Scrimshaw Addiction

Parrot Scrimshaw Step 1 – 2/7/15

I chose to scrimshaw this because of the bright colours, which should really draw attention to this piece when it’s finished. Once you start scrimshawing with bright colours like this, it’s hard to go back to black and white or dull coloured scrimshaws.

This is the piece of Mammoth ivory that will be used, beginning at 500 grams. It’s 240mm high and 130mm wide arround the curve.

After sanding, it now weighs 466 grams. This is one of the cleanest and whitest pieces of Mammoth ivory I’ve seen in a while, just beautiful.

This is the mammoth ivory with the picture stuck to the surface ready to be cut out. The parrot fits the ivory perfectly.

Here, the outline and some detail has been cut with a scalpel and some stippling has been added.

Parrot Scrimshaw Step 2 – 3/7/15

Now it’s time to add colour to the scrimshaw. I decided that the red areas of the body were a good place to start. It’ll have to be very finely stippled. To begin with, I added the black highlights then moved on to the red.

Parrot Scrimshaw Step 3 – 5/7/15

Next I added details on the body and face, then the colourful wing. I’m happy with the way it’s looking so far.

Parrot Scrimshaw Step 4 – 8/7/15

Next comes the rest of the body, wing and tail feathers.

Parrot Scrimshaw Step 5 – 12/7/15

The parrot is now finished. The tail feathers were quite easy because the solid colours just needed filling in. The feet and log had a lot of detail and took a bit longer. Next comes the background.

Parrot Scrimshaw Step 6 – 15/7/15

The background foliage below the parrot was easier to scrimshaw than I thought. Next I’ll add the background on either side of the parrot. This is where the stippling machine become extremely useful.

The stand for this scrimshaw will be difficult to make because of the way the bottom of the ivory is shaped. I’m thinking of using sterling silver.

Parrot Scrimshaw Step 7 – 17/7/15

The Parrot scrimshaw is finished. The bright colours really make it stand out. Next comes the stand.

 Stand/ Base – 20/7/15

The final touch is the stand. Because the ivory is unusually shaped, it has to be held in place. A three legged stand made in sterling silver will suite it nicely. It weighs 85.8 grams. The legs sweep up and grip the mammoth ivory and are 5mm thick with 10 mm hollow balls for the feet.

 The End.

Contact Rod: randclacey@bigpond.com