Are you wondering how to make a nutcracker soldier? Here are instructions on how to make a GIANT nutcracker ornament.
The holiday season is just around the corner, and if you are anything like me, you are searching for DIY Christmas Decorations. We always get our holiday decor up the day after Thanksgiving, so I ordered the cutest nutcracker table runner from Anthropologie (where else?) and of course, I needed to figure out how to make a nutcracker that was life-sized.
You will learn how to make a DIY nutcracker sculpture using mostly repurposed items that I collected, but I’ve also seen this same giant nutcracker made with PVC pipes, so I’ll link to that version as well.
Think about this project with an open mind. The cardboard body is something you’ll probably have to purchase regardless, but PVC can get pretty pricey!
Think about objects you have laying around your house that could make nutcracker arms, legs, or even a drum!
The best part? You can modify this plan to make an easy DIY nutcracker without power tools! *Side note*(I once used the SAME GLUE to assemble a metal dinosaur sculpture that was SUPER heavy.)
It’s awesome and will make sure that this giant DIY nutcracker will be part of your DIY Christmas décor for years to come.
This post is all about how to create a nutcracker.
This post probably contains affiliate links, but only on items that I use or would recommend. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Full disclaimer here.
What materials are used to make a nutcracker?
Body – Cardboard Tube
Bucket Lid- to put under body (it snaps on perfectly!)
Painted Details – Posca Pens
Acrylic Paint- for skin and miscellaneous details
Gorilla Glue Contact Adhesive– Must have!
Hands and Shoulder Pads- Foam Balls
Base – I used plywood and this saw, but you could also get this circle that is pre-cut.
Hair- I used my plywood scraps from my base, cut with a jigsaw, but if you aren’t making your own base get this. (It’s easier to cut.)
Legs – Coffee Cans – use whatever you have but this is the best coffee I’ve ever drank.
Arms- Sanitizing Wipe Containers
*Another Option for Arms and Legs* 4 inch PVC pipe – 8 ft cut with a chop saw into 4 equal lengths. You could also get PVC caps for the ends.
Powertools– Optional
Miter Saw– If you are cutting your own PVC
This is everything you need to create a DIY nutcracker.
DIY Giant Nutcracker Instructions
Use a jigsaw to cut a zigzag line at the top of your cardboard.
Prime the cardboard. This step isn’t 100 percent necessary, but it does help save coats of spray paint.
Tape off the head and crown, then spray paint the body and crown.
Remove the tape and paint the face with the color you want the skin to be.
Cut out the hair, beard, and stand (optional)
Glue legs and arms together. This glue dries pretty quickly, so just leave them in position for about an hour and they will be pretty secure.
I imagine no one will use coffee and wipe containers, but I used 3 for each nutcracker arm and leg if you’re curious.
Use Posca Pens to map out the DIY nutcracker facial features, then paint them in with acrylic.
Paint the arms, legs, hands, hair, stand and shoulder pads. Quick Tip-Do not try to spray paint styrofoam. It will disintegrate.
Use the Posca pens for any small details you want your homemade nutcracker to have.
Spray paint the bucket lid, and attach the bucket lid to the bottom of the cardboard tube.
Glue everything together. I used painter’s tape to secure the pieces as they were drying.
DIY Nutcracker Soldier Complete!
So, my friends, that is exactly how to make a nutcracker, whether you make it out of wood, PVC pipe, or cardboard, (wipe containers anyone??) is up to you.
Check out this video to see how I created my life-sized nutcracker:
Create a Life Sized Toy Soldier You Can Put Outside!
I can’t wait to create more DIY holiday décor, so let me know what you wanna see!
I love looking at NYC window displays for inspiration, and you check out some pretty sweet ones here if you’d like.
This is also a great resource if you are looking for large Christmas Decorations for your porch or yard!
Related DIY Holiday Craft Posts:
How to Make Printed Wrapping Paper
This Ice Dyed Sweater is the Perfect DIY Christmas Gift
Mine is named Leopold.
This post was all about how to create a DIY giant nutcracker.
