Snail Nutcracker – Concept to reality

Snail Nutcracker – Concept to reality

Jun 29

A few posts back I posted pictures of an idea I had for a Snail Nutcracker that I sculpted in clay. I carved him out of Black Walnut and it came out great!

This piece was a huge hit at the 2013 Nutcracker Collector’s Convention. I’m proud to report that the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum curator, Arlene Wagner, bought it at the convention’s auction to be put on display at the museum and enjoyed by all who visit the museum.

I will be posting more on the 2013 Nutcracker Collector’s Convention soon. Stay tuned!

 

Kaiser Wilhelm Nutcracker Repair

Kaiser Wilhelm Nutcracker Repair

Sep 01

This early 1900’s (1910 – 1915) figural nutcracker was originally carved in Switzerland. The customer mentioned that it is a carving of a young Kaiser Wilhelm.

The piece came in with damage to the mouth and mustache. This type of damage is common because people mistakenly try to crack nuts in the mouth rather than in the back between the levers.

I also stained the piece a darker color to bring out the fantastic details. It came out great and the customer was thrilled with the work I did on this piece.

 

1800’s Nutcracker Repair

1800’s Nutcracker Repair

Aug 22

A customer had just scheduled a piece he recently bought to come in for repairs when one of his wife’s favorite pieces fell over and sustained some damage.  So it got to make the trip for some repairs too.

This is a fantastic piece from the late 1800’s. He mentioned it was most likely carved in Switzerland. Luckily he was able to locate the pieces that broke off which helped tremendously in making this a seamless repair.

I can easily see why this is one of his wife’s favorite pieces. The detail on this piece is incredible. Whomever originally did it had some serious talent. Pictures don’t do this piece justice, this is an incredible example of what carvers were capable back then.

The repair came out great. Everything matched up and the colors blended perfectly to make this a seamless solid repair.