The New Skull Nutcracker Design
Oct 28Brandon has redesigned his Skull Nutcracker. When he first discovered figural nutcrackers on the internet and in books he set out and made his first designs without seeing an example in person. After we acquired a few vintage nutcrackers and after seeing other peoples collections, Brandon decided to recreate the Skull Nutcracker to be more delicate and more in scale with the vintage figural nutcrackers. The new version is approximately 7 inches tall . The old version was quite a bit larger at 8 inches tall.
Here is a picture of the old version and the new version for comparison.
Here are some pictures showing the detail of the new Skull Nutcracker……
Brandon also created the coffin shaped stand for this nutcracker. The Skull Nutcracker is the first of the new design and is signed and numbered #1. It is currently listed on Ebay. This would make a nice Halloween addition to any collection!
Completed Monkey Restoration and Old Woman Sitting on a Log Restoration
Oct 28Brandon has completed two more restorations. First is this monkey…the pin needed to be replaced. I don’t have before pictures of this piece. However, in the after photos you can see that the pin has been blended to match the piece’s patina and doesn’t look like a new pin. It is now fully operational.
Next is this woman sitting on a log. She had some condition issues such as her nose was missing, bottom lip and upper teeth were also in need of repair. The overall finish of the piece was freshened up also. Here are some before pictures….
Here are the after pictures….
These pieces came together nicely and are ready to be delivered.
Check back later for Brandon’s redesigned Skull Nutcracker.
Yet Another Restoration…..and More To Come…..
Oct 07Brandon received a full figure screw type nutcracker for restoration work. It is a very detailed well done nutcracker but had some condition issues. You can see some of the issues in these photos.
Every nutcracker has it’s own unique quirks and each carver that originally carved them had their own style which takes time to learn for making the restoration correct. Brandon did a great job making this restoration accurate and look seamless.
Now Brandon is working on a few more restorations, a redesign of one of his original design nutcracker and a few more projects. So look for updates about those in the near future!
Owl Nutcracker Restoration Complete!
May 03Brandon completed the restoration of the owl nutcracker. Like every project that comes through the workshop this restoration had its own set of challenges. Each project is a learning experience and much is learned on each one. Brandon is quite persnickety with getting everything lined up and looking seamless. Then he puts the same care into the finish to make the restoration work look like it never was broke.
Brandon had to add the “ears” and beak. The stump was also broken and needed to be added to. Here are some pictures of the finished nutcracker….
This piece came out beautifully. My pictures do not do it justice. It was quite a struggle to get good pictures with the lack of sunlight around here! I think we need a break from all the rain…….enough is enough already!
Current Restorations and The Seahorse Has a New Home
Mar 11Brandon is now working on two restorations. First off is this very interesting owl nutcracker.
Owl Nutcracker
This piece has a couple of issues that need to be addressed. First the feather tufts on the head have been broken off in a curious manner and they need to be added. Also, the beak needs to be repaired as well as the stump it is perched upon. When all of that is completed it will need to stained and finished to its former glory.
Owl Nutcracker
Owl Nutcracker
The next restoration, is this jolly fellow….
He had an old repair that needed to be redone. His hat had been glued on and not in the right position.
The hat also is missing the very tip of it and will need to be replaced. The rim of the hat in the front is also chipped and will need to be repaired also.
In other news, Brandon’s original design Seahorse Figural Nutcracker has been sold. It now will make it’s home at the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum. It definitely will not be lonely there! 😉
It was sad to see it leave but I have my order already put in for one like it!
Check back soon for more updates and also check out our Facebook page.