Tools Used in Scrimshaw

The most basic tools anyone needs for scrimshaw are a sharp needle and a rag–the needle for piercing or scratching the material to be scrimmed and the rag for rubbing away excess pigment. Of course, you won’t get the best results with only these two tools. Other basic tools needed for serious scrimshanding include: Sandpaper… Continue reading Tools Used in Scrimshaw

What Is Scrimshaw?

Scrimshaw is an ancient art form that has only recently realized its potential. Today’s scrimshanders (scrimshaw artists) have achieved beauty and detail unimagined by even the whalers of the nineteenth century. Scrimshaw is the process of scratching or piercing a hard material like ivory, bone, or antler, rubbing pigment into the marks or designs, then… Continue reading What Is Scrimshaw?

Materials Used In Scrimshaw

The base of any piece of scrimshaw should be a smooth, relatively hard material that is finished (polished) to a high degree. Traditionally, most scrimshaw was produced on teeth, tusks, antler, or bone. Materials I will scrim Light-colored materials (for black & white/color scrimshaw) Elephant tusk ivory (pre-ban ivory from estates in the US) Fossilized… Continue reading Materials Used In Scrimshaw