As most of you know already I really enjoy working with bone, so I thought I'd make a couple of quick needles..
a regular stitching needle to the left and a coiled basket stitching needle on the right..
And above you can see some bonework that was on display in a local museum, I always find artifacts like this very impressive and when I work with bone or antler I find it always gives me a connection to our forefathers, it almost transcends time and while we will never again be in a situation when we have to make and rely on bone impliments and tools it's none the less a very cathartic experience.
At the risk of sounding like a "self-reliance infidel," I love using things like this, but I purchase them from someone else! Kind of defeats the purpose, in a way, but up here in Alaska I have bought bone crochet hooks and seal-skin thimbles, along with other primitive-style tools. My favorite is a wooden hand-fitted berry picker made by a woman whose father made them for their family long ago. I really do appreciate the resourcefulness, but I have to admit to being not so productive in that area. But at least I make my own blueberry jam and pies, etc. after I pick the berries! hahah I love your needles!
ReplyDeletePenny, making Pies and Jam is much more important than making bone tools!!
ReplyDeleteHi nice work,please tell me how you shape them and does it matter if the bones are cooked or raw. Cheers.
ReplyDeleteThe thin needle I abraded on a paving stone, and the fat one I used files and sandpaper. You can work them as is or boiled. If you boil the bone the marrow tends to stain the bone an ivory colour,if you work them dry the end product tends to be more white in colour.
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