Lots of Carving!

Lots of Carving!

Jan 25

Brandon has been a busy guy!   He  has begun carving the commission mountain climber nutcracker.  It is coming along nicely.

He has also been making some stands for a collector.  The collector noticed in a photo on the blog the tree stump stand that Brandon made for our gnome nutcracker and ordered some.  The workshop kind of looks like some beavers have gotten in there!  🙂

There’s lots going on in the workshop for sure and there is more to come, too.  Check back soon and if you have any questions or comments please leave us a comment!  We’d love to hear from you!

A Quick Update

A Quick Update

Jan 08

The design for the commissioned Mountain Climber Nutcracker has been finalized.   Now it’s time to begin carving!

The final design has changed slightly.  The coat is now closed and ropes added and the sunglasses have been made smaller.  It is hard to see the detail in the clay but the wood will show the detail much better.

Check back to see the project progress.

Christmas Gifts and Lights

Christmas Gifts and Lights

Dec 26

Hope everyone had a Very Merry Christmas!  We had a very nice day spent with the family.  Santa was good to us all!  Brandon had been down and out with a wicked cold for almost two weeks but is now starting to feel much better (Thank God!).

This year for Christmas Brandon made knives for both our Dads.  He did a spring assisted automatic knife with lacewood inserts for his Dad.

For my Dad he made a pocket knife with birds eye maple.

Here is a video clip of our outdoor lights.  Brandon made the leaping reindeer over the driveway, the reindeer and trees in the yard and the reindeer on the garage with the wreath.

[flv:http://blog1.ardoria.com/Video/Christmas_2009.flv 320 240]

Check back soon for the update of the Mountain Climber Nutcracker.

Happy Holidays!!!

New Project

New Project

Dec 10

Brandon is currently working on a new commission nutcracker.  The project is in the design phase now.  Brandon is sculpting a clay model first, working toward the final design to be carved.   This nutcracker is going to be of a mountain climber.  Here are some pictures of the clay model as it is now….

Each project is a learning experience as we are learning a little bit about climbing and it’s equipment and gear.  It is very interesting.  The gentleman he is creating it for is a climber and has sent some pictures of his own adventures for reference and they are amazing.  It is an awe inspiring sport.

Restoration Piece Is Finally Home!

Restoration Piece Is Finally Home!

Nov 13

 

 

The restoration piece finally made it back to Bob Mills.  It had quite a trip getting back home.  England was in the midst of a postal strike and then customs also became a problem.  However, the nutcracker is at it’s home and Bob emailed us to let us know he received it…..

“Well, he’s finally arrived, what a GREAT job! He looks fabulous, how on earth did you manage to get the patina to match so well ? presumably the ‘new’ boxwood was a much lighter colour originally ?

The fact that he stands without support is definitely a bonus, he looks very happy in my cabinet amongst some other treasures.”

 

 

 

Now that we know Bob is happy with the restoration I can show our payment for the work done.   Brandon originally contacted Bob in July regarding purchasing a couple nutcrackers for our anniversary.  Bob and Brandon bartered for the restoration work to be done.  In return for the restoration Bob would give three nutcrackers for our new collection.  These are the three…..

We are absolutely thrilled with the three pieces we received.   Brandon made some awesome stands for them so they can be displayed on our mantle.

Thanks to Bob for the wonderful opportunity of working on such a great old nutcracker.  It was an exciting project and it turned out to be a very special piece.  Also, thank you for helping our new collection grow!

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Restoration Is Officially Completed!

Restoration Is Officially Completed!

Oct 28

The restoration is complete!  What an interesting project this has been!  The final pictures show just how well the added wood blends into the original wood.   The finish color is spot on and it looks like the nutcracker has always been this way.  It is on it’s final journey to Bob Mill’s home and we can’t wait to have him see it in person.  I think he is going to be very happy with the completed piece.