[Jewelry making - Article 00582] - Re: [Orchid] Antler-horn -ivory and teeth

[Marie Curewitz]

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Hello all.

    Richard, I think you asked a good question Re: ethics of using bone
    as a consumable.  I don't usually post, but since I am a bone
    carver, I feel it's OK to say that not very many people pursue
    Antler as a carving material, so it's probably safe.  It's much
    harder than wood and much much harder to get.  I find mine at flea
    markets.  I've driven past trading shops in the Rockies and seen the
    antler sheds stacked up outside, hundreds and hundreds of them
    rotting in the sun and rain.  I like to think of turning all that
    waste into beautiful things. 

    By the way, I usually don't use much in the way of compound, but
    rather give it a nice coat of beeswax on a dedicated muslin buff. 
    Don't do much to prepare it either.  The natural material has lots
    of inherent strength and durability.  Just in case, tho, my husband
    has an antler tip carving that I did years ago and which he wears
    every day.  It still looks like it did 10 years ago.  Every 3 years
    or so I give it another coat of wax.  And, by the way, I have had
    some problems carving in the softer and porous marrow.  Every bone
    is different and with quite a few it is no problem at all.  You
    won't know until you cut into it. 

    Marie  

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