I must start by telling you how much fun I am having as I work on my giant nutcracker. I find myself smiling as I cut and glue and tear strips of newspaper. And, of course, I am humming some of the more familiar parts of The Nutcracker Suite as I work on each part.

Your design is brilliant. It produces a large, sophisticated looking nutcracker, is straight forward enough for the common crafter to duplicate, requires tools most people already own, and although it’s not inexpensive, doesn’t devastate the entire Christmas decorating budget. Can’t ask for more!