THE COMPANY

From its roots in San Francisco, California, Oscar Pivaral started the firm, Nostalgic Designs with his thirteen years of experience. A staff has been assembled to include master carvers, skilled wood workers and professional artists. The plant has been outfitted with state-of-the-art woodworking and finishing equipment gathered from both European and Domestic markets. Monitored storage facilities ensure quality maintenance with constant temperature and moisture standards for the materials.

Nostalgic Designs originally focused on the manufacture of both original and reproduction carousel animals. Its lines have since expanded to include home decorative accessories and collectables. Nostalgic Designs' fine craftsmanship can be seen in American theme parks such as Disney, as far away as Japan and in many fine homes around the world. The Jeweled Jumper pictured above is working for Disney while this beautiful Cherub Chariot resides in a theme park in Japan.

Maximum effort on line expansion and product development has resulted in a selection of wooden accessories that defies comparison. From Carousel Horses and Tigers from a bygone era, to Birds, Dogs and Sea Life, Nostalgic Designs stands alone as a manufacturer of this category of merchandise.

THE PROCESS

Nostalgic Designs produces a custom line of carved wooden carousel animals and home decorating accessories that range in size from six inches to six feet. All carvings are finished in a variety of standard finishes including stains, paints and antiques as well as custom colors.

Only the finest California, Oregon and Washington pines are used for the carvings. No two pieces of wood are identical; knots, grains and blemishes are unique to each piece and add to the character of the resulting images.

Each of the images is first carved full size by master carvers in the pattern shop. They are individually shaped and finished, with fine details that are usually found only in the finest hand carved animals. Blending modern technology with old world craftsmanship produces the finest of hand finished products.

This process allows Nostalgic Designs to produce products with a consistent look and level of quality. Each product is then finished by hand, using finishes and techniques to achieve a combination of deep vibrant colors and highlighted wood grain. Where appropriate, finishing details such as jewel decoration, special eyes, gilt highlights, fancy tails and special brass posts and wooden stands are used.