Every Holiday with Evelyn Guide
Press 'N Seal Template Hack
The ridiculously easy trick for creating custom templates that fit the weird curves, panels and tiny spaces on your nutcrackers and blow molds. 😂
What You'll Need
Nothing fancy. This is one of those hacks where the random thing sitting in your kitchen suddenly becomes a craft supply. 😂
Need the Supplies?
I've rounded up the Press 'N Seal hack supplies in one spot so you don't have to go hunting for everything individually.
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Why This Works
Because nutcrackers apparently couldn't just have flat, normal surfaces. 😂
Press 'N Seal is flexible enough to lay over curved and oddly shaped areas, which makes it useful for tracing the exact space you want to cover. Instead of guessing measurements, you're creating a template directly from the project itself.
How It Works
Once you understand the trick, you're going to start looking at Press 'N Seal very differently. 😂
Rip Off a Piece of Press 'N Seal
Start with a piece large enough to completely cover the area where you need a template.
Lay It Over the Area
Place the Press 'N Seal directly over the panel, trim or oddly shaped section of your nutcracker or blow mold.
Trace the Coverage Area
Use a marker or Sharpie to trace the exact shape of the area you want to cover.
Peel Off Your Template
Carefully remove the Press 'N Seal and set the template aside.
Repeat for Every Area
Make a separate template for each area you plan to cover. This is especially helpful when your project has several different-shaped panels.
Stick the Templates to Your Paper
Place the Press 'N Seal templates directly onto your wrapping paper or other thin decorative paper.
Choose the Best Part of the Pattern
Move each template around until the design underneath is positioned exactly where you want it.
Cut Out Each Piece
Cut around the template while the Press 'N Seal is still attached to the paper.
Peel Up a Tiny Corner First
Before making your final cut, peel up a small corner of the Press 'N Seal. Future you will be very grateful when it's time to remove it. 😂
Remove the Press 'N Seal
After cutting, carefully peel the Press 'N Seal away from your paper piece.
Test the Fit
Lay the paper piece back onto your nutcracker or blow mold. Make any small edge adjustments needed for a cleaner fit.
Attach It with Mod Podge
Brush on a layer of Mod Podge and carefully position your paper piece in place.
Seal the Top
Add another thin layer of Mod Podge over the paper and allow it to dry according to the product directions.
💡 The Tiny Step You'll Be Tempted to Skip
Peel up one small corner of the Press 'N Seal before you finish cutting the paper. It gives you a little tab to grab when you're ready to remove the template—and saves you from standing there picking at the edge with your fingernail for six years. 😂
Where This Hack Really Shines
Basically anywhere you'd otherwise be measuring, guessing and quietly losing your mind.
Great for tracing decorative chest panels and clothing sections.
Helpful when a flat paper template doesn't match the shape underneath.
Position specific flowers, stripes or design details exactly where you want them.
Skip trying to calculate angles and create the template directly from the item.
Useful for wrapping paper and other thin decorative paper applications.
My personal favorite category. Fewer measurements. Fewer do-overs.
A Few Things That Can Make This Harder Than It Needs to Be
Using Paper That's Too Fragile
Tissue paper and extremely delicate paper may be more difficult to work with for this method. Thin wrapping paper is easier to handle while you're tracing, cutting and applying it.
Skipping the Test Fit
Always lay the paper piece back onto the project before adding Mod Podge. Tiny adjustments are much easier before adhesive is involved.
Drowning the Paper in Mod Podge
More is not automatically better. Work in controlled layers and follow the directions for the exact Mod Podge formula you're using.
Forgetting About the Pattern
Before cutting, look at what's actually inside each template. This is your chance to center a flower, line up a stripe or avoid accidentally putting the weirdest part of the design directly in the middle of your nutcracker's chest. 😂
Okay... Who Knew Press 'N Seal Was a Craft Supply? 😂
Try the hack, then come show us what you made. Our nutcracker and blow mold communities are full of makeovers, painting ideas, random tricks and people who completely understand why we're putting wrapping paper on a six-foot nutcracker.