There’s something magical about the sound of a festive cracker—whether it's at a family dinner table, a school party, or a creative workshop. Making your own crackers is a fun, hands-on craft that brings together creativity, customisation, and a bit of festive cheer.
At BCreativetolearn, we love helping parents, teachers, and crafters add a handmade touch to their celebrations using high-quality materials sourced in the UK.
What You’ll Need for Homemade Festive Crackers
- Cracker snaps for that iconic ‘bang’
- Tissue paper in seasonal or bright colours
- Cardboard tubes (10–15cm – cut-down kitchen or toilet roll cores)
- Double-sided tape or glue stick
- Ribbons, raffia, or string
- Scissors
- Small treats: mini sweets, stickers, paper jokes, etc.
Choosing the Right Materials Makes All the Difference
A beautiful homemade cracker starts with quality materials. Our UK-made tissue paper packs include bright, seasonal, and pastel shades. They're strong enough to wrap around crackers without tearing.
- Christmas: Use our Christmas Tissue Paper Pack for classic red, green, and white designs
- Everyday crafting: Try our Multi-Coloured Tissue Paper Pack for birthday parties or classroom fun
Step-by-Step: How to Make Festive Crackers
1. Measure and Cut Your Tube
Cut cardboard tubes into lengths of 10–15cm. If crafting in a group, prep several tubes at once to speed things up.
2. Secure the Cracker Snap
Insert a cracker snap into each tube. Tape the centre of the snap inside the tube, leaving 4–5cm sticking out from each end for a clean pull.
3. Add a Surprise
Place a small sweet, sticker sheet, joke, or other fun item inside the tube. For younger children, stick to soft or flat fillers. In schools, let pupils write jokes or dares! Maybe a cracker hat
4. Wrap in Tissue Paper
Use a sheet approx. 50cm x 70cm. Lay the tube about 10cm from one edge and roll carefully. Secure the edge with double-sided tape or glue. Layer two colours for a bold look—like red and green for Christmas!
5. Shape and Tie
Pinch and twist one end, tie with ribbon or raffia. Add any last-minute surprises and close the second end the same way. Leave a bit of the snap sticking out each side for best results.
6. Trim and Decorate
Use scissors to trim the ends neatly—or use pinking shears for a scalloped effect. Add a strip of glitter card, festive stickers, or handwrite names for a personal touch.
Ideas for Seasonal Tissue Paper Wraps
- Christmas: Red, green, and white – shop here
- Easter: Soft pastels from our Easter Tissue Paper Pack
- Valentine’s: Pinks and reds – ideal for heartfelt gifts
- Halloween: Orange and black for spooky fun – try our themed pack
- Birthdays & Classrooms: Use our multi-colour pack for a rainbow effect
Tips for Success and a Wow Factor
- Layer two sheets for strength and style
- Use double-sided tape for clean edges
- Add glitter bands or cut-out name tags
- Let each person fill or decorate their own
- Test-pull the cracker gently to ensure the snap is loose enough to function
Cracker Making in the Classroom
Organising a group activity? Set up craft stations: tubes, tissue, snaps, fillers, ribbon. Let children personalise with jokes, drawings, or names. This keeps the group engaged and reduces mess.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to make each cracker?
Once your materials are prepped, it takes 10–15 minutes per cracker—or less with practice. Batch prep helps if making many.
Are these safe for kids?
Yes! With supervision, these are safe for most children. Avoid small fillers for toddlers. Our tissue paper and cracker snaps are high quality and easy to use.
Can I make crackers for occasions other than Christmas?
Absolutely! We offer seasonal tissue paper packs for Easter, Valentine’s, Halloween, birthdays and more.
Why Choose BCreativetolearn?
- Cracker snaps are reliable and sized perfectly (28cm)
- Our tissue paper is strong (17gsm+) and richly coloured
- Packs are sized for home, schools, or craft clubs
Make It a Festive Tradition Worth Sharing
There’s nothing quite like pulling a cracker you’ve made yourself. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or weekend crafter, DIY crackers are a fun way to bring creativity and joy into the season.
Inspired to make your own? Browse our full Christmas craft collection or explore our full tissue paper range today. And if you need help choosing the right pack or quantity, just get in touch—we love helping creative projects come to life!
