Completion of The Fox Whip Holder Restoration

Completion of The Fox Whip Holder Restoration

Sep 07

The Fox Whip Holder is officially done!  I think it turned out beautifully.  It is a spectacular piece.  This is a piece that I am going to be sad to see go back to it’s home.  Here is a before and after picture…

Brandon made the finish darker and it really brings out the details of the carving.  Here are a few pictures to show the incredible carving of this piece.  If you want to see the pictures larger just click on the photo…

Brandon added the foot and did a spectacular job on it.  You can’t even tell it was ever repaired!

Brandon is now working on another restoration and is also working on an original figural nutcracker.  Updates and pictures coming soon!

Bull Nutcracker Restoration Completed

Bull Nutcracker Restoration Completed

Aug 23

Brandon finished adding the horns to the bull recently.  He carved the horns from Tagua Nuts and they look just like ivory.

Here is a before and after of the nutcracker…..

The horns look and feel like ivory and really complete the look of the nutcracker.

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.

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…..

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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