Woman shows off giant Christmas nutcracker she made FOR FREE using buckets and carpet tubes and it’s seriously amazing
WHEN it comes to festive decor, bigger is always better.
Larger-than-life Christmas installations may once just have been the reserve of the fanciest department stores (hello, Selfridges window) but these days, we’re pulling out all the stops in our own homes and transforming them into supersized winter wonderlands.
There’s perhaps no better example of that than having a giant Christmas nutcracker next to the tree.
Inspired by the German tradition of wooden-crafted Nutcracker soldiers, they’ve become synonymous with Christmas and add loads of festive charm wherever they’re placed.
These fun figures don’t come cheap though: Robert Dyas has a 4ft nutcracker on sale currently – and even that costs £99.99.
While over at White Stores, there’s an imposing 5.5ft version reduced down to £329 from a whopping £499.
All is not lost though if you don’t have that budget to spend, as one woman has shared her thrifty DIY version – and it didn’t cost her a penny.
Posting on social media, she wrote: “Amazing what some buckets and some carpet tubes can do. Total cost: free.”
The results are certainly impressive: her first picture shows four carpet tubes fashioned to look like arms and legs, with four buckets serving as the body and head of the nutcracker.
But with just some imagination, a few pieces of tinsel and paint, the second picture shows a fully realised nutcracker, complete with red uniform, shako hat and rosy cheeks.
“Wow that is incredible & absolutely ingenious – well done,” replied one impressed Facebook user.
Another said: “Wow omg I thought literally you was comparing to a shop-bought one, then making your own – absolutely brilliant.”
The woman shared some handy tips for how she decorated her design and where she got the materials from.
“For the white, red and blue; they were acrylic paints from The Works years ago (£1 for a big tube).
“The gold tape was from eBay (just type in gold tape), the carpet tubes I got from my friend who lays carpets – but he said they often give them away if you go into your local shop and ask for them,” she advised.
“The buckets I got from the supermarket where I work (again, often given out for free as it’s what the cut flowers get delivered in).
“I used old tinsel for his shoulder pads and a minky cloth for his beard and hair.
“Oh, and his hands are made from my daughter’s bouncy balls she no longer plays with… But she now suddenly wants them back,” she added, with the laughing emoji.
Others took the opportunity to share their own similar creations, proving that the make-your-own nutcracker DIY is very much a thing.
“If you haven’t got the carpet tubes, pool noodles are also fab,” someone suggested.
Loads also tagged their friends, writing “How cool is this” and “You need to give this a go”.
If you’re looking for more thrifty ideas, check out our money saving tips for more ways you can save a few pennies before Christmas.
There’s also our Christmas section, which is filled with plenty of inspiration for gifts, decorating and more.
10 DIY hacks for under £1 each
These simple and affordable DIY hacks can help you get creative while saving money
Homemade Air Freshener:
Mix baking soda with a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Place it in a small jar with a perforated lid to keep your home smelling fresh.
Upcycled Tin Can Planters:
Clean and paint empty tin cans to use as stylish planters for herbs or small plants.
Custom Phone Stand:
Use a sturdy piece of cardboard or an old plastic credit card to create a custom phone stand. Decorate it with washi tape or paint.
DIY Lip Scrub:
Combine sugar and a bit of honey or coconut oil to make a natural lip scrub. Store in a small container.
Personalised Bookmarks:
Use old greeting cards or decorative paper to create unique bookmarks. Punch a hole at the top and add a ribbon for a finishing touch.
Decorative Mason Jars:
Paint or decoupage old mason jars to use as decorative vases, storage containers, or candle holders.
Easy Cable Organiser:
Use empty toilet paper rolls to organize cables and cords. Decorate the rolls with colorful paper or tape.
Magnetic Spice Jars:
Attach small magnets to the lids of small jars and stick them to a metal board or fridge for easy-access spice storage.
Handmade Coasters:
Cut out squares from old corkboard or felt and decorate them with paint or fabric to create custom coasters.
Natural All-Purpose Cleaner:
Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of essential oil for a pleasant scent. Use it to clean surfaces around your home.