An age-old art still practiced by many, scrimshaw techniques and methods open up a wonderful world of history, detail, and sometimes even beautiful colors. The most traditional of scenes and techniques used for scrimshaw applications are tumultuous nautical adventures, like the one seen here.

However, in more recent times, scrimshanders are now using bright hues to describe a design. Sandra Brady is a professional scrimshander who here has created a variety of designs that explore different subjects and colors. The first, a scene of battling whalers with their next catch, has been done using traditional black ink. The second transcends the basic black to add in yellows and browns to create a few hungry looking wolves. Finally, a the full spectrum of color creates a tribute to those of the 9/11 tragedy, done on a custom pool cue: "A Tribute to Our Heroes".

Whether the tales of yesterday enthrall your traditional side or the potential for creative freedom and color draws your attention, scrimshaw can be a fulfilling hobby or even a new career. If you want to learn, take a course with Sandra Brady at the GRS Training Center in June 2009. Call 1-800-835-3519 / 620-343-1084 today to enroll or visit the GRSTC website for more information on courses and instructors.