Holiday nutcrackers

[Bill Berg]

Hi folks. I'm not a heavy poster in general but this is my first post to the turners forum. I've seen quite a few of the people that I recognize on the flatwork side posting over here so I figured I'd show my latest project.

I try to make gifts for the ladies in the family each year for Christmas. It works out well because they are always well recieved and it's a welcome and timely break from a larger furniture project. I saw the FWW article by Fred Snead on this some time ago and this year it actually happened.

Making the toys was actually kind of fun but the painting and decoration turned into an exercize in patience. A far stretch from the art many of you produce, but here is this year's round of x-mas gifts...

[Mike A. Smith]

Bill those look wonderful. My wife has a huge nutcracker collection and I had just promised her a turned one for next Christmas. I'll have to find that FWW article.

[John Keeton]

Bill, those are fascinating! How tall are they? Are the arms hinged? That is some very nice work - and a great job of painting.

[John Beaver]

Bill, Those are great.
It's on my long list of projects to try one day.
I'm not sure I have the painting skills to match your effort.
Well done!

[David Christopher]

WOW, those look better than store bought

[Bernie Weishapl]

Wow Bill those are fantastic. Really well done.

[Bill Berg]

John, They are about 15" tall. The arms articulate with dowels at the shoulder and upper arm, hinged at the elbow, and use a peice of elastic with a crude ball and socket joint at the hand.

[Joe Adams]

I saw the FWW article by Fred Snead on this some time ago and this year it actually happened.

I could not find this article through a Google search. If anyone has a copy or a link, I'd really appreciate it. My brother is an avid nutcracker collector and really wants to make one on our lathe.

[Steve Schlumpf]

Bill - beautiful workmanship on these! Love the details! All of the ladies in your family are in for a treat this year and will be absolutely thrilled with their gifts!

Exceptionally nice work! Thanks for sharing! Hope to see more of your work real soon!

[Billy Tallant]

Great looking nutcrackers. The detail work is incredible. I can see why the painting stretched your patience. In the end it payed off though. I can definately see everyone definately happy to receive one of those as a gift.

[Tom Giacomo]

Realy beautiful work Bill.

[Norm Zax]

Great work and admirable patience!

[Bruce Lundgren]

Joe: It's in the Nov/Dec. 1990 issue of FWW.
Bruce

[Radek Kowalski]

Wow those look great! Anyone have an idea how to get this article, I was born several months before it was published. Thanks.

[Rick Flink]

OH MY! Those are awesome!

Rick (mtgrizzly52)

[John Keeton]

Wow those look great! Anyone have an idea how to get this article, I was born several months before it was published. Thanks.Radek, I have several back issues, and I looked for that one. Had the one on either side, but not the one you need!?!? Sorry! It is issue 139.

[Robert McGowen]

Those are very nicely done. A winner of a gift for whomever receives one!

[Thom Sturgill]

Wow! some lucky ladies indeed.

[Robert Parrish]

Joe, the FWW book "Lathes & Turning Techniques (Best of Fine Woodworking) (Paperback)" is available on Amazon for $10.85 I just ordered a copy. Maybe I can do one for next Christmas!

[Bill Berg]

Radek, I purchased the book that Robert mentions. You could make them without the article but I feel it is well worth the $11 to have this in front of you while you are making them.

Thanks to everyone for the nice comments.

[Baxter Smith]

Painting looks great-along with everything else! They looked familiar but it was only after I read Bruce's post that I realized why! I am as impressed now as I was then. Dug back through my cupboard and found the article. I have scanned the four pages. If someone here will tell me its ok to post them for you I will Radek.

Woops! Guess some of you guys gave him another choice!

Anyway, real nice job!