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.
Completed 1500’s Nutcracker
Mar 04The 1500’s Nutcracker has been completed! It turned out wonderfully. The finish is spot on and looks completely seamless. It was quite an exciting piece to work on and it is nice that it has been restored to it’s original form. The bird was completely missing except for remnants of little bird feet and Brandon designed the bird to be correct for the nutcracker, carved the new bird and finished it to look like it had always been there…
Here are some before pictures..
1500's Nutcracker Before
1500's Nutcracker Restoration
And here is the completed nutcracker.
1500's Nutcracker Completed Restoration
1500's Nutcracker Completed Restoration
1500's Nutcracker Completed Restoration
This nutcracker will be an amazing addition to it’s home at the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum where it is now currently displayed.
Brandon will be working on to a couple new restoration projects that I will be posting about real soon. We are also working on a few different projects too……
If you want to see some of Brandon’s restoration projects (before and after pics) and also his original nutcrackers and other works, you can check out our fan page on Facebook and look through the albums. It’s nice to see them in one condensed area. While you’re there make sure to “Like” our page, it will make me very happy. 🙂
1500’s Nutcracker Restoration Update
Feb 21The restoration of the 1500’s nutcracker is almost complete. Brandon has been working on making the bird tie in seamlessly to the original piece and it is looking spectacular. It needs to be textured a bit and finished to match the piece and it will be good to go. Here are some updated pictures of the piece.
Arlene is thrilled with the progress and is excited to get it back to the museum to show off this spectacular nutcracker.
After this restoration is complete Brandon has a few more restorations in the line up.
Also, check out our Facebook fan page for updates and check out the photo albums of past works. Just click on the Facebook badge in the sidebar and it will take you directly to it!
Happy New Year! The Completed Seahorse Nutcracker
Jan 01Happy New Year!
The Figural Seahorse Nutcracker is complete! I think this is my favorite nutcracker Brandon has created to date. This nutcracker is an Ardoria Studios Original design. It is wonderfully detailed and the finish makes it look like an aged nutcracker. Brandon also made a shell stand specially for the nutcracker.
This nutcracker is being placed on Ebay for auction. Click on the link to check out the auction.
I will be sad to see this one go but I am happy that friends and family were able to see it this holiday season. I just loved it on our mantle, it looked wonderful!