Gingerbread Man Porch Sitter

Gingerbread men and gingerbread houses are popular themes for holiday decorating. In 2009, my first handmade bestsellers were gingerbread man shelf sitters that I sold at local craft consignment stores. They were so popular that I decided to sell them online by opening my first Etsy shop. I named it “Land of Gingerbread.” All this is to say that I have a long history with gingerbread-themed crafts. That’s why I have brought you this particular porch sitter. I think you’ll love making it as much as I do.

Working with the Wood-Cutting Pattern

Because I have a band saw, I ordered the wood-cutting pattern from Rekindled Kreations Company on Etsy. The pattern can be instantly downloaded and printed onto 8-1/2×11 paper. The pattern is easy to assemble from the printed copies using scissors (and tape, if needed). The patterns are for the full-sized project.

GINGERBREAD MAN PORCH SITTER PATTERN

Rekindled Kreations Company provides examples of their finished items so that you can visually understand how to paint and assemble the wood pieces. However, you can also modify the project according to your own capabilities and preferences. For instance, I cut the wood for my gingerbread man porch sitter slightly smaller than the original pattern by printing it at 90% instead of 100%. I also modified the feet by making them round instead of oblong. Here’s a better look at my finished project:

Tips for Shading and Highlighting

After cutting and sanding the wood, I use a honey-brown paint color and apply one coat to all sides of the body and feet. After the first coat dries, I lightly sand any rough areas, especially around the sides. Then, I start with the body and apply a second coat of honey-brown paint. Before the second coat dries, I apply a line of black paint along the inside edges using a round brush. Then, I use a Filbert paint brush to blend the honey-brown and black along the inner edges while the paint is still moist. This is how the shaded effect is created. I continue by doing the same to the tops of both feet.

The highlights in the center of the face, feet, and body are created using “buttermilk” paint color. This is also applied while the second coat of honey-brown paint is still moist. The colors are then lightly blended to create the highlights.

I highly recommend using this method of highlighting and shading to bring the gingerbread man porch sitter to life. It gives the project more dimension and visual appeal.

Tips for Spattering Paint

After the second coat of paint is completely dry, I use a medium-sized stencil brush to apply paint spatter to the front-facing pieces. I start with black paint and dip the brush vertically into the paint. Then, I pounce the brush onto a piece of paper towel to keep the paint from dripping. It’s important not to dry the paint too much because it needs to be able to “spatter.”

The stencil brush is positioned about 6″-8″ above the wood at a somewhat horizontal angle. I then use my index finger and run it across the bristles to create the paint spatter. If you do not have any experience creating paint spatter, I recommend practicing on a sheet of paper. Paint spatter does not have to be perfect in appearance, but it should look like speckles rather than drips.

After applying the black paint spatter, I do the same with the buttermilk paint to create a light spatter. This combination of black and buttermilk spatter is what gives the gingerbread man its cookie-like appearance.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are unhappy with how the paint spatter appears, you can touch it up. However, make sure the paint is COMPLETELY dry, or you will end up smearing the spatter paint on your project.

Tips for the Nose and Buttons

The pattern to cut a 3/4″ thick wood nose is included, but I wanted my nose to be less thick. Instead, I sourced laser-cut wood ovals that were 1/4″ by 3″ wide and used those. I did the same for the buttons and used 2″ laser-cut wood circles. Making these kinds of changes will give your gingerbread man a personalized look.

Tips for Assembling

Before assembly, apply spray sealant to all sides of the body and feet, as well as to the tops of the nose and buttons. I recommend a clear matte or clear satin spray sealant that can be used on wood. Rustoleum 2X brand is my preference, but there are several others. Clear polyurethane spray is also high on my list for this type of project.

To attach the feet to the body, use 1-1/4″ nails, brads, or screws with either a hammer, nail gun, or screwdriver. If you are using screws, be sure to drill a pilot hole into the wood so that the pieces do not crack while the screw is being inserted. Brace the wood properly before hammering or using the nail gun.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Before attaching the feet, ensure each foot’s bottom edge is perfectly aligned with the bottom edge of the body. If the feet extend too far down or above the edge, the porch sitter will not keep its balance and will not stand.

Insert two nails (or brads or screws) in the tops of each foot. Then, insert two more through the back of the body into each foot. This will keep the porch sitter pieces very secure. Go back with some paint to touch up the heads of the nails, screws, or brads, as needed. Sealant can be spot-sprayed over the touch-ups as needed.

Use hot glue, wood glue, or craft glue to attach the nose and buttons.

Where to Find Pre-Cut Wood

I realize that most people do not have the equipment or skills to cut and sand the wood for this type of project. The good news is that Rekindled Kreations Company offers wood kits for most of their patterns. Although no wood kit was currently available in their Etsy shop at the time of this post, I would recommend contacting them to ask if they would make a wood kit available for this project. If not, reach out to a local hobbyist or woodworker to see if this is something they can do for you.