HALLOWEEN IS LIFE!!! So incase you didn’t know, I’m obsessed with Halloween and all things spooky! I saw these unfinished nutcrackers on clearance and immediately knew I could create some kind of cool Halloween man! I was debating between a skeleton and pumpkin and decided on pumpkin.
I got him for a couple bucks at Michael’s since they’re trying to move the Christmas stuff! I didn’t use the paint that came with him. I used my stash of acrylic paints that I had on hand.
I peeled off the hair and beard that he came with. I felt like a pumpkin man didn’t really need the traditional nutcracker hair. lol…
I just started painting him whatever colors I was feeling. I love the teal with the orange. It just pops!
For the polka dots, I used the end of an old paint brush. It’s a great tool to easily create perfect little dots!
As you can see he has a “distressed” look. I did this by just dry brushing over the whole thing with black and brown paint. I just kind of winged it and dry brushed him all over. I used a light purple dry brush on his boots.
So…I kinda forgot one of the main features of the nutcracker is the hinged mouth. Initially I just painted a mouth right on the face, but quickly realized it looked kinda weird with the little bottom mouth part just sitting there empty….
So I painted over the original mouth and used the nutcracker part to create a mouth that “opens”! I think it looks so much better.
I’m planning on sealing him with this spray once it stops snowing!
I have a few more and might try a skeleton man next. What do you think of the mouth? Should I have stuck with the first one and just added a traditional nutcracker beard to the bottom portion of the mouth? TIA for your thoughts and happy crafting! 🙂
Jan 16, 2020 @ 10:12:15
Fabulous!!!
Jan 16, 2020 @ 10:18:45
Looks awesome — hope to find something like it to try! Your ideas are always so creative — something to aspire to!
Jan 22, 2020 @ 06:24:26
Thank you so much Linda! 🙂 Maggie
Jan 16, 2020 @ 10:20:00
Think it’s great with the opening mouth but liked the original too. Since it will stand on a shelf, the original mouth would look better from a distance.
Jan 16, 2020 @ 10:37:53
Love the second version. I’ve always found X-mas nutcrackers creepy – not in the good Halloween-y way. This makeover is perfect for me. Many thanks.
Jan 16, 2020 @ 10:47:30
Like the final mouth.
Jan 16, 2020 @ 12:28:39
The first mouth was so cute. Then I saw the second, it is perfect! Great decision. You’re magnificent!
Jan 16, 2020 @ 12:29:42
2nd mouth much better, and scarier!!!
Jan 16, 2020 @ 13:51:34
I have to run to Michael’s and see if they have these. I know they are having Christmas items on sale so I can make my own pumpkin nutcracker. Thanks for the idea! He is really great.
Jan 16, 2020 @ 15:40:32
He is awesome just The way you made him!
Jan 16, 2020 @ 18:14:35
I think he’s prefect
Jan 16, 2020 @ 20:28:15
He is so Awesome!
Jan 16, 2020 @ 22:17:38
The second mouth is just perfect! No beard.
Jan 22, 2020 @ 06:23:19
Thanks Lillian, I agree! 🙂
Jan 21, 2020 @ 23:39:36
Wow, I really like this. You were really thinking outside of the box. I live very near Steubenville, Ohio where they have a nutcracker festival at Christmas with nutcrackers painted your in a large variety of different themes. I’ve never seen a Halloween one. I really love yours! I may have to try something Halloween themed sometime. You did a great job. I like the use of the nutcracker mouth.
Jan 22, 2020 @ 06:22:53
Thank you Lisa! I bet the Nutcracker festival is awesome! I’ve seen Halloween ones here and there but they are definitely not common. Thanks so much for your comment and I hope you give it a try!!! 🙂 Maggie
Feb 05, 2020 @ 18:59:56
Oh, I love him! I hope you do the skeleton one next and post pics!