When I was little, our family would take vacations to Cape Cod or Maine, and I was always drawn to the beautiful scrimshaw necklaces and other pieces etched on ivory. Many times I saved up my allowance money to purchase a scrimshaw tie tac for my dad or necklace for my mom. I loved the shiny feel of the brown or black etched surfaces in my hands.

To this day, I am still drawn to scrimshaw, and I recently stumbled across a most wonderful scrimshaw artist, Jim Stevens. He has a few books out on the art of scrimshaw, plus this handy dandy little Kit that you see to the right here. Stevens graciously sent me this kit so that I could share it with you!

The kit includes all the tools you need plus two instruction techniques for creating an antique ivory pendant. Also included are two ivory pieces to practice on, black India ink, scrimshaw patterns and an instruction pamphlet.

I was also happy to discover that Stevens only buys his ivory from ivory dealers who get their ivory legally and fairly

Scrimshaw is the oldest of original American art and craft forms, did you know that? I was fascinated to learn this and many other facts about the fine art of scrimshaw from Stevens website, Scrimshaw Studio

Stevens himself is actually legally blind as a result of combat wounds received while serving in the U.S. Army. He works today as the master scrimshaw and ivory craftsman for Fenton, the international jewelry design studio based in New York City.