Half-finished horn

[colmoultrie]

Well, I went at this one bass-ackwards...

I did most of the work on vacation and sitting outside watching the kids play in the pool, so I haven't fitted a base plug yet, and I only sanded it down to 100 grit before trying my first scratching on it. the black of the tip is good-ol' Kiwi leather dye, which I figure I can always sand off if it gives me trouble.

Aside from fitting a baseplug - I have a cypress one roughed out, but it'll take some filing, and making a stopper, what are your thoughts, since I've done it all out of order so far?

Suggestions, comments, and cyber-slaps upside the head for stupidity welcomed! :wink:

 

[hawkthrower]

I like it. It reminds me of some little guy with an attitude.
The tip shape looks good and your layout for the scrim fits the attitude of the horn.
Great job so far looking forward to seeing the finished product. :thumbsup:

 

[colmoultrie]

Well, I didn't quite intend that to be my "layout" for the scrim - it was the scrim itself, at least so far. As I said, it's my first time. How would you proceed best to deepen/develop it?

I've looked at a number of period horns, and many of the ones done by owners, rather than professionals, had very light scrim. I know the scrim on this is in no way traditional, but I wanted to throw that idea in the mix as well, as this one can charitably be described as "folk art" at best.

 

[omarick1948]

Kevin, For your first horn..YOU DID GOOD! :thumbsup: The only thing I will comment on is the "Chunkiness" of the spout. I think if you slimmed it down a little. It would give the horn a more flowing appearence. Or at least consider this for your next powder horn. The skills of engraving comes with practice and yours looks fine!

Good Horning, :hatsoff:
Rick

 

[hawkthrower]

Kevin, pay me no mind. After blowing the picure up I can see that it is the scrim. Light lines look great you don't have to do anything to them.
As a matter of fact my "go to" horn looks the same way. If you look at it from a certain angle it doesn't evern look like it has scrim on it.
No offence meant and definitely none intended.

 

[colmoultrie]

None taken! I didn't know if I was just missing the boat completely.

Thanks.

 

[colmoultrie]

Thanks. it's my third horn, but first scrimshaw attempt. I'll see how it turns out in the end.

 

[flattail]

Much better scrim work than ANY of mine. :hatsoff: I've scraped off several attempts. I like the idea of a light weight plug, it will probably take a dye if you want to match the spout. :thumbsup:
I like the overall look. Just like someone would have made while watching the kids split wood or play in the yard.
I think there were probably MANY more of those than the really beautiful horns we see.