Anri Chef
Mar 23
Here’s a great example of an Anri Chef nutcracker.
This one came in with a couple chunks missing from the chef’s hat.
Here’s a picture of it in process of being repaired:
Here are some photos after the repairs:
This piece had a very unique patina that was a challenge to replicate. As you can see by the following photo, it came out perfect.
The shop has been really busy so stay tuned for more posts coming soon!
—– Brandon
Merry Christmas!
Dec 24
From our home to yours, we want to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas!
Our cat Leo impatiently waiting for Santa
Our mantle with the Haunted Mansion inspired mirror displaying Christmas loops
Gus from the Haunted Mansion all decked out for Christmas hanging out with the soldier style nutcrackers
COOKIES! Molasses cookies, my favorite! – Recipe here –> http://www.melissaetto.com/?p=1461
Merry Christmas everyone!
Homemade Gin – Day 3
Apr 06
Ladies and gentlemen, we have Gin!
With this kit, it only takes about 36 hours to make Gin.
The kit is great! It came complete with everything to make Gin except 750 ml of cheap run-of-the-mill Vodka. It even includes the bottles to put it in!
I was skeptical that the strainer would actually work and keep out all the solids I had added to the Vodka (see Day 2 post).
As you can see, it worked great! No solids whatsoever!
So, how does it taste? Well, I’ve never had Gin, but I can definitely say it’s a sippin’ kind of drink. That’s a good thing, though.
It’s smooth with what I would call a hint of coconut and pine combined. I know, that sounds awful, but it’s not. Mixed with Sierra Mist, it tastes kind of like Ginger Ale, but smoother. It’s good.
Keep in mind, I’ve never had Gin so my description may be a bit unorthodox because I’m not at all familiar with Gin. Feel free to leave comments if I’ve completely botched describing it.
Honestly, this was drop dead easy to do and I think the results are great. The kit runs about $50 and they sell the seasonings separately so you can keep using the kit over and over.
I give this kit a solid thumbs up so if you like Gin, definitely give the Homemade Gin Kit a try – http://www.homemadegin.com/.
—– Brandon
Homemade Gin – Day 1
Apr 04
Broke out my Homemade Gin kit I got for Christmas.
Never had Gin and am looking forward to trying it.
This cool kit makes it crazy easy.
Added the Juniper Berries to the 750 ml bottle of Vodka tonight.
This will sit for 24 hours, then I’ll add the Botanical Blend to it.
Stay tuned!
—– Brandon
Happy Thanksgiving!
Nov 28
I normally don’t make a big deal about the Holidays, but I have a ton to be thankful for this year! Most importantly, my Mom is healthy, cancer free, and was able to host another great Thanksgiving dinner this year with many more to come hopefully. I think this year’s was extra special since it’s been a long tough year. I can’t thank my sister enough for staying close to my Mom’s side and helping her get through this.
We are truly blessed to have our families, our health, close friends, and great customers who have been with us through it all. I honestly can’t thank everyone enough for keeping us in their thoughts, standing behind us, and for supporting our efforts. It has been a very tough year. Everyone’s kindness and support was well received and greatly appreciated. To my very patient and wonderful wife, I couldn’t have kept it together without you. Thank you… Thank you all…
—–Brandon
2013 Nutcracker Collectors’ Club Convention – Day 2
Jul 15– Day 2 of the 2013 Nutcracker Collectors’ Convention
Day 2 of the Nutcracker Collectors’ Club Convention is usually a whirlwind and this year, it was no different. It started at the hotel with the club’s famous nutcracker show, sale, and auction. After the auction, the official club member’s meeting was held then any members who were interested were invited to go to Holden’s Arboretum to see Homer Jacob’s nutcracker collection.
The day finished with a fantastic meal at Dino’s Restaurant located in Mentor Ohio. Then we all said our farewells. It all went so fast that it’s all really over before you know it!
Pieces on display from Mike Pickwick’s collection.
Nutcracker Collectors’ Club show, sale, and auction
The pieces I brought to sell did real well at the auction.
Snail Nutcracker – Went to the Nutcracker Museum in Leavenworth
Greyhound Nutcracker (#3) – Went to a private collector in New Concord Ohio.
Skull Nutcracker (#4) – Went to a private collector in Ann Arbor Michigan.
— Holden’s Arboretum
The arboretum has a fantastic collection of nutcrackers that includes some very rare pieces. We were fortunate to be able to visit and have unrestricted access to the fantastic pieces Homer Jacob had collected. Rumor has it that the arboretum may be looking at selling off some of the pieces in the next couple of years.
Holden Arboretum – Homer Jacob’s Nutcracker Collection
Holden’s Arboretum had some great animal nutcrackers
Holden’s Arboretum also had 2 very rare House Nutcrackers
— Dino’s Restaurant in Mentor Ohio
The convention ended at Dino’s Restaurant in Mentor Ohio. We were all treated to a great Italian family style served meal. The Eggplant Parmesan was absolutely fabulous and hands down my favorite.
Dino’s Restaurant
Dino’s Party Room
— Parting Words
Unfortunately all good things must come to an end. We had a great time and were very sad to have to say goodbye to old friends and new ones we made this year.
Next year’s convention is scheduled to be in Roswell New Mexico. Hmmmmm…. looks like I’d better start designing a cool flying saucer screw type nutcracker or two….. AWESOME!!!!!
A huge THANK YOU to everyone who bought my pieces and brought me pieces to repair this year! If you’re following this blog, keep an eye out for some fantastic pieces to be featured as I get them repaired and restored!
Again, if you are interested in joining The Nutcracker Collectors’ Club ($20/year domestic, $25/year international), contact Susan Otto at nutsue@roadrunner.com.