The nutcracker tradition probably originates with the story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, written by German author E.T.A. Hoffman. This story was adapted for ballet by Alexandre Dumas and the music was created by the famous composer Tchaikovsky.

Since The Nutcracker story takes place during Christmas, it’s easy to see how the elaborately carved and painted nutcracker received a spot in Christmas tradition.

Are you looking for inspiration to make an original nutcracker? Watch these pictures sent to me by subscribers of this website. You’ll see that there is no limit to what can be done if you let your imagination fly!

Then have a look at:

• instructions for making a giant nutcracker;
• instructions for making a 20″ (50 cm) high nutcracker.

When your nutcracker is ready, send me a picture!