How to Age a Scrimshaw
Scrimshaw originated among sailors with idle hands who needed something to occupy their time. Most antique scrimshaw is on some kind of ivory, either whale or walrus. Modern artists who work with scrimshaw techniques also use polymers and nut varieties. Some still work with old scrap ivory acquired from certified dealers, but there are a lot of legal problems with transporting ivory due to the illegal poaching industry. Still, the modern day scrimshaw artists working with bone can give their work the illusion of age using a very simple technique.
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Instructions
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Fill the kettle with water and bring it to a boil on your stove. Remove the kettle from the stove once the water comes to a boil.
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Pour the hot water into a bowl and dangle the teabag into it. Let the tea steep for five minutes and then remove the teabag.
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Place your scrimshaw piece into the tea bath and let it sit for a while. How long depends on the strength of the tea and how porous the bone is. The tannic acid in the tea will slowly discolor the scrimshaw, giving it an aged effect.
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Check on the bath every half hour until the scrimshaw has sufficiently discolored to your taste.
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