So, what's one of your favorite Holiday memories?
One of my fondest childhood memories, was going to see "The Nutcracker Suite" just before Christmas with my aunt and cousin. I loved everything about the performance and told everyone, who would listen, that I wanted to be a ballerina when I grew up. I think, I must have walked around on my "tippy-toes" for a week after wards. (LOL)
Anyway, to celebrate that memory I decided to create a Nutcracker for my first Helmar project.
For the majority of the project I used the Helmar Craft & Hobby PVA Glue. For the smaller details such as the shoulder and neck trim, the glitter on the berry garland, and the mustache, I applied the glue with a small craft brush. For the larger sections, I used a medium sized brush to apply the glue to the patterned paper, before applying it to the various sections of the the nutcracker. One little tip when applying paper to a curved surface, cut small slits on the edges of your paper. If you look carefully in the picture below, you will see the slits on the sleeve of the nutcracker.
Here's another tip: when you begin altering this guy, first try to take him apart (as much as possible). For example, I removed his legs and arms (although I had to work around his feet on the base). The Helmar Craft & Hobby PVA Glue worked beautifully on this project, in addition, there was no bubbling of the paper and it dried quickly. That was wonderful, because I'm rather impatient when it comes to waiting for my projects to dry!!! Also, any spots of glue you may have forgotten to clean up, virtually disappear when it dry.
I typically do not use a lot of glitter on my projects, primarily because I don't like the glitter falling off after the project is done. However, I am very happy with how well the Craft & Hobby PVA Glue has held the glitter in place. To apply the glitter on the base of the nutcracker, squeeze some glue onto one of the sides, spread it out evenly with the glue spreader, then apply glitter generously. Before shaking off the excess glitter, use a folded paper towel, and press the glitter gently. Repeat these steps for all the sides.
For the beard and hat plumage, I used the Helmar Liquid Scrap Dots. This product is really super! It's a definite time saver, and I really couldn't imagine trying to do the beard with anything else. You can build up the dimension by adding as much, or as little as you want, which is determined by the amount of glue you use. Below, you can see how I used Helmar Liquid Scrap Dots and layers of patterned paper to build up the beard.
The ribbon, lace trim, and buckle were attached using the 450 Quick Dry Adhesive, I even used it on some of the pearls, that had lost the sticker backing on them.
Patterned paper, chipboard borders, glitter and lace - Pink Paislee
Pearls - Kaiser Crafts
Velvet ribbon - SEI
Paint - Americana acrylic paints
Nutcracker and berry garland from Hobby Lobby.
I hope you make many joyful memories of your own this Holiday Season!
Jennifer, Helmar USA Design Team Member
wow. really - just, wow. This is beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Reel Girl | January 09, 2009 at 09:17 PM
This is one fantastic nutcracker, what a super job. I just love him.............
Posted by: Karen Patterson | December 25, 2008 at 10:59 AM
That is fabulous! I love it! I want to make one now! I hope I can find a nutcracker somewhere.
Posted by: Erin Gudge | December 21, 2008 at 08:02 PM
This is just incredible!
Posted by: Debbie Fitzgerald | December 21, 2008 at 02:57 PM
WOW!!!!! This is breathtakingly stunning!!!!! AMAZING!!!
Posted by: Eva | December 21, 2008 at 02:11 PM
This is truly one of my FAVORITE Christmas pieces I have seen this year!!!!! I am so making me one for my classroom nxt year. We perform the Nutcracker Musical every year!
Beautiful, cute and treaured...all at the same time! TFS!
Posted by: Beth Root | December 21, 2008 at 01:13 PM
This is amazing!! You did a fantastic job on this!! Love it!!!
Posted by: Melissa Bove | December 21, 2008 at 08:04 AM