Workshops List

Scrimshaw - Learn the Ancient Art of Etching on Ivory

March 17 - 19, 2011

Scrimshaw, a folk art dating back centuries, is a special form of engraving applied to ivory and similar materials. This course offers an excellent way to learn traditional and modern scrimshaw, including how to work with tools, the use of black pigments, and how to work on both natural and man-made materials. Students will also study basic drawing, composition, shading, pattern sizing, and transfer. If you have a piece that you want to work in scrimshaw, bring it with you.

Register now - sign up before 12-31-10 for the early registration discount. Before 12-31-10, the non-refundable registration fee for this session is $30, between 1-1-11 and 3-1-11 the non-refundable registration fee is $45. Registration deadline for this class is 3-1-11.

Total Class cost (does not include meals and lodging) -
Register before 12-31-10 - $255
After 1-1-11 - $270

Amount due to Tom at the beginning of class $225, which includes materials. He accepts cash or check.

Minimum 2 students, maximum 6

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Instructor: Tom Weir

Tom Weir learned the ancient art of scrimshaw from his mentor Jack Thomas. “There’s Jack again,” Tom reminisces fondly. “He started me doing scrimshaw on powder horns. You know the horn is all hair, with little ridges running the length. If you can do scrimshaw on horn, you can do it on anything.” Now, when he has some time, Tom works beautiful scrimshaw scenes onto some of his bone and ivory (old piano keys) knife handles. Etched carvings of mountains with elk or wolves beautifully match the finely polished blades of these unique knives.