Scrimshaw is an old form of art developed by the Eskimos (Aleuts). It is a form of folk art using whalebone. The Eskimos scratch artwork into the bone with a scribe and then rub the bone into a mixture of whale fat and ashes to bring out the lines.

Because whales are endangered, authentic scrimshaw is no longer available, but you can make a similar project using plastic. This activity can be used to meet requirements for making jewelry from inexpensive objects, folk art, learning to shade a drawing with hatch marks, making four things out of plastic, using a stencil, or making a gift. These instructions are for a key chain, but you can also make a necklace or magnet.

You will need to make or find a scribe tool to work with. A real scribe is a metal point set into a wooden handle, like a miniature ice pick. You can use a large sewing needle for a scribe. If the needle is too small to hold comfortably, tape it to a pencil or stick with duct tape. You can also make a scribe from one of those crazy pencils that have a series of lead points in plastic tubes that are stacked into the shaft of a plastic tube. Simply break out one of the lead points by pushing on the point, and then replace it with a finishing nail or sewing machine needle. Glue it into the plastic collar, and put it into the shaft. Replace the other pencil points to keep it in place, and reassemble the pencil. Another way to make a scribe is to sharpen a large nail (such as a 4D used to attach two-by-four lumber) with a knife sharpening stone or grinder.

You will need to get scraps of PVC plastic. A local sign shop may be willing to give you scraps left over from making illuminated store signs. If there isn’t a sign shop near you, look for white plastic items at a rummage sale that can be cut into small pieces. You can use scraps of PVC pipe to make a scarf ring or napkin ring, or neckerchief slide.

Cut the plastic into squares or another shape using a hacksaw or band saw. If the plastic is less than ¼ inch thick, you may be able to score a line using a ruler and sharp object, and then snap the plastic on the line.

Sand the edges smooth with sand paper. If you are making a key chain or necklace, you may want to round off the corners. Drill a hole that is large enough for the chain link in one corner.

Draw a picture of your choosing on the plastic by scratching the surface with a scribe. If your drawing skills aren’t very good, you can use a small stencil to make the outline. Shade the picture with crosshatch lines. Although you can wait until you are done to fill in the lines, it is sometimes easier to see what you are doing if you fill in the lines as you make them. Scribble over the scratched line with a black crayon. The crayon should fill in the depression you just made. Wipe off the excess crayon by rubbing the surface with a paper towel or rag.

When you are satisfied with your design, attach the chain link through the drilled hole, and attach the key chain to the link. Use the key chain to hang your design up, and paint all four edges with silver or gold paint used on plastic model kits (optional).