Easy Scrimshaw for Beginners

Scrimshaw, the etching or carving of bone, tooth , shell, or ivory (ivory may be illegal unless obtained before the laws were passed)
Usually done by sailors (1800's) on long voyages to pass the time.

You will need something to etch or carve. Usually, shell, bone, antler, or ivory. I have tried, bone ,antler,  teeth, ivory, polymer (ivory simulation), shell and glass! I found an old piano that had real Ivory keys. What a find! Then I found some keys that look exactly like the Ivory ones, but they were polymer plastic look- alikes. You can test for real ivory by heating a needle, held with plyers till red hot on the end. Touch to the key and if it goes into it easily its plastic, the Ivory will not puncture or melt like the plastic ones. Also grind and edge,  one will smell like plastic and the other won't.

I made most of my Scrimshaw tools. Anything really sharp will do. An old record player needle, inserted in a wood scrap, is one of my faves. Old dental tools, big needles,  etc... If it works for you , then use it. But it must have a comfortable handle. Test stuff out till you find what works for you.

Get comfy, some good lighting is essential, relax, you can't rush this! Choose a subject. Sailing ship, whales, seashore scenes, lighthouses, dolphins, mermaids, etc... Anything  that you choose. I did a Lion, in reverse Scrimshaw once. The background was black and the lion was white. See pict. 

You must blacken the Ivory to see what you have etched. Shoe polish or soot & oil mix, or crayon will work. Remember once you etch its not eraseable. So sketch in pencil first and have pics and drawings at your side for reference.

Get some pics of the subject you want to etch. The more the merrier. Remember you have to shrink it down to fit on your Ivory, shell, or bone. Steady hands and sharp eye! Practice on a scrap piece first. You will get better as you go.

when you are pleased with your work, rub off the black. See if you need more lines or dots or ?. Re- blacken and add what you need. Then remove the black again. If you are satisfied., drill a hole to hang on a necklace or leather , or mount on a wooden jewelery box, or inlay in wood of your choice. See jewelry box I made and necklace pieces.

This was a gift from my #1 son, nicely done!

This was also a gift (from Martha's Vineyard) to myself.

I sometimes skip the blackening part and sketch right on the piece itself.

I did this from a photo of my wifey's horse! It is on a slab of deer antler! Not too bad!

I would really love to win this contest (Epilog Challenge -Laser Cutter Prize), . Can you imagine the things I could make? Santa's sleigh will be overflowing with gifts this year!  I will be so grateful, as will the gift recipients when I win! So please VOTE NOW FOR MY INSTRUCTABLE!   Enjoy, seek peace, Triumphman.

Please vote now, can you imagine the things I could make with the Laser Cutter?  I will be so thankful, as will the gift recipients this year!