Found another use for “Poster Putty”. We’ve been using it to hold scrimshaw material in place as we scrim, but when it comes to inking the little vials I like to mix them in often end up sideways (which is why I’ve been banished from the kitchen table for all things non-food). A small dab of poster putty will hold the vial or anything else spillable fast, even if you bump into it. (small dab under the vial to the right). Available at most pharmacies and at Amazon.com
Lucille Ball Scrimshaw by Jason Webb
Jason Web sent me a picture of Lucille Ball he recently scrimmed on a mammoth ivory. For someone who seldom does portraits, Jason has captured her beauty and that mischievous twinkle in her eye on this beautiful monochrome scrimshaw.
Anyone who is a fan of Lucille Ball or a collector of fine scrimshaw who would like to purchase this one of a kind piece (he is going to mount it on a necklace) should email Jason at:
jasonwguitar@gmail.com. The detail on the cheekbones as well as his triumph in capturing all of those curls is nothing short of astounding. Larger pics can be seen at our site http://scrimshaw.com
Antique Shops Threaten to Leave NY and Other News
According to BusinessWeek, antique dealers are threatening to leave New York over the ivory ban. Not that they want brand new fresh ivory, they have lots of antique ivory that will be reduced to next to nothing if they don’t do something about the latest state laws. (read more).
Aside from writing fiction (Samuel Shinpike – soon to be a series), we’ve been working with casein/galalith and have been pleased with the results. We’ll be offering cabs here soon on our products page.
We’ve also been focusing in on scrimshaw techniques on our newsletter, so far creating fur and whiskers. We’ll soon be testing out cattle horn often used for powder horns as well as further focus on techniques to create finer scrimshaw.
You can get these exclusive articles by signing up for our newsletter which comes out approximately weekly. We don’t spam, and we only want people who are genuinely interested in creating beautiful scrimshaw on alternative and eco-friendly materials. You can sign up below:
Check Twice, Drill Once (preferably from the front…)
I was setting up the “Sun Motif” scrimshaw I had created on a casein cabochon and decided I should go ahead and drill the one-off light house to put on a chain as well. Carefully measuring I marked the back and drilled a hole through – on the bottom. Oops. Oh well, sour grapes, we’ll see how it holds up to a second sanding.
The sun came out better, checked and sure enough, I’d marked it at the bottom instead of the top. Think drilling face-up should be my preferred method.
Ivory Ban News: Ivory (including mammoth ivory) Illegal for Sale in New Jersey
Ivory Ban News Update:
Sadly, mammoth ivory got the ax as well as elephant ivory. This same knee-jerk reaction may hit New York as well. see MongaBay for more…
You can’t hide an elephant (or ivory clad bagpipes) under your kilt and cross the border…
US Fish and Wildlife confiscated two bagpipes from a pair of 17-year-olds who were to compete on an international level. Ivory harvested since 1976 is banned in the U.S. … – read more.