Decorating

**your_comforting_company** · 02-21-2013, 08:00 AM

bone beads, deer toes, and feathers.
While I didn't use entirely "primitive" tools, I did do this without using electricity, at least. All of these tools are in my bag, so I think it's legit enough to post.

First task is to make holes in the toes. I like to put the holes in the "frog" right at the tip of the toe.
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Next, drill your hole through the knuckle of the second phalange of the toe, where the tendon passes through, and cut it off just behind the round. Buff off any rough edges on your grinding stone.
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Materials lined up: toe rattles, bone beads, and feathers. Next you should get your hide glue reconstituted. I used a deer-fat candle I made in a can, and a "boiler pan" made from a drink can to warm up the glue, and a little "brush" I made from a small piece of sinew.
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Install toes first, then beads, and slide them up the thong. Apply hide glue to both the feathers, AND the thong and let them get tacky, then attach! I add an extra coating of hide glue for good measure and to help keep the beads from sliding.
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Slide the beads down so the shaft of the feather and thong bind tightly inside the beads. Slide the toe rattles down and with a "pinch", over the beads. When you let go, they will hold onto the beads quite sternly.
The finished decorations on a rivercane spirit flute, made by Mr. Billy Whitefox (you can find him on the www).
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[This is how you spell his name hehe]
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**crashdive123** · 02-21-2013, 08:42 AM

Good stuff. I was just gifted a some antlers that are too small for knife handles - was thinking about making buttons our of them.....guess I will now.

**1stimestar** · 02-21-2013, 03:58 PM

Lovely! I love the method as well.

**GreatUsername** · 02-22-2013, 12:33 AM

Gorgeous! Be sure to post more stuff like this.

**hunter63** · 02-22-2013, 12:22 PM

Fine post YCC always enjoy these.......Thanks.

Originally Posted by crashdive123

Good stuff. I was just gifted a some antlers that are too small for knife handles - was thinking about making buttons our of them.....guess I will now.

Do not saw or drill antler or bone, in the basement while DW is having a Home interiors party......I was told loudly that it smelled like burning hair.

Note when making antler buttons, watch when you drill the holes, the inside of the antler sometimes has a soft spot...so stay "wide"

**crashdive123** · 02-22-2013, 02:41 PM

Originally Posted by hunter63

Fine post YCC always enjoy these.......Thanks.

Do not saw or drill antler or bone, in the basement while DW is having a Home interiors party......I was told loudly that it smelled like burning hair.

Note when making antler buttons, watch when you drill the holes, the inside of the antler sometimes has a soft spot...so stay "wide"

I always thought it smelled like a dentist office.

**gryffynklm** · 02-23-2013, 09:26 AM

Nice work YCC. I like the use of the toes, haven't seen that before great ideas.

**Rick** · 02-23-2013, 09:31 AM

You are a talented individual. I always like your stuff. Nice post.

**your_comforting_company** · 02-24-2013, 09:40 AM

Thanks guys. I just go with it. Got another one coming up if the net will stay up long enough for me to upload the pics.

I'm not real good at playing the flute, but I make lively sounds with it and I enjoy playing it even if I don't know any actual songs.