I've found this "paint-it-yourself" nutcracker kit at Target. So using my own paints (instead of the crappy paints that come with it), and some "extra bits", I've made my own unique "steampunk sentinel." The Mouse King will certainly think twice about harrassing poor Marie when he finds this nutcracker and his trusty ray-gun! ZAP!!!

(The googly eyes were the only thing from the kit that I used.)