Carving | brandonetto.com

Owl Nutcracker Restoration Complete!

May 03

Brandon 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!

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Current Restorations and The Seahorse Has a New Home

Mar 11

Brandon 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

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.

Posted by admin in Carving, Home, Restorations 0

1500’s Nutcracker Restoration Update

Feb 21

The 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!

Posted by admin in Carving, Home, Restorations 0

Happy New Year! The Completed Seahorse Nutcracker

Jan 01

Happy 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!

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My New Blog!!!! And Nutcrackers Listed On Ebay

Dec 28

Happy December! We are making some changes at Ardoria Studios. I have changed my blog to BrandonEtto.com to make it easier for people to find me and my work. It should be easier to remember. We are keeping Ardoria Studios and it is going to have some interesting changes in the future too. But for now check out the new blog. It is still in transition as there are some technical things I need to work out but all the old blog’s content can be found here now.

With the holidays being just around the corner and I have listed the 2nd Skull Nutcracker of the new design on Ebay. He needs to find nice home to spend the holidays.

I have also listed a Vintage Ibex Nutcracker on Ebay too.

December looks like it is going to be a busy month. I have a couple interesting restorations I am working on and will be posting about them soon.

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Sneak Peek

Nov 26

Thought I would do a quick post to give a glimpse of what Brandon has been working on. In between other projects he has been working on creating this Seahorse Nutcracker. I have been very excited to see this one get done. I just love the design!

Here is a quick peek of it without any finish or its glass eyes……