Mouse King Ornament
Specifications
Year Designed
2017
Size
Actual size may vary, approximately 4.0” x 2.5” x 5.5”
Materials
Fabric, cardboard, ribbons, felt, beads, leather, food-picks, pompoms, wire, fishing nylon, paint, wood pegs, wood eggs, notions, plastic gemstones.
Note: Given the handmade nature of the ornament, all ornaments are different. The pictures depict just one sample of the ornament.
WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD – Small parts. Not for children under 4 years. This is NOT a toy. Handle it under adult supervision.
Inspiration
created the Mouse King ornament inspired by my childhood memories. Indeed, my memories of going to The Nutcracker Ballet as a child. With our children, we would open the Christmas season by attending Ballet Met’s performance of the Nutcracker. I specifically remember the year when my mother-in-law, Betty, came from Florida to spent Christmas with us. Naturally, we wanted to share our Christmas traditions with her. So, we all went to the Nutcracker Ballet together. That was an unforgettable evening. That day, my mother-in-law bought my so Michael a ceramic ornament of the Mouse King to commemorate our time together. He was shown wearing a long cape and a sword. This special ornament is part of Michael’s ornaments collection along with this version I created by the memories of our magical time together.
Mouse King Ornament Design Process
The Mouse King is one of the most interesting characters of the Nutcracker Ballet. I thought of endless possibilities on how to represent a human-size mouse in charge of an army of mice! Just like the Nutcracker ornament, I portrayed the Mouse King in a very traditional way. Thus, he is wearing white trousers and black boots with leather cuffs just like the Nutcracker Doll ornament. Also, I chose green for his uniform in contrast to the red worn by The Nutcracker. This way, I would use Christmas colors, red and green, for two of the primary characters in this collection. Next, I gave him a lace collar and a mother-pearl brooch to decorate his attire.
The Mouse King is usually portrayed with distinct wardrobe pieces that exalt his royal stance. Firstly, his crown. First, I gave the Mouse King, a traditional crown made from gold trim, plastic gemstones, and pompoms. Second, I made the Mouse King’s cape from bright unorthodox colors. And, it is extra-large, emphasizing its regal nature. I hand-stitched a rickrack at the edge of the cape. I gave him an especially large silver sword attached to his belt, so that he is ready for battle.
His long tail is made from gray wire from an old tube organ, that my husband had repaired years ago. I hand-painted his gray face giving him red eyes and arched eyebrows so he exhibits a mean expression. Also, I gave him exaggerated ears to highlight the magic of this ballet. Also, I gave him exceptionally long whiskers that give him a playful and fantastical look.
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Tammi –
I purchased the Nutcracker Mouse King as a Christmas gift for a friend who collects mouse ornaments. It was an intricacy of beautiful colors, diverse materials and fine details. I would not hesitate to purchase from Catalina again.
Cecilia –
It is amazing how Catalina manages to transform recycled materials into unique collector’s items with such details associated with the character. Mouse King has its sword and crown and whimsical long whiskers.