Better late than never, as this happened almost a year ago, but my wooden turtle deserves a blog post of his own.
![wooden turtle](https://blog.askingfortrouble.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/IMG_0706D-640x640.jpg)
This wooden turtle used to live on the hearth in my late Granny & Granda’s house and as a child I used to say it was my favourite thing in their house. During a visit back when I was in art school she gave him to me and I’ve loved having him around. Since I moved to Helensburgh, I’ve even had a fireplace to keep him in the same spot.
He was looking very old and grubby though so after many episodes of The Repair Shop, I was inspired to ask my very handy dad to have a go at fixing him up as a birthday present last year.
![wooden turtle](https://blog.askingfortrouble.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/IMG_1419-640x640.jpg)
I got the full Repair Shop experience next time I was in Lossie and look how beautiful he was under all that old varnish! It now just has some wax to protect the wood for a more matte finish that suits him much better.
![wooden turtle](https://blog.askingfortrouble.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/IMG_1420-640x640.jpg)
I was totally shocked to discover he has eyes and a mouth that I never even knew about. It’s like I didn’t even know him at all. It must be a surprise to be able to see again after decades.
![wooden turtle](https://blog.askingfortrouble.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/IMG_1380-640x640.jpg)
It’s been so nice to have him back where he belongs and looking so good. You can see I’ve kept the wax nearby too so I can top him up.
We know from a stamp underneath that he came all the way from Pitcairn Island but we’re still not sure who in the family brought it back. Hopefully we’ll figure it out some day.
![Window Seat](https://blog.askingfortrouble.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/IMG_3968-1024x1024.jpg)
![wooden ghost lock protector](https://blog.askingfortrouble.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_3824.jpg)
Another amazing job by my dad, who you may know from previous projects here including my window seat and the ghost shed protector – both still going strong!