I jumped on the giant nutcracker trend this year. I wasn’t early enough to score the 6-foot nutcrackers from Wal-Mart so I decided to make my own.

There are instructions all over the internet for lifesize nutcrackers which is where I got the plans for ours. Just search “lifesize DIY nutcracker“. I did get a little help creating the base of the nutcrackers. I’m thankful to have helpers that bring my ideas to reality.

Here are the bases of two DIY nutcrackers ready for me to work some magic.

I started by giving the PVC legs and arms a light sanding to help the paint adhere. Then I painted on two coats of bonding primer to cover any markings and give a good base for the paint. Finally I painted on the features using basic acrylic craft paint.

After a couple of coats of polycrylic to seal and fun embellishments, here are my two matching 7-foot Christmas nutcrackers.

I love with how they turned out. The embellishments really brought them to life.

NOTE:  These are not waterproof nutcrackers. We put ours on the covered patio of our barn so they will stay dry from rain or snow. I did make sure to use several coats of polycrylic for extra protection but would not recommend placing them where they could get wet.

And here they are at night under the red and green barn lights.

This year they are keeping guard at the barn. Next year, maybe I’ll put them on my front porch.

Just call me the crazy Christmas lady. I love a good DIY challenge, especially when it turns out as cute as these.