A concrete tube nutcracker is the DIY route to the oversized soldier figures that sell for a lot at retail. The build uses a cardboard concrete form tube as the body, then adds paint, felt, and simple shapes for the face, hat, and arms. It appeals to crafters who enjoy a weekend project and want a yard piece sized to their own porch. Because you control the height and colors, the finished figure fits your display instead of the other way around.
The cardboard form tube sets the body proportions, so decide your finished height before buying one and add extra for the hat and base. Acrylic or exterior latex paint holds up outdoors, and a sealer coat keeps rain from soaking the tube. A weighted base is essential on a lawn, and a wooden dowel through the arms keeps them from drooping. Sand rough edges before painting, and let each coat dry fully, since rework on a big figure is slow.
