Transform Kitchen Trash Into Stunning Holiday Decor With This Clever DIY

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Elaborate Christmas decorations often come with an elaborate price, sometimes as much as $200 or more, which can lead to some pretty creative DIY Christmas projects. One much-coveted item, the 40” Large White Cement Toy Soldier Figurine from CB2, inspired TikToker @thesorrygirls to create their own for the bargain price of $32, with most of the supplies coming from their kitchen trash. The final piece is just as elegant as the real thing, but at a fraction of the price. It's the perfect high-end Christmas decoration you can make with household items.

The CB2 version is 40 inches high with a Brutalism look, a style characterized by blocky designs incorporating geometric forms. Pay special attention to the building items you use if desiring the same rounded look. Consider using two tall cylinder chip cans, followed by two smaller cans for the figurine's legs. For the body, opt for two round cookie tins or storage boxes along with a contour plastic planter. Your steadfast toy soldier also needs some rounded hands, which can be made from drink or chip cans along with two balls — both foam and old tennis balls would work. The supplies you use don't have to match exactly; you just want to find the best options to DIY your Christmas soldier. 

In addition to these pieces, you'll need something to attach them all together, such as epoxy or hot glue. For the finish, white paint and sand will do. Optionally, instead of weighing down your cans for support, you can build a base using two 2-by-4-inch pieces of wood and a 12-inch wood square.

This DIY is a great way to add an eye-catching piece to your home and complements nostalgic Christmas trends that are coming back in style. Start by stacking up your trash to make the toy solider's torso and legs. The tall chip cans are the legs, and you can attached them to the wood pieces for a sturdier base. On top of the tall chip cans go two smaller cans, followed by a cookie tin, the planter, and another cookie tin. Stack the pieces together, attaching them with your epoxy or glue.

Once the pieces are attached and dry, move on to creating that cement-like finish. It's a combination of a scoop of sand and white primer mixed together to form a gritty texture that looks a lot like cement composite. The natural look and color to the coating makes this DIY a great way to decorate for the holidays while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic. Depending on the height of your soldier and desired texture, you might need at least 1 pound of sand, such as a bottle of Hygloss Colored Sand for Crafts. If you don't really care about the cement finish, you could also opt for a simple spray paint. Cover the entire body of the soldier with your paint, stand back, and marvel at your work. 

No one will ever guess that this project began with upcycled cans and containers. You can use your soldier as a decoration throughout your home, though keep it away from heat sources since it's made of paper and paint. It's a great option to flock the entryway door or as a stately guard in your living room.