A WOMAN has revealed that she didn’t want to spend hundreds of pounds on a posh nutcracker, so decided to make her own on the cheap.
Using plant pots, buckets and old drain pipes, this DIY fan was able to bring some festive joy to her home, without breaking the bank.
Not only this, but she also used freebies from B&Q to keep the cost of the homemade nutcracker low.
Thrilled with her Christmas creation, Nicola Crawford took to social media to share it with others, leaving many open-mouthed.
Posting on BARGAIN LOVERS Poundland, Home Bargains, B&M, Primark, The Range, a public Facebook group with 524,800 members, Nicola uploaded pictures of her jaw-dropping pink nutcracker.
Alongside the snaps, she wrote: “I really wanted a large nutcracker this year, but they were so expensive.
“So I made my own from containers and plant pots.
“Other materials were from The Range and B&Q or what I already had at home.”
Nicola confirmed that she used “plastic buckets, plant pots and pipes” for her traditional nutcracker design, as she added: “This is the final result.
“I’m pleased how it turned out and was inexpensive to make.”
Whilst similar nutcrackers range from £99.99 from Home Bargains to £249.99 from The Range, it’s no surprise that Nicola was overjoyed with her cheap DIY creation.
She later wrote: “I made him using flower pots and buckets for his body, face and hat (face is a plastic terracotta plant pot), his legs and arms are old drain pipes.
“I used wallpaper samples from B&Q to decorate it and ribbon from The Range. Feet are cream pots.
“I used border paste, double sided tape and hot glue gun to apply materials on and attached arms and body together by drilling a few holes and using cable ties.
It often feels like Christmas decorations and products start appearing in stores earlier each year.
Retailers typically begin to stock Christmas items well before the holiday season to capitalise on early shoppers and to extend the buying period. Here are a few reasons why it might seem like Christmas bits are out earlier this year:
Extended Shopping Season
Retailers aim to extend the holiday shopping season to maximise sales. By putting out Christmas items earlier, they encourage people to start their holiday shopping sooner.
Consumer Demand
Some consumers prefer to plan and shop for Christmas well in advance, so stores cater to this demand by stocking holiday items earlier.
Marketing Strategy
Early displays of Christmas items can create a festive atmosphere and build anticipation, encouraging people to get into the holiday spirit and start spending.
Competition
Retailers compete to attract customers, and being the first to display holiday items can give them an edge.
Supply Chain Considerations
Given recent disruptions in global supply chains, stores might be putting out Christmas items earlier to ensure they have enough stock and to spread out the demand over a longer period.
“I painted the face on with acrylic paints and pens from The Range and a bit of glitter for the eyes.”
Nicola’s Facebook post has clearly impressed many, as it was shared just three days ago, but has quickly racked up over 8,400 likes.
That’s fab and looks a lot friendlier than the shop ones
Facebook user
Social media users were left gobsmacked by Nicola’s DIY nutcracker and many flocked to the comments to share their thoughts.
Not only did people think it looked ‘amazing’, but many thought it was just ‘as good’ as the ones from shops.
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One person said: “Totally awesome.”
Another added: “Excellent job.”
That’s amazing! It looks as good as the ones from a shop
Facebook user
A third commented: “That’s fab and looks a lot friendlier than the shop ones.
“I don’t know if it’s just me but the shop ones have quite scary faces. Yours looks more welcoming.”
Whilst someone else penned: “That’s amazing! It looks as good as the ones from a shop, check you out!”
At the same time, another DIY fan claimed: “Best I’ve ever seen.”
Not only this, but one woman beamed: “This is brilliant! You’ve got a hidden talent there!! Looks amazing!!! I love it!!! Well done you!!”
