This project is part of The Proper Pinwheel’s holiday series, Mission: Merry 2012.

The holidays can be crazy. You know this. We take on too much. We make treats for everyone and their dog! I like to make toffee for all of our friends and neighbors and anyone I’ve ever met. (Recipe coming soon!) Sometimes we forget how sweet and simple the gifts can be. Out of all the projects for Mission: Merry 2012, I think this might be my most favorite. I’ve been keeping this one close to the chest and it’s been so tough! One of the fun parts of our holidays is when we go to the Nutcracker Ballet. Hoo-rah! I love the holidays because nutcrackers can be found everywhere you turn. Big. Small. Traditional. Modern. They’re all perfect. Mini nutcrackers make the perfect jar toppers for your holiday treats!

To make your own Nutcracker Jar Toppers you’ll need:

• several mini nutcrackers (found at hobby lobby)
• spray paint in red, mint, and white
• hot glue
• ball jars
• treats to place inside

The nutcrackers will come with their beards and hair attached. Rip those off. We like our nutcrackers hair-less around here. Use a butter knife to scrape off the remaining peach fuzz. Spray paint each nutcracker one solid color. You need several coats to make sure the paint will stick and the nutcracker will be super glossy and fabulous.

Remove the lids from the ball jars and spray paint those white as well. 2-3 coats should do it. 🙂

Once the paint is dry, hot glue the nutcrackers to the tops of the lids, fill the jars with some yummy treats, and give the gift of life gift of sugar to everyone you know! These jars are filled with popcorn drizzled in red-tinted white chocolate. I sprinkled crushed peppermints over the chocolate drizzles before the chocolate set. I threw the popcorn in the jars and called it a day. I added whole peppermints for flair. The people of Instagram believe this to be Dexter-themed popcorn. Potato-Potahto.

Click here to visit the other projects for Mission: Merry 2012.

Giveaway Central: Don’t forget to enter the 24 Merry Days giveaway today over on Design Crush! There are two today! And the Sweet Paul giveaway is still open! 🙂

photo cred: all photos by The Proper Pinwheel