How to make Easy DIY Nutcracker Arhaus Dupe!
Have you ever walked into a holiday store, seen those beautiful brass nutcrackers, and thought, “I wish I could afford those for my holiday décor”? That was me last year! Many of us dream of adding elegant, timeless pieces to our Christmas decorations, but the price tags can be a little intimidating. What if I told you that you could create your very own faux brass DIY nutcrackers at a fraction of the cost?
Nutcrackers are more than just classic holiday decor – they represent tradition, history, and a touch of whimsy. Yet, when you shop for antique brass nutcracker in high-end home stores, the prices can often make them seem out of reach. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to spend a fortune to bring this holiday charm into your home. With a little creativity and the right materials, you can achieve the same luxurious look on a budget.
In this DIY tutorial, we’ll walk you through how to transform your own DIY nutcracker figurines into chic, high-end brass decor pieces that will look stunning on your mantel or in your entryway. You don’t need to be a professional crafter to achieve this luxurious look – a few easy-to-find supplies and some creativity are all it takes. Whether you’re decorating for a traditional Christmas or simply love the look of metallic holiday decor, this project is perfect for adding a personal, handmade touch to your home. So, are you ready to make your home feel festive and fabulous without breaking the bank?
Let’s dive into this fun and budget-friendly project!
Full Disclosure on Cost
I managed to make various sizes of these eye-catching nutcrackers for under $60, and if you opt for the giant ones alone, it could cost you less than $50 for all the necessary supplies.
I can’t even begin to tell you how shook you will be with how they look once you do them for yourself! Considering the Arhaus Versions are $150 each.
Now, you might be wondering about the black nutcrackers in the photo. Full disclosure: those are from last year’s DIY project. I initially aimed for an all-black matte finish but never quite fell in love with the result. That’s why I decided to give them a makeover this year, and the process worked like a charm on both the previously painted black and raw wood nutcrackers. So, whether you’re upcycling like I did or starting from scratch, you’re sure to adore the final result!
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Before getting started, it’s important to make sure you have everything you need. The beauty of this project is that you don’t need expensive tools or hard-to-find materials. Here’s what you’ll need:
Rustoleum Metalic Gold Spray Painthttps://amzn.to/3LJAvQI
Small Wood Nutcrackers (set of 5)
Small wood Nutcrackers (set of 6)
Large Nutcracker Christmas Tree
By using affordable items like spray paint and store-bought nutcrackers, you’ll save money while still creating a high-quality, beautiful piece of decor. It’s important to use painter’s tape to protect any areas you don’t want to paint, ensuring clean lines and a professional look. Don’t skip this crucial step!
Step 2: How to Make Your DIY Nutcracker Faux Brass Arhaus Dupe
- Prepare the Surface: Lightly sand any rough wood grain edges or angles, with a particular focus on the bases. This step ensures a smooth and polished final look.
- Dust Off Loose Particles: After sanding, use a tack cloth to remove all loose sawdust before moving on to painting.
- Apply Zinser Shellac: Spray your nutcrackers with two light coats of Zinser Shellac. While it’s recommended to wait for each coat to dry completely, if you’re a bit impatient (like me), waiting just one minute between coats can suffice.
- Spray with Metallic Gold Paint: Following the shellac coats, apply two light coats of gold metallic spray paint in the same order. Allow a 30-minute drying period before handling.
- Let Them Cure: To ensure the paint cures completely, let your nutcrackers dry overnight.
- Adorn Your Home: Now comes the fun part! Decorate your home with these fabulous brass nutcrackers that look as good as the store-bought ones.
You should feel so proud at this point…
Congratulations! In just a few simple steps, you’ve transformed ordinary nutcracker Christmas decorations into stunning faux brass decor that looks straight out of a high-end catalog. What’s even better is that you achieved this designer look without the hefty price tag, proving that beautiful holiday decor doesn’t have to come with a premium cost. These brass-inspired nutcrackers add a touch of elegance and charm to any space, from your mantel to your entryway, or even as part of a festive tablescape.
This DIY project isn’t just about saving money—it’s about the satisfaction of creating something unique with your own hands. By choosing to make your own faux brass nutcrackers, you’ve added a personal touch to your holiday décor that you simply can’t get from store-bought items. Plus, this technique can be adapted to other holiday decorations—think brass-finished wreaths, candle holders, or ornaments!
If you enjoyed this tutorial and are feeling inspired to tackle more holiday DIYs, be sure to check out some of our other projects that will help you get your home ready for the festive season. From simple wreath-making to creating custom centerpieces, there’s no limit to what you can craft with a little imagination.
Remember, the best part of the holiday season is making it your own—so get crafting and show off your beautiful new faux brass nutcrackers to family and friends!If or when you make your own Easy DIY Nutcracker: Faux Brass Arhaus Dupe, I’d love for you to tag us on Instagram so I can see your feast!
If or when you make your own Easy DIY Nutcracker: Faux Brass Arhaus Dupe, I’d love for you to tag us on Instagram so I can see your feast!
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I love these. My grandkids will live them too!
Thanks for the inspiration
yay, they are definitely going to love playing with them!