The Gingerbread Cowboy Easy Cactus Ornaments

Living in Arizona, The Gingerbread Cowboy is always a favorite in my classroom. Every December we compare different versions of The Gingerbread Man and these candy cane ornaments are a great addition to your gingerbread activities. The Western-style story elements and gingerbread cowboy characters are always a big hit. In this post, I’ll share how to make easy candy cane cactus ornaments and free templates you can download to make with your students. It can be made into a Christmas ornament by punching a hole at the top and adding ribbon or raffia, or done as a simple cactus craft after reading The Gingerbread Cowboy.

The Gingerbread Cowboy Cactus Ornaments

How to Make Candy Cane Cactus Ornaments

Materials:

• 1 cactus template on red paper
• 5 -1/4” x 11 1/2” strips of white paper
•   *Cut copy paper into 1/4 “ strips
• 4-6 Green pipe cleaner pieces cut approx. ¾”
• 8” piece yarn or ribbon for the ornament hanger
• Optional: ribbon or raffia to add a bow. Tacky Glue or strong craft glue

Directions:

1. Ahead of time, cut the pipe cleaners into about ¾ “ long pieces. Each student will need 6-8 pieces for the cactus needles. Cut sheets of copy paper into 1/4″ strips. Students will need about 7 strips.

2. Cut out the cactus shape. Put glue on the front of the cactus stem and arms (rather than on the white strips). Glue the white strips diagonally across the cactus allowing the strips to hang off the sides.

3. Turn the shape over and trim off excess white paper. Use a hole punch to punch a hole at the top.

4. Glue the pipe cleaner needles to the cactus using Tacky Glue. I had students try to glue two pieces in a V shape if possible.

5. Loop an 8” piece of ribbon, yarn, or raffia through the hole to form the hanger.

Free Cactus Ornament Templates

Download the FREE Candy Cane Cactus Templates to make them with your students!

Be sure to share this post with your teacher friends and save it for when you plan.

These candy cane cactus ornaments add a festive touch to your classroom and reinforce the fun theme of this Western-inspired tale. Whether your students choose to hang them on a tree or display them in their homes, these charming ornaments serve as a delightful reminder of their artistic efforts and the wonderful versions of The Gingerbread Man stories we’ve shared.