#bone collecting
After a year my picture taking hasn’t improved but the bobcat definitely has! Finally calling it done on degreasing the final bones to this skeleton. You’d think this was a pig or bear because of how long it’s taken, but it was likely just inconsistent heating and periods of forgetfulness with some over-thoroughness. He was a very greasy boy to begin with though! Now it’s time to get official articulating supplies together and finish this project.
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And a bit of learning experience with this plastron piece! First picture is after the initial soapy bath and the second picture is after an overnight soak in hydrogen peroxide. Some nice grease popped up at the bottom but the bright orange stain is due to tannin/mineral staining that was oxidized by the peroxide. The third picture is after a few weeks of degreasing to remove some of the grease and reduce the oxidized stain. In this case, a reducer like Iron Out would be needed to help remove and whiten the staining, while an oxidizer like peroxide would bring it back full force. I’m happy leaving this piece the way it is for now!
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A little how-to on shining up this turtle shell! I used tape and plastic wrap to cover the bone areas since I didn’t want the bone to be shiny, then applied several light coats of some matte finishing spray I found at a craft store. I didn’t want the shell super shiny so I went with matte just to brighten. It definitely doesn’t look as shiny as it does in pictures! The larger plastron piece was being glued so it was the last to get shined up.
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It’s been a rough few weeks but I’ve finally gotten around to finishing up this box turtle shell! Top row shows before and after shining it up and bottom row shows before and after whitening (pre-shining). The shell pattern reminds me of cave paintings and it has me completely enamored!
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Finally finished!
My gorgeous fox skull is finally done. It’s been a journey that’s for sure.
I found this beautiful creature passed away in a ditch and I waited months before I collected the remains that I could carry. I admit it was not pretty, it wasn’t fully decomposed and I wore gloves, mask and double bagged everything!
Over the last (almost a year) the skull has been degreasing and finally it was in a state that I was able to give it a couple of baths in hydrogen peroxide to remove some staining and even out the colour.
I’ve reattached the teeth using PVA as advised by a taxidermist as it means if I ever need to remove them that it’s just a case of soaking it.
The lower jaw which has split into two is being held together with a strong fine thread which is also totally removable.
As this fox is local and was found within a 5 minute walk from my front door I do feel a connection that I can’t ignore. It would have traipsed through the same foraging ground as me, explored the bramble patches and It may have even been seen by myself at some point.
My practice is very nature based and I try my hardest to utilise what my local landscape can provide for me, from the berries on the bushes to the pebbles on the beach and I’m so grateful for this gift and will honour the beautiful fox.
I am in the process of cleaning some leg bones still as well as smaller foot bones which I hope to use in an osteomancy set for myself and in time, one for my son.
I’m sure once I’ve finished collecting all the items I want for my set, I will share that too!
I’ve put together a few more curio collections in hand-stained wooden boxes. Full of bones, teeth and skulls, everything is labelled, so great for gifts, education and beginner collectors.
You can find these curios, along with many other pieces, in The Journeytree Etsy Shop.
And there is still time to have them shipped by Christmas.
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This little collection of curio vials containing bones and teeth is also currently available in my Etsy shop, along with lots of other curios and jewellery.
There is also plenty of time to receive orders before Yuletide - order by the 18th for delivery before Christmas.
Find curio collections and more here in The Journeytree Etsy Shop.
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