Why do you use naturally shed antlers?
How do you know it has been shed?
What about the bone carvings?
How do you process raw bone?

Why are some of the bone carvings not white?
How long does it take to complete a carving?
Do you carve custom designs?
Will you carve antlers that I own?
How should I care for my carving?

 

Why do you use naturally shed antlers?

When I work with sheds, I experience a positive life force energy coming from the antler. It’s a pleasant awareness that the deer who shed this antler is still alive. Generally, I remain connected to that energy until the carving is finished.

How do you know it has been shed?

Sheds have a porous, mound like base. The “rosette” is the part of the antler that attaches to the skull. When I receive a shipment of sheds, I number, photograph, and log them in the natural form before I carve them.

What about the bone carvings?

Ancient cultures used bone to make tools, ceremonial objects, and adornments. Whale, moose, eagle, and many other animal bones were used depending on their location. Cow bones are the only readily available source of bone that is suitable for carving. The bone is very fine grain and dense. This allows a high gloss finish. I currently use cow bones.

How do you process the raw bone?

          The bones are put through an extensive de-marrowing process. Then I use a peroxide

          solution which is environmentally friendly. This whitens the bone.

  

  Why are some of the bone carvings antique in color

I dip the carvings into a mixture of herbs and teas to give them an antique appearance.

This also accentuates the details.

How long does it take to complete a carving?

The length of time varies depending on the design process, initial rough cuts and shaping, the extent of detail, and the complexity of the design. The smooth finish results from several grades of filing and sanding which is very time consuming.

Do you carve custom designs?

I often do custom work and enjoy it very much. There is always a meaningful story connected to each piece. I can carve your own design or create one for you. I’ll provide one or more sketches, an estimate of the cost, and how soon I can complete it. The fee for this process is $20.

Will you carve antlers that I own?

Yes I will.  If you have an antler that you would like to have carved, contact me  and we can discuss what you have in mind.

How should I care for my carving?

You can simply buff it with a soft dry cloth. Do not use any chemicals to clean your carving. Dark liquids may stain it. Many people rub their natural skin oils onto the carving. This is believed to connect the owner with the spirit of the carving.