While my favorite painting projects are most often up-cycling and thrift flips.....I am also drawn to the raw wood craft offerings that I find every holiday in my local hobby stores!
Walking down the aisle and being met by these two "blank" wooden nutcrackers just sent my brain reeling with ideas!
So this year.....I purchased three (on sale of course) and took them home to see what I could do with them!
Introducing Kyle and Kirk.....my 2024 DIY hand-painted nutcracker models!
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Kyle: Nutcracker Extraordinaire
Kyle, the Nutcracker Extraordinaire, proves you can conquer the holiday season in both style and comfort.
He's sporting his signature buffalo plaid pajama pants offering versatility.....for lounging by the fire or standing guard at your mantel.
His tone-on-tone turquoise jacket adds a touch of sophistication while his glittered gold crown and heirloom sword remind everyone of his regal roots.
Kyle is ready to crack a joke just as easily as a walnut....ensuring your home is filled with laughter and holiday cheer!
Kirk: Life of the Party!
Kirk is Kyle's equally dashing companion.
Kirk is the rhythm of the nutcracker crew, always tapping out a cheerful holiday beat on his drum. He dresses in tartan plaid pajama bottoms for a festive yet laid back vibe.
His tall, black furry hat adds a commanding flair that pairs perfectly with his steady drum rolls. Clearly Kirk is not afraid to mix patterns as demonstrated by his pairing of the tartan plaid with the bold pink and white polka dotted jacket!
Kirk is without a doubt.....always the life of the party.....and the steady heartbeat of the holiday season!
Kirk has already been adopted for the season! However Kyle is still available! You can find more information about inviting Kyle into your home below.
Supplies Used: DIY Hand Painted Nutcrackers
Gold Glitter
Black Feather Boa
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Custom Hand Painted DIY Wooden Nutcracker
If you'd like to recreate your own handsome pair of wooden nutcrackers.....you can!
I purchased the raw wood nutcrackers at Michaels.
Both the tartan plaid and the buffalo check decoupage papers are from a collection called Winter Wonderland and can be found here.
I applied the decoupage papers using Clear Coat in satin. Visit my How to Apply Decoupage Paper blog for detailed instructions.
Kyle: The Creative Details
Kyle was created using the colors Fluff, Caviar, The Gulf, Dixie Belle Blue, Honky Tonk Red and Apricot.
I used Mod Podge and standard gold glitter dust for his hat and sword.
Finishing details were done with Sharpie Black Creative Marker.
I used Triple Thick spray to seal the project.
Kirk: The Creative Details
Kirk was created using the colors Fluff, Caviar, Peony, Apricot, Honky Tonk Red and Dixie Belle Blue
I used a black feather boa for his hat, just glueing into place as I wrapped it around.
Finishing details were done with Sharpie Black Creative Marker.
I used Triple Thick spray to seal the project.
One More Nutcracker to Bring to Life!
I have ONE nutcracker left to customize and I'll be doing that with my Curiously Creative group during the first week of December. I plan to take my time and really add mind blowing detail to him.
If you'd like to join me for this process.....I'd love to welcome you to the group!
I hope you found this inspiring!
Watch those wooden craft aisles carefully.....you just might surprise yourself with the ideas that come to mind when you see those blank canvases!!!
More Inspiration: Christmas Furniture and Decor
I pulled a few blogs from past projects that came to mind when working on this piece! I hope you can use them to draw inspiration for your upcoming project. Here are the additional designs for your inspiration:
Nutcracker Entry Table - let's make Christmas furniture a thing
Whimsical Christmas Decorations - learn how to make your own whimsy tree
Santa Desk - a bold red piece for furniture for the big guy
Christmas Wonderland Globe - vintage globe turned wonderland
Be sure to visit my Hand Painted Gift Ideas blog for many more fun DIY projects.
Click on any photo below for more up-close photos and all the design details
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If you enjoyed this and want more of a deep dive into home decor and DIY processes, I would love it if you joined my exclusive online creative group, Curiously Creative. I show up LIVE to guide you through every step of updating, upcycling, crafting, and creating on-trend home decor and gift-giving ideas!
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