Head Pins I used 1.5 inch headpins and they were more than big enough.
  • Lobster clasps and jump rings (I have a few assorted size packages)
  • Two sets of pliers

While Elise was making Model Magic mermaids, I got busy with my ‘grown-up clay’ and made some candy, sweets, and treats pieces. Here they are before baking. Pro tip (from someone who is not a professional): make two of anything intricate.
DIY charm necklace tutorial

If you honestly feel you can’t wiggle some clay into semi-recognizable shapes, go to a tweenager-targeted jewelry store and buy up all the kitschy candy charms you can find. I am NO sculptor, so if I can whip out a shake with whip cream, sprinkles, a cherry, and a red and white striped straw, so can you.

Instructions for the Nutcracker Necklace

Step 1: Form your pieces with clay – see the very inspiring note above before attempting. Once formed, insert a headpin into each piece and bake your pieces. I baked mine at 220 degrees (F) for about 7 minutes. Once cooled, paint on the clay glaze and set to dry.

First Nutcracker Ballet ideas

Step 2: After the glaze is dry, use the pliers to bend the hair pin posts to create a loop for a jump ring. Note: if you have any excess headpin, you can cut it off, making sure there are no sharp edges to snag skin or clothing.

DIY Charm Necklace Tutorial

Step 3: Once all of the pieces are ready, lay it down and map out where your charms will go. Assemble the necklace by adding the clasps to the chain. Open a jump ring, slip on the charm, and then close the jump ring through the link in the chain. This is the most tedious (but not difficult) part of the process.

Clay Candy Charm Necklace

Feel free to pour yourself a generous serving of holiday wine to celebrate finishing your very own Nutcracker Ballet charm necklace. I’ll be right over. Just to clarify, I’m coming over for the wine and to congratulate you (but mostly I’m coming for the holiday wine).

Yield: 1 necklace

First Nutcracker Ballet Keepsake

First Nutcracker Ballet Keepsake Charm Necklace

It’s a tradition in my family: the women, young and old, attend The Nutcracker Ballet at Christmas time. This year, at the tender age of (nearly) 4, my daughter will be attending and I wanted to make her a first Nutcracker ballet keepsake to commemorate the occasion.

Active Time 50 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Difficulty Easy
Estimated Cost $5

Materials

  • Clay (oven dried)
  • 5 in one tool set (optional, but awesome)
  • Clay Glaze
  • Metal Chain – I used 20 inches (my girl is nearly 4 and it’s plenty big enough, giving her room to grow into it).
  • Silver Head Pins I used 1.5 inch headpins and they were more than big enough.
  • Lobster clasps and jump rings (I have a few assorted size packages)
  • Two sets of pliers

Instructions

  1. Form your pieces with clay – see the very inspiring note above before attempting. Once formed, insert a headpin into each piece and bake your pieces. I baked mine at 220 degrees (F) for about 7 minutes. Once cooled, paint on the clay glaze and set to dry.
  2. After the glaze is dry, use the pliers to bend the hair pin posts to create a loop for a jump ring. Note: if you have any excess headpin, you can cut it off, making sure there are no sharp edges to snag skin or clothing.
  3. Once all of the pieces are ready, lay it down and map out where your charms will go. Assemble the necklace by adding the clasps to the chain. Open a jump ring, slip on the charm, and then close the jump ring through the link in the chain. This is the most tedious (but not difficult) part of the process.

Notes

For more fun crafts, visit Ruffles and Rain Boots.

Did you make this?

Please leave a comment or share a photo and tag me @rufflesandrain

If You Need Nutcracker Crafts for Kids…

Next year, while I’m making a few keepsakes, I’m going to set up a couple of crafts for the little one. I found this great set of nutcracker crafts for kids!

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Thanks for sticking with it! If you think this is one step above what my 4 year old could do, will you please pin it to Pinterest or stumble it?

Create a keepsake for your child's First Nutcracker Ballet by following this simple tutorial. No artistic skill needed!

 

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17 Comments

  1. Oh my goodness, is this ever amazing… and beautiful!

    You are so gifted my friend… seriously! I get crafting envy when I come here! lol

    Thanks for sharing.

    Wishing you a wonderful day.
    xoxo

  2. Wow, this necklace is beyond adorable! My daughter didn’t come see me last year at age 1 in our local Nutcracker but she’s coming this year at almost 2 and I can’t wait :)

  3. Hello Sarah!! I wanted to stop by and let you know that your post has been chosen as a Feature for the Welcome Home Wednesdays Link Party!! Stop by tomorrow morning and see your post linked up and don’t forget to grab your “Featured Button”. ~Lisa~ :)

  4. Sarah you are amazing! So when you aren’t busy taking over the world, can you please start selling these somewhere, because I need one for 3 girls. Stat :)

  5. So beautiful and special.
    Scarlet saw The Nutcracker for the first time when she was four.
    Now she’s six and she’ll be IN IT as a reindeer next month! I’m freaking out!

    1. Awww, that just makes me want to slow down the clock – already IN the Nutcracker? Elise just started ballet and is loving it, so maybe one day I can look forward to my own little reindeer. PS. I can’t believe Scarlet is 6!!!

  6. Wow! That turned out so pretty!! I’ve been toying with the idea of taking Zoe to the Peninsula Theater production of The Nutcracker this year. Unfortunately it starts at 7:30, and her bedtime is 8. I just don’t think she would make it through the whole thing. I’ve been showing her some of my favorite dances on YouTube though so I think she’s intrigued. Be sure to let us know how it goes with Elise!

    1. I will let you know, Tarynn. We are lucky in that the PNB puts on some matinee showings, otherwise it would be out of the question as well for us. Our showing is at 1, so a perfect time as long as she’s fed! :) My girl gets hangry!

  7. I’m excited for Elise! I remember going to see the Nutcracker when I was a little girl- I loved it! I keep hearing the commercial on the radio for the ballet and I seem to be the only one who gets excited over it.
    Your necklace is amazing!! My youngest daughter is very much into clay and making little foods, I’ll have to show her this. She is going to LOVE IT! (I just Oprah’ed)
    Anyway, you’re a sweetheart, I adore that you’re making this event even more special for your daughter. Thanks for sharing with us at Mommy Monday! Pinning this for sure!!
    XOXO

    1. Thanks so much, Dean. Isn’t it funny what a little clay and some quality time with a kiddo can do? I’m so nervous for her but it’s balanced (hopefully) by my excitement!

    1. Thanks so much, Lauren. LOVE that mug – saw it on Periscope and was like, “WHERE IS MY NAIL POLISH?!”

  8. Can I just pay you to make me some charms please? So stinking cute! And I am so excited for you to take her. Like I said on Insta, I want to take A so bad, but don’t think the hubs is ready for it yet. I hope she loves it as much as we all do!

    1. Thank you so much, Alison. I can’t wait for the performance to see her face. I hope she loves the ballet as much as I do but if not, at least she gets a necklace, right? :)