Post #250523 by BrahPailei on Thu, Aug 24, 2006 9:51 AM

Aloha! I just recently picked up the craft so thus far everything I've done has been limited to tools and bone on hand, I had a Bear Femur, a Dremel, some small files and some sandpaper and have really started getting into carving. My first carvings were pretty traditional Maori hooks, I've made a few pair of earrings and carved a sweet little Honu for my daughter.

I'm really digging this, I've done a lot of painting and sketch before, but this is my first time getting into anything 3D.

I was wondering if anyone can share any pointers with me, as far as what kind of tools I should be on the lookout for, I'd like to be able to add a bit more detail for sure. Also, what kinds of bone are available? I'm in Oregon right now for a few more months, then heading to Hilo next Spring to be closer to work, all that's really available around here is beef, so I'm macerating a femur right now, though once I've got a little more practice in, I would like to try a few other types, provided they are not too rare/expensive.

I'd hate to use something nice to just practice on.

Another thing that I've been working on is lashings for the hooks/pendants. I'm having more trouble with lashings than the bonework at this point. I've picked up some hemp and cotton cords, all that was avaiable around here, though I'd like to maybe order some flax cord, I'm really not sure what I'm doing here, so just playing with different knots, though besides from a few, nothing's really very attractive so to speak.

Can anyone help me out? Maybe some carving/knot/lashing guides I've overlooked etc.?

Mahalo!