TSJC Summer NRA Program

May 28 - June 1

Scrimshaw

Learn the Art of Scrimshaw one-on-one with Jim Stevens. You do not need an interest in Gunsmithing to take this course. The techniques taught are the same for anyone wanting to learn how to create beautiful scrimshaw on ivory, resins, and powder horns. An intensive, hands-on course taught by artist, sculptor, and scrimshander Jim Stevens. Jim Stevens is a world renowned scrimhander, writer and artist. He has three books published on scrimshaw techniques, has been commissioned to create works for collectors throughout the world, and is a Kennedy Center Registered VSA Artist in both the visual and literary arts. Jim brings his expertise and his no-fail attitude to inspire all who attend his classes. No other art form in American has a longer history. No other expression of art has such significance or influence on the American spirit.

Jim Stevens, Instructor

TOOL LIST

The most expensive item on the following list is less than $40. I have purchased everything on the list and spent less than $100. All the items are small enough to carry in your luggage (don't pack liquids or aerosol cans) but it is still easier to buy what you can from the College supply store. Everyone will be given time on our first day to go to the supply store and purchase materials.

The College has a first-class tool, art and office supply store on campus. It is called "The Trek-Inn Bookstore", phone 719-846-5610. Their prices seem to be equal to or less than prices on the outside. Also, buying at the school store can definitely save you a lot of shopping or packing time. You can even give them a call ahead of time and let them know what you need so you can be assured they will have what you want when you arrive. If you already have any of these items, bring them. There's no need to repeat your purchases.

Where to shop, source index:

(You can always order materials from the internet if you prefer.) a=school store, b=local art store or jewelry supply store or hardware store, c=local supermarket, d=local department store (like Walmart or Kmart)

Scrimshaw Materials: The Scrimshaw materials in-class fee is $12. This covers the cost of ivory, Tagua vegetable ivory, cattle horn, and black buffalo horn used for special in-class projects. This is the only in-class fee. I will have all these materials on hand when you arrive.

Headband Magnifier Note: If you have one, bring it. For those buying one for the first time, Opti-visors headband magnifiers are one of the few that come with a choice of lenses. Lens powers are designated by the numbers 3,5,7, and10. A #3 lens is 1x magnification and allows you to work about 14 inches from your material. Not much bending, but frankly not much help either. A #5 is 2x magnification and allows you to work about 8 inches from your material. I find this is fine for most work. A #10 gives 3x magnification but only about 4 inches of work distance. This is great for minute details but can be hard on the back over long periods of time. I use a #5 Opti-visor lens for general work and switch to a #10 for those times when I need the extra power for very fine details. I guess the best advice I can give new buyers is to get what you think will work the best for you and what fits your budget.

Other Types of Magnification: We will talk about opti-visors, microscopes, thread counters, combination lamp/magnifiers, jewelers loupes, binocular loupes and other types of magnifiers during the course. If you already use any of these magnifiers (or another) and are comfortable and enjoy using what you have, go ahead and bring it.

Lighting (desk lamp note): Our classroom has good overhead light, however you'll soon learn that you need additional lighting on your bench. This is why a desk lamp is on the materials list. Your lamp should have a flexible neck and use a regular incandescent or low power tungsten bulb. What you want is a lamp whose light can be positioned at a very low angle to the bench, with the back of the lamp pointed towards you while reflecting light off the material you are working on.

Other Items: (Not required but nice. Bring them if you can.) Plastic box for your tools and supplies. Notebook and pen (For taking notes during discussions). Seat cushion for your stool (they are hard). Three old hand towels (to pad your work and your elbows and for wiping your fingers). Also bring any additional tools and/or supplies you feel you may want or need, any artwork or pictures you would like to work from, and a file folder for holding handouts.

Final Project: For your final project you will need to purchase and bring with you the material you want to use. If you do not bring your own material for your final project, you may select from what I will have remaining on hand.

I have no business relationship with them, but The Boone Trading Company is a reputable company that has any material you may want for your final project. Their number is 1-800-423-1945. You can go online to review their materials. Their web address is: http://www.boonetrading.com/. Go to their "Scrimshaw Findings" page. Your final piece should be a belt buckle, pendant, or money clip. Please make your project one of these three items with the ivory already fitted in the finding. I recommend a flat ivory blank rather than a domed cabochon, since domed cabochons are harder for beginners, but a domed cabochon will still be okay if that is what you prefer. Also, for pendants, order a pendant at least 30-40mm in length.