The Snow Queen

In the story, the Nutcracker is transformed into a handsome prince.  Grateful for how Clara has saved him, he invites her to visit his kingdom in the "Land of Sweets." On the way, they pass through the Enchanted Forest where Snow Angels greet them. The Snow King and Queen dance for them and all the Snow Maidens and Snowflakes dance and swirl around them. The Snow Queen then presents Clara and the prince with a sleigh so they can complete their journey to the wonderful "Land of Sweets."

The challenge for making the snow queen was in merging the sharp edges of ice and snow with the grace of ballet.  Her dress is longer and I used some metallic floss to give her some sparkle.  She also looks lovely in gold:

When making the body, the limbs don't need any stuffing at all.  Just a little stuffing in the middle of the body to give the waist shape is necessary.

The Russian Dancer

Dances from different countries representing various sweets are performed for Clara's entertainment. The Russian dance represents tea cakes. 

It is one of the most recognizable pieces in the Nutcracker ballet. I've been to performances where audience members have clapped along to the music.  It's based on a traditional Russian and Ukrainian folk dance called a trepak (tropak/tripak).  

It's an entertaining, energetic, fast paced dance with Cossak orgins.  Loose, billowy trousers and blouses hint at horseback riding and is typically performed by men and features prisiadka (kicking the legs from a squatting position).  

This guy has a moustache and spiky hair peeking out from beneath his hat, and the shirt is embroidered with a combination of cross stitch, bullion stitch, back stitch, and French knots.  This type of elaborate embroidery is common in Eurasian folk costumes.  Red pants are also a variation that look good on this particular ornament.  His body is two colored, and stitched together at the waist.

Don't worry about your stitches - the blouse will cover it.  Most of my ornament patterns call for short stemmed 6 inch chenille stems, but for this one a regular pipe cleaner from the store will work just fine.  The legs are pretty long, and you can trim any "fuzz" that escapes beyond the felt, if needed.