DIY Life-size Nutcracker

Because you can :D
Actually, I am not sure what made me work on this project, but I sure enjoyed both the process and the result. I hope it inspires you too.
Disclaimer: this is for decoration purposes only, it doesn't crack giant nuts.

You will need:
1. A wooden plank and two pieces of wood for a stand and legs+ another small piece of wood to keep them attached;
2. A bunch of buckets for body, head and hat;
3. Pipe insulation and/or pipes for arms and legs, and some styrofoam balls for hands;
4. Fake fur for hair and beard;
5. A piece of styrofoam for nose;
6. A LOT of spray paint and acrylic paint, and don't forget PRIMER for plastic (and masking tape);
7. Glue; screws; decorations (plastic piece for a feather, some rope and stones);
8. A big area that can be messy for a while.

Not sure where to start? Spend an hour or two or three at the hardware store picking your materials. You really need to see what will go together. 

Once you've gathered what you need, get to work. Start with screwing your wooden legs to the platform. You need something really stable to keep your nutcracker from falling. If you are to put your nutcrackers outside, better paint your legs and base.

Then, put those pipes around. Spray paint (Don't forget to use primer for plastic first). Attach the wooden part of the legs with another small piece of wood as shown. This will hold your body.

Start building the body. Make sure you attach everything very well.

Spray paint the body, arms and head separately. Preferably at daylight, so you see what you are doing. :)

Assemble, finish details with acrylic paint and add some decorations.

And there you have them, your magical holiday guardians. Hope you get inspired to make your own!

​PS I sprayed their hair with water repellent spray, will let you know how it works when it snows. :D