DIY Nutcracker Soldier Made From Vintage Wallpaper

DIY Nutcracker Soldier

I made the unusual DIY nutcracker soldier using a stencil and vintage wallpaper. A genius idea if I do say so myself. The colors in the wallpaper design screamed Christmas and the nutcracker is Christmasy…..so…..

Nutcracker Soldier Decoration

I’ve had the red and green and gold wallpaper forever.  I bought the wallpaper at a thrift store because I loved the velvety texture and the colors. I don’t remember what I paid for it. You guys know me….it had to be a deal.

I’ve tried using it as a table runner, display backdrop, and several other things. But I couldn’t really come up with a good project idea…..until now. When I worked on the nutcracker stencil project last week I had an ah-ha moment!

The nutcracker stencil was large and all of the cut out stencil areas were large. I could see using the stencil as a template and cutting the nutcracker out on paper of some kind. Why not wallpaper?

I needed something to put the “paper doll nutcracker” on. I found this reclaimed cabinet door in my stash of wood parts and pieces. The front side of the door was covered with sample paint finishes from old projects. I decided to use the back side of the door and paint it black.

See, the stencil is pretty BIG. How about the wallpaper? Pretty isn’t it.

Since the wallpaper design was straight lines and stuff, I made sure I placed the nutcracker all nice and straight on the back side of the wallpaper. No one wants a womper jawed nutcracker. I taped the stencil down on the edges so it wouldn’t scoot around on me. I used a pencil to draw around the inside of the stencil then I cut out the pieces. It reminded me of cutting out paper dolls when I was little.

I couldn’t stand all that nice smooth black paint. I grabbed the sandpaper and did a bit of distressing. There was yellow paint underneath the black paint and the distressing looked good.

I placed the pieces of the nutcracker on the door getting them all nice and straight.  Then I brushed Elmer’s wood glue on the back of each piece working with one piece at a time. I tried not to overdo the glue.

I gently rubbed each piece of wallpaper/nutcracker onto the door …..squeezing out the air pockets as I went. I wiped off any glue that seeped out with a damp rag.

Surprise! I got him all nice and straight on the door and the wallpaper designs are all lined up. Doing the happy dance.

DIY Nutcracker Soldier

What do you think of this idea? I’m going to see what other stencils I can try this with. Not with Christmas wallpaper, something else….not sure what just yet.

I didn’t really know anything about nutcrackers except that we decorate with them at Christmas. I did a bit of googling and this is what I found…..

According to German folklore, nutcrackers were given as keepsakes to bring good luck to your family and protect your home. The legend says that a nutcracker represents power and strength and serves like a trusty watch dog guarding your family from evil spirits and danger. A fierce protector, the nutcracker bares its teeth to the evil spirits and serves as the traditional messenger of good luck and goodwill…source, Magic of Nutcrackers 

Want more Petticoat Junktion Christmas Inspiration? Click any photo below!

The Christmas Porch Tour continues today…..click any of the pink text links…..

Monday, Day 1

My Thrift Store Addiction // Postcards from the Ridge // Cottage at the Crossroads
Petticoat Junktion // House of Hawthornes // DIY Beautify

Tuesday, Day 2

Sweet Pea // Duke Manor Farm // StoneGable
Sand Dollar Lane // Atta Girl Says // Our Southern Home

Wednesday, Day 3

North Country Nest // My Creative Days // Worthing Court
2 Bees in a Pod // Major Hoff Takes a Wife // Craftivity Designs

Thanks for being here and have a great day, Kathy

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