More Restorations: Fox Whip Holder and Bull Nutcracker

More Restorations: Fox Whip Holder and Bull Nutcracker

Jul 25

Finally!  Our heat wave is letting up a bit and Brandon is back to working on a few restoration projects.  He is working on this whip holder…..

The Fox Whip Holder is missing his foot and he needs to have his finish put back to his original color and get rid of the white washed finish.  The fox is extremely detailed but it is really hard to see the details with the light finish.

Here are a couple pics of the current carved foot….

The foot will have to be attached and the fur carved to match then will be the finish!

He is also working on this bull nutcracker…

The Bull Nutcracker needs to have his horns replaced.  This is the bull with a clay mock up of his horns….

Brandon and the owner of the nutcracker had been searching for pre-ban ivory or an artificial ivory to carve the horns.  They have decided on carving the horns out of tagua nuts.  I’ve said it before but each project I learn something new.  I never knew that there are nuts that look like ivory and as hard as ivory!

This is how the nuts looked when we received them…..

This is the inside of the nut…….

Check back soon to see the finished restorations!

The Winking Man Restoration

The Winking Man Restoration

Jun 14

Brandon has a few restorations lined up to do.  This one was just a quick tune up.  The pin needed replaced and the finish livened up.

Here are some before pictures….

Here are some pictures after the tune up…..

The Winking Man is now in operating condition and with a beautiful new finish.

Nutcracker Collector’s Club Convention Continued…

Nutcracker Collector’s Club Convention Continued…

May 28

After leaving Mike and Linda’s home we attended dinner at the Golden Age of Trucking Museum.  We had a fabulous dinner buffet and participated in a give and take game. Everyone that participated got to either choose a wrapped nutcracker or take one that someone else had already unwrapped….it was a good time!

The museum was a wonderful venue for the dinner.  Below is the brochure for them and if you click on the picture it will take you to their web page.

After dinner we wondered through the museum and were awed by the collection of trucks, cars, signs and pedal cars.  Here are some photos of what you can find in the museum..

If  you are in the area stop by the museum and check out their collections.  You won’t be disappointed.

Nutcracker Collector’s Club Convention

Nutcracker Collector’s Club Convention

May 20

Last year we joined the Nutcracker Collector’s Club.  Each year they hold a convention hosted by a club member or group of club members.  This year’s convention was held in Connecticut,  so we packed up the Prius and hit the road.

We are fortunate to have been able to attend this year’s convention and finally meet a lot of members of the club.  What a group of wonderful people!  Everyone collects and has a real appreciation of the art and function of nutcrackers.

Mike and Linda hosted this year’s convention.  The first night started off at their home.   There we  got to ogle their very beautiful collection of  nutcrackers.  Here are just a few photos of their collection….

Notice the horse above 🙂   Mike commissioned Brandon to create it for them……

Above center, in the back, is the Groden Brandon restored for Mike and Linda and also that extraordinary Griffin….

Notice the stump stands

That’s just a few of their fabulous nutcrackers.  We really enjoyed seeing their collection. We had been told that Mike and Linda have a collection of high quality nutcrackers.  They go for quality over quantity.   It’s definitely true.  They have the most beautiful collection of nutcrackers as well as many beautiful antiques throughout their charming home.

We had a fabulous time meeting Mike and Linda.  Brandon has worked with him on a few projects and it was so nice to finally put a face to the emails!  It is a wonderful thing that they opened their home for us to see their collection and give us the opportunity to meet them and the other members.   It was an awesome experience.

Who knew?  Just a few years ago Brandon was just looking for a nutcracker to buy for me for Christmas.  He found the figural nutcrackers and decided to make one for me.  We would have never guessed that would lead us to this.  We have met the most wonderful people and learned so much.  I know that many of our family members glaze over when we discuss nutcrackers and do not share our enthusiasm (to use Susan’s term they are part of the disinterested club).  I would have never thought that there were all these wonderful people who all shared in their love of collecting these figural nutcrackers.    What a wonderful thing it is that this club has members who open their homes and host wonderful events like this.

Check back for more on the convention!!!!

The Mountain Climber

The Mountain Climber

May 17

Sound the trumpets!!!  I believe he is complete.  Once the customer gives the final okay he will be on his final journey home.

With each project comes it’s own unique trials and tribulations.  Each project is a learning experience.  This piece has been no exception.   Brandon is a perfectionist and his number one priority is to make his customers happy and we hope that the customer is very pleased with the results.

Many projects have been waiting in the wings.  There are new designs waiting to be completed.  There are so many ideas……so little time.  Having a demanding day job and having a family that likes having you around 🙂 puts a lot of demands on Brandon’s time.

I do know that it is a priority to make some much needed improvements to the workshop so it is comfortable at any temperature!    When it’s stinkin’ cold outside the workshop  just won’t heat up enough and you cannot carve with numb hands!  Then when it’s too hot (not like that happens too much in Ohio) it’s pretty miserable.  Improvements need to be made.  This too will take time but it needs to be done!

It’s all just more to look forward to 😉

Time to update!!!!

Time to update!!!!

Apr 21

It’s been a long time since I have posted an update so here is a quick run down on some of the works Brandon has been working on.

First is the progress on the Mountain Climber Figural Nutcracker.  It’s down to the detail work and lots and lots of sanding!  It is really coming together nicely…

Brandon also had some restoration work come through.  One was a Groden in need of much restoration as it is very old and has been infested with wood worms.  There wasn’t much left of this guy.  This is how he showed up here….

Brandon worked some magic on this piece and it is looking really great.  Here is how he turned out…..