Repurposed Nutcrackers

Two nutcrackers getting ready for their new careers as beekeepers. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)

Repurposed Nutcrackers

I know, it’s early fall and you’re wondering why I am posting about nutcrackers.

Here’s why. This is the best time to pick up old nutcrackers to repurpose into new careers. You can usually find them at thrift stores and consignment stores on sale through the year, or even brand new online in after holiday clearance sales. The prices tend to go up when the Christmas season rolls around.

That’s how I picked up two nutcrackers I turned into personalized gifts for beekeeping friends. I knew the smoker would be harder to locate so I started scrounging beekeeping conferences early. Luckily one vendor was selling key chains with a smoker that lights up that turned out to be a good scale for the larger nutcracker.

This beekeeping nutcracker is ready for giving! (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)

Now the little wooden cat showed up at a local thrift store a couple of weeks before Christmas. The black and white coloring was perfect for the personalized beekeeper who has a tuxedo cat so I snuck it into the base of the nutcracker along with some silk flowers.

Oh. And bees. All over the beekeeper!

I cut real socks to give the beekeeper socks to keep bees from going up his pant legs. Yes, it’s a beekeeping thing. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)

With a little creativity you can repurpose traditional nutcrackers into all sorts of new careers and easily make holiday decor into personalized gifts!

For more tips on gardening, beekeeping, cooking and easy home decor, subscribe to my weekly Garden Notes.

Charlotte