I Did It!

Whimsical oversize nutcrackers, created from simple concrete form tubes and PVC pipes, deliver exuberant holiday cheer.

- KATHY BARNES,ADAM ALBRIGHT

When Stephanie Hanna dreamed up a pair of larger-than-life nutcrackers to watch over her Fort Lauderdale home, she imagined happy, candy-color greeters—rather than the stern soldiers she found in stores. Along with her husband, Rusty, she made a trip to the home center for budget materials (and free assistance). The staff cut lengths of PVC that Stephanie planned to use for the nutcrackers’ arms and legs to her specifications at no charge. After some trial and error, Stephanie built the 6-foot-tall soldiers, fondly named Jingle and Jangle by her social followers (@stephaniehannahome). After assembly, Stephanie and her daughter McKenzie brought them to life with painted details. Then Stephanie finished them with trims, tassels, faux fur, and buttons from the fabrics store. “Jingle and Jangle bring so much joy to our house,” she says. “I love to make things a little more magical at Christmas.”