|
|
panlives
Inner circle
2088 Posts
|
Posted: Dec 5, 2011 7:49am
Hi,
I have been exploring the use of real walnut shells for the Shell Game.
Has anyone used Black Walnut Shells?
The opportunity for striking colour contrasts (shells, peas, mat) seems intriguing.
I am also quite taken by the description of the Black Walnut Shells’ purported extreme strength/durability.
A good friend sent me the following description:
“Black walnuts, J. nigra, are native to America. Their hard, sticky shells protect dark-skinned white nutmeats. These nuts must be cured after harvesting.
The saying "tough nut to crack" surely must come from the black walnut, as they require extreme force to get to the meat. Many find the easiest way to hull black walnuts is to spread them in a layer over the driveway and just drive over them with a car. Even once they are cracked, the meat must be painstakingly coaxed from the shell, and the oil in the shells leave an indelible brown stain on the hands. Wear rubber gloves when handling black walnuts. The meat to nut ration is small, but the rich nutty flavor is considered superior to that of the English walnut or butternut when mixed with other ingredients in baked goods and confections. On their own, the strong flavor of black walnuts is disagreeable to most, and not recommended for snacking.”
"Is there any point to which you would wish to draw my attention?"
"To the curious incident of the dog in the night-time."
"The dog did nothing in the night-time."
"That was the curious incident," remarked Sherlock Holmes.
|
panlives
Inner circle
2088 Posts
|
Posted: Dec 5, 2011 7:52am
Link to a photo:
http://www.nutsonline.com/nuts/black-walnuts/in-shell.html
"Is there any point to which you would wish to draw my attention?"
"To the curious incident of the dog in the night-time."
"The dog did nothing in the night-time."
"That was the curious incident," remarked Sherlock Holmes.
|
Dave V
Inner circle
Las Vegas, NV
4710 Posts
|
Posted: Dec 5, 2011 12:12pm
Are you asking about making your own? Or buying the "Deacon Dan" shells made by Tom Bartlett?
No trees were killed in the making of this message, but a large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced.
|
panlives
Inner circle
2088 Posts
|
Posted: Dec 5, 2011 1:17pm
Quote:
|
On 2011-12-05 12:12, Dave V wrote:
Are you asking about making your own? Or buying the "Deacon Dan" shells made by Tom Bartlett?
|
|
Making your own from real Black Walnuts.
"Is there any point to which you would wish to draw my attention?"
"To the curious incident of the dog in the night-time."
"The dog did nothing in the night-time."
"That was the curious incident," remarked Sherlock Holmes.
|
silverking
Inner circle
4398 Posts
|
Posted: Dec 5, 2011 8:22pm
I recall Tom Bartlett saying that, to make one set of Deacon Dan shells takes a full day, and a hand full of bloody fingers!
I expect the Black Walnut shells might present somewhat of a difficult learning curve.........but a highly rewarding one upon completion.
|
Mr. Mystoffelees
Inner circle
I haven't changed anyone's opinion in
3379 Posts
|
Posted: Jan 21, 2012 6:40pm
Well, my farm abounds with black walnut trees, and so I have had my go with making the shells. Pure hell. Very thick hulls, very small interiors, world's best stain for something and hard as stone. Just getting them apart and one side intact is a challenge. I haven't even started up the "learning curve" yet... well maybe started, as I have at least learned to use a hacksaw and dremel...
Also known, when doing rope magic, as "Cordini"
|
Pop Haydn
Inner circle
Los Angeles
1078 Posts
|
Posted: Jan 23, 2012 11:07pm
Tom Bartlett's shells are beautifully made and finished. They are very nice to work with.
--Pop Haydn
Pop Haydn's 21at Century Website
Pop's Soapbox
Pop's YouTube Channel
Sphere of Destiny
Pop Haydn Photo Essay
Los Angeles magician
|
| The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » If right you win, if wrong you lose... » » Anyone use Black Walnuts for the Shell Game? |
|
|
