Islamic bird motif carved from bone
Bone carving really was hard work- smelly, messy, dusty and involved lots of preparation. But it was great to learn something new and the result was a unique 3-D textured piece from what was really a waste product.
I started by getting a beef leg bone from the butcher, asking him to split it lengthways and scoop out the marrow. Then I scrubbed it in soapy water and left it immersed in a bleach solution for a few days. I removed the bone, scrubbed it again and left it in the sunshine for a few more days, making sure the dogs didn't steal it for their own 'carving'.
After drawing on the design, taking into account the curve and grain of the bone, I finally began carving using various machines and tools at the lapidary club and finishing the detail at home.
I haven't decided what to do with it yet, if anything, as I love the smooth curve of the bone in my hand, the guilty knowledge of this material, the mystique of the ancient Islamic design that creates a powerful talisman of my own making.
Carved jade turtle
This turtle carving felt easy after the bone. It sounds unlikely but the jade seemed soft and malleable, even chalky as I worked under water, scoring the lines and carving the rounded shape. No scorched bone dust flying around or narrow curve of the bone to work into the design.
I started with more brown speckles however, but lost them as I smoothed the top of the shell. Still, I never thought I would be able to carve this first time!