Turn inexpensive nutcrackers into beautiful decor pieces with Metallic UNiCORN SPiT Stain.
You can totally update your holiday decorations by staining your wooden nutcrackers! It’s a super easy and fun DIY! By staining them in metallic colors, they turn into modern, classic decor pieces that can be used all around the home.
Materials and Supplies Needed
This can be done with any unfinished wood pieces including nutrcrackers of all sizes. There are often different ones in the dollar stores but can also be found in most craft stores and online. The magic is in the UNiCORN SPiT Stain Metallics! The gel stain comes in a 4 ounce bottle and LASTS FOR SO LONG. It can be diluted too which is awesome for other kinds of projects.
- Wooden Nutcrackers (These can be found online.)
- UNiCORN SPiT Stain Metallics
- Paintbrush
- Paper to Cover Work Surface
- Paper Plate for Gel Stain
Directions
Before getting started, remove any labels, stickers or dust from the pieces.
Step One
Start by pouring a little bit of UNiCORN SPiT Stain onto a paper plate. You can do one color at a time or all of them. It is so great because unlike paint,UNiCORN SPiT doesn’t dry up super fast. You can even dilute it as you work if necessary.
Step Two
Use a paintbrush to apply the stain onto the wooden pieces. Note that the stain can also be applied to wood with foam pads, a spray bottle, cloth, paper towels or even your hands! Q-tips even come in handy to get the stain into difficult nooks and crannies of some pieces.
Step Three
Let the stain cure. This can take up to 72 hours for the process to be totally complete but will be dry to the touch after a few hours. At this point, the nutcrackers are covered in bright, shiny metallic colors. I prefer them to be left as is. However, if desired, a glossy top coat COULD be added. If you want more of a 3D surface, resin can even be added over the dry stain.
More Ideas with UNiCORN SPiT
I love using this medium in making things. There are several fun projects here on the blog.
Make a rainbow OUT IN THE RAIN with the drops of water creating the art.
Make a sparkly wood bead garland.
Use it on wood slices to create rainbow decor.
Additionally, my Team Creative Crafts partners have made amazing holiday decor to share with you too.
Lindsay over at Arsty Fartsy Mama created a beautiful set of reusable holiday wooden tags which I think is so clever. Get the directions for those on her blog.
Beth from Creatively Beth used the stain to make ornaments from seashells.
Sharing is Caring!
Too busy to make this right away?! Pin it for later! Pin this project to your favorite craft board on Pinterest and it’ll be waiting for you when you’re ready.
I would really love to hear what you think about this dollar store makeover with nutcrackers metallic UNiCORN SPiT and if you try it out, I would sure like to see it! Share on Instagram, Facebook, or leave a comment/photo on the project pin on Pinterest! #LauraKellyDesigns
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XOXO,
Laura