tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25552668879650930192024-02-07T10:23:04.530-05:00BonelustA girl's bone collection, lifetime of strange loves, and other uncommon hobbies.Jana Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177465719755670007noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555266887965093019.post-25518408302133023292018-07-20T02:00:00.000-04:002018-08-03T16:11:21.127-04:00Newsweek 2018 Interview - Jana Miller AKA BoneLust<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0JwLthTLVFRMVqSqVynpZF5kViFGlalMRtF77DXcLFoXZP2s4gNDhlDh5OmvXb0qp6lltcBl00mdyDnvpEB5IGNQv_gbSlKW-KK1FQHDvLM4TJs9M8OfBmHrhwRshKzfnDAWVpVY_SaM/s320/fourpetmemorials.jpg" width="320" /></div>
<span class="embed-image"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The
skull of a cat named Lucky, a preserved pet heart, a heart pendant, and
the skull of a dog named Frank. All are pet memorials created for
clients of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Bonelust-620332541351091/" target="_blank">Bonelust</a>.</span><a href="https://www.newsweek.com/pet-death-compost-taxidermy-jewelry-692036" target="_blank"><b>My previous Newsweek feature about my pet memorial work.</b></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span><br />
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I did this second interview below with Newsweek in April/May of 2018 and it never went to print for unknown reasons. Some of the things we talked about are no longer relevant. So I added those edits to this in <i>italics</i>. This would probably have been significantly edited as most interviews are. Especially since this is so very long because I kept being asked additional questions as this interview evolved. So, here is the whole thing in Q&A form for anyone that really wants to know more about me and how <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/BoneLust" target="_blank">BoneLust</a> came about to be.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Cats and bones are a common sight at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/boneluststudio/" target="_blank">BoneLust Studio</a>. This is Luci with equine skulls.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;">1. What do you refer to yourself as in your line of work?</span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="s1"></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">As a lifelong collector of found objects, especially those from nature, I like to think of myself as a natural history artist and collector. My business card says - Ethical Bone & Taxidermy Artist. I’ve been called a lot of things though, a favorite is “the ultimate recycler”.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;">2. How did you get into processing animal remains? Why do you like it? Is it your main source of income? </span></b></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">I grew up in a very nature oriented family. I could go as far as to saying we are naturalists. My parents, John and Mary, are also here in Florida. My mother worked for years in recycling and these days has had much success in bringing back the troubled Eastern Bluebird population, with <a href="http://www.tampaaudubon.org/bluebirds.html" target="_blank">her Audubon work</a>. My father is a retired hydrogeologist that had his start in the Peace Corps, turned <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/default/e/B009N48BBE/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1532064424&sr=8-1&redirectedFromKindleDbs=true" target="_blank">writer of speculative fiction</a>. Our family has always been heavily involved in native plants and wildlife here in Florida. So, I grew up admiring and respecting the natural world, always curious to learn more. I would find dead creatures around our home or bring them home from family beach outings like starfish, sand dollars, and horseshoe crabs. This is where my learning process began for the preservation of these kinds of creatures.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">I love the whole process involved in starting off with a dead creature and seeing what I can do to salvage it… and how nature can help, like carrion insects. I learned to identify what different animal species skeletons look like<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>from processing them myself. I love the science involved in these processes as well. I do a lot of experimentation and am always learning new things. There is a lot of satisfaction for me in taking a found deceased animal and making something beautiful to honor their life. It does not always have to be art. Sometimes it is just the cleaned skull. But a favorite is my Token From The Heart series where I use a self taught process to dry preserve the heart. Then use it in jewelry or displays. A fairly literal representation of honoring life after death.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">This is a full time job for me and my only income. Well to be technical, I find and process most of the animals used in my art and jewelry. I started using bones and other dead things in my art and jewelry back in the 1980s. In the early 1990s I first used real human teeth in jewelry. I also do <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/bonelustofficial/photos/?tab=album&album_id=653439194707092" target="_blank">Pet Memorial</a> processing work these days. This was something I only did for years for friends before receiving overwhelming requests from the public. Once I felt fully comfortable with my skills I offered these service to mourning pet families here in the US. There is no higher honor for me than this.</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcMJSr2FM0hGlqljiu1IQRMTPghVZnUVmrpmflbJqv65LRsnHB8NQhmzMopl3bacg6q3D-tZrKJyACHLLc3-6F9iTq9YctQ3_lw-6CvrFxNlgs2nQa4eMv0D_8Td_Ggj0X6gs4oP9_EaIl/s1600/26991919_10211296626597508_5376369173872388101_n%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcMJSr2FM0hGlqljiu1IQRMTPghVZnUVmrpmflbJqv65LRsnHB8NQhmzMopl3bacg6q3D-tZrKJyACHLLc3-6F9iTq9YctQ3_lw-6CvrFxNlgs2nQa4eMv0D_8Td_Ggj0X6gs4oP9_EaIl/s320/26991919_10211296626597508_5376369173872388101_n%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />Token From The Heart series dry preserved animal heart pendant necklaces by BoneLust.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;">3. Do you have any significant experience that you might like to share, like your first experience with processing remains, or the first dead animal you found? </span></b></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">One day my older brother, Chris, and I were exploring the neighborhood when we came across a tiny mummified hatchling turtle being devoured in an ant pile. I recall arguing over who was going to get to keep it. With me being only 7, and he being 10, of course he won. That was the moment that got me fascinated with what’s inside an animal, inside us that makes us alive.. and what happens when it all stops. My brother and I had a collection in his room for years that was our own natural history museum. I coveted that turtle for a long time and he finally passed it onto me when I was 23. It wasn’t just a dead turtle to me, it meant much more.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">Another time we found a massive dead shark on a beach and our parents were less than happy that we ran up to it and were trying to pull the teeth out!</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">Here’s your funny story! After one family trip, I brought home countless sadly dead starfish that I found on a beach. My plan was to somehow preserve them. If only I knew then what I know now! I BOILED them and made a massive nasty smelling pot of rotten starfish stew. Yuck! One of the worst smells. I was pretty young so who knows my logic behind this. Everything I know now I taught myself from mistakes like this. Years before you could ask the internet how. Before there were even books on the topic.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">Another significant bit of info. My family had a pet cemetery garden in the back yard where we said goodbye together to our cats that passed. I had my own personal mini cemetery as well in a different part of the yard that I buried anything that I found dead - lizards, toads, frogs, mice, insects, etc. I don’t think anyone else knew about it. But I found comfort in this ritual. A way to deal with death as a child. My family has always been very open about death. In my early teens my rat, Louie, had to be put to sleep because of a tumor. Louie was the first pet memorial processing I did. I don’t think it was even planned this way. I just wanted to know what his skull looked like. I still have it lovingly at my work desk. Fast forward a lifetime of experience, I now do pet memorial processing as a large part of my income.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9X-l_8HCq0U1Uhwj4110xlrBAXtPYcBWlJ0KeO1drtmTVD6o9mIijUOKIM99TnUW9gzU6URs53vrXEsichiSaqQylOvlTdY7AVPVMVuPgfpVfxEIPTcPk2M5wTV75kiLqNu26hnnMirZ/s1600/14544180870_975f94648d_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9X-l_8HCq0U1Uhwj4110xlrBAXtPYcBWlJ0KeO1drtmTVD6o9mIijUOKIM99TnUW9gzU6URs53vrXEsichiSaqQylOvlTdY7AVPVMVuPgfpVfxEIPTcPk2M5wTV75kiLqNu26hnnMirZ/s320/14544180870_975f94648d_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="s1"></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Self portrait of the bone artist, Jana Miller.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;">4. Is there any sort of timeline that can help explain how and why bone collecting and taxidermy gained popularity?</span></b></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">I assume you are asking about this modern resurrection. But what comes to mind is how the cabinets of curiosities in the 18th-19th centuries in particular created today’s Natural History Museums. That age of rampant natural history collecting spurred some of our much needed animal parts laws to come to be. Like the <a href="https://www.fws.gov/birds/policies-and-regulations/laws-legislations/migratory-bird-treaty-act.php" target="_blank">Migratory Bird Treaty Act</a>, with the decimation of bird populations all over the world due to these trends in collecting and fashion.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">The last time there was such a massive public boom of interest in natural history collecting, was then. However, I believe that it was the television show “<a href="https://www.sciencechannel.com/tv-shows/oddities/" target="_blank">Oddities</a>” that brought back to the public eye natural history collecting and art. It began in November of 2010. At that time I coincidentally was already making regular posts to my bone processing and collecting blog, <a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Bonelust</a>, that I made public in April of 2009. So it seemed like a sign to me, that my desire to take my lifelong hobby one step forward to a full time business, was a good one to follow through on.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">I grew up being fairly secretive about my bone processing with friends, and family. Back then it was not as mainstream acceptable or trendy and instead very highly looked down upon. Sick and freak were very degrading things to be called then… complete opposite these days! Which I honestly still am trying to get past that stigma sometimes. While I am very well know and respected now in certain circles. I still don’t tell most strangers that I meet what I really do for a living.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeSS43xcH-3C2OmJKdxWabpux-S5E1W9VxMueS16fuuMzUd5OAkf5D4TgYC6lQnHAM-RUaHT4muUOAdo4xy0jqkzum0CxjKZuuGo5Zn_a9YnGZwYgFrL7S6WQsuR16JXUEXyfRvPBh1moW/s1600/36442014463_dc27561b11_o%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeSS43xcH-3C2OmJKdxWabpux-S5E1W9VxMueS16fuuMzUd5OAkf5D4TgYC6lQnHAM-RUaHT4muUOAdo4xy0jqkzum0CxjKZuuGo5Zn_a9YnGZwYgFrL7S6WQsuR16JXUEXyfRvPBh1moW/s320/36442014463_dc27561b11_o%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;">5. Do you have any ethical concerns about the growing community? </span></b></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">Absolutely. With the rise in animal remains in jewelry and art being a trend now, of course many people see this as an opportunity to make money and jump on the bandwagon without any regard to their supply sourcing. I have seen a disturbing amount of shops open up online overnight that were just buying supplies from others without questioning where they came from, how they were processed, not checking if they had been identified correctly, or if they were even legal to have or sell to begin with.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;">6. Do you feel like the community is doing enough to keep things as legal as possible?</span></b></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">There were huge issues around 2010-2015 with a lot of people new to this community not knowing the animal parts laws that apply to them. There is a lot of research to do before just blindly buying or selling animal by-products. There were even some that were killing animals themselves from the wild just to put in their own collections, which absolutely disgusts me. I have personally been trying very hard to educate others since early on with my Bonelust blog and social networking about the legal ramifications of this trend for the collectors, artists and shop owners. Things everyone needs to know like animal parts related federal laws, state laws and import/export info. It was a massive issue early on. But now I do see many more people aware of these things and acting on them in a much more positive note.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Since this interview there has been a troubling amount of issues on Facebook in particular with the sale of anything using animal by-products (bones, fur, feathers, etc). FB banned the sale of live animals on April of 2017. Now they have redefined their </i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/policies/commerce/prohibited_content/animals" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">prohibited content list </a><i>expanding to dead animal by-products ("</i></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Any part, pelt or skin from an animal, including fur"). </i><i>This is a huge problem as it was caused by those on FB illegally selling animals that are protected/endangered/etc. There is a poacher issue on FB for sure (just as there is on eBay and Etsy). Those of us that are doing things in a very legal manner are getting hit hard by this. It could cause the downfall of the current climb of interest in these things. It is rumored that this could also spread to Instagram, which is owned by FB. Many of us that run small businesses full time like myself rely on FB and IG for sales. So this is very much something of serious concern.</i></span></div>
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<b style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">7. Do you think it will gain any more popularity in the future?</span></span></b><br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />I personally think I saw the resurrection of this hobby hit a peak in probably 2015. I feel as if it had a little decline after that and it is now at a plateau. I see new artists, online shops and brick and mortar storefronts come and go on a regular basis. But the thing is, I do still see new original ideas happen now and then too. Which really is amazing to me at this point because this is such a very saturated business to get into now.<br /><br /><i>Since this interview I have noticed a spike in the success of more and more large scale US events based on the topic of natural history collecting, art and jewelry. But see previous question about Facebook issues that may cause a decline in this hobby/profession.</i></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYXikub8jhfn1TxJGfiASip1FnwntWVj8QlWVOdpqEHFBUsba9rTk28JfBsKWj0dbyKUyaz_7w78NBbuqLnANNlrtbEQ2MR3qtojM8XZ_fbj67lwBKO410G3T37vzYLtHJsXJPO7WgFX_/s1600/8575561293_1a7e5589d8_o%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="612" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYXikub8jhfn1TxJGfiASip1FnwntWVj8QlWVOdpqEHFBUsba9rTk28JfBsKWj0dbyKUyaz_7w78NBbuqLnANNlrtbEQ2MR3qtojM8XZ_fbj67lwBKO410G3T37vzYLtHJsXJPO7WgFX_/s320/8575561293_1a7e5589d8_o%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Naturally deceased natural history items collected for art supplies.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;">8. Can you tell me (or estimate) how many different dead animals you have in your home, and how many alive? </span></b></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">Haha, oh wow.. I just can’t even estimate the dead ones. Hundreds of different species at least. Thousands of different animals. And that has got to sound incredibly creepy to some people out there reading this! Rewind back to 2009, when I lost government funding for my then Federal salary (I worked for the USGS/NOAA). After that I went through some really hard times. Completely unable to get a job anywhere for years as I struggled to even feed myself and my pets. So I did not even have a secondary income to buy supplies for Bonelust when I first made my art available to the public. So, I collected natural supplies I found everywhere I went. I think it made me hoard supplies even now, if I’m being honest, ha!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">Once Bonelust became a stable income for me I was able to sometimes buy new skull specimens from species I can’t get here on my own. Normally I prefer to find/process them myself. But not everything lives here in Florida, or can be shipped here raw. So, my skull collection really grew in the past nearly 10 years now since the birth of Bonelust!</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: small;">The “alive” situation is also pretty unbelievable really. My partner, Tim Prince of <a href="http://forgottenboneyard.com/" target="_blank">Forgotten Boneyard</a>, and I do a lot of rescue work. The part of Florida we live in has some of the worst disregard to wild and domestic animals we’ve witnessed in all of our lives. So we always have more dogs and cats in our care than any sane person should! You can see our rescue work posted now and then to our Instagram accounts (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/bone.lust/" target="_blank">BoneLust</a> & <a href="https://www.instagram.com/Forgotten_Boneyard/" target="_blank">Forgotten Boneyard</a>). We always seem to need good homes for dogs and cats. Our current dog count is only at two, thankfully. Both rescues we fell in love with and kept. A basset named Champ, and a beagle named Kismet. We literally just took in 3 new cats in under a month. An old male cat left to starve on a rural beach, whom we’d love to find a good home for. The other two are young females we just found last week that we will need homes for for sure after we have them fixed etc - one is a manx and the other is a hemingway polydactyl cat! Besides those three new kitties, we have 10 others I won’t list all the names of. Most were rescues. And my Leopard Gecko that might be a world record over 30 years old! I’m sure there are more cats, dogs and wild animal rescues in our future! Oh, we also help care for 20 plus not-very-feral-anymore cats that I’d also love to find real homes for that they deserve.<br /><br /><i>Since this interview we found a forever home for Monkey the </i></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>polydactyl cat. We still really need to find a home for Bobby the Bengal mix Manx. Our neighbor has since fallen into mental and physical decline of health and his family took him and left his cats in our care. We now are going to have to try to find forever homes for over 20 cats of his that I have been working very hard to domesticate the past few year. If you are looking for a loving cat that really needs a real home PLEASE contact me at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jana.miller.photography" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/BoneLust" target="_blank">Etsy</a> or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bone.lust/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. I seriously fear that these cats will be killed if we can not find them homes which is utterly heartbreaking. They came to be because of animal hoarding and neglect. They deserve to have a good loving home now.</i></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;">9. Is there anything else you'd like to add?</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I’ve found that too often the people that have no interest in this field of work, type of preservation or collecting are the ones that make <a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2009/12/bone-collectors-are-not-sociopaths.html" target="_blank">negative assumptions</a> about the people that do. Many of us would never harm a living thing, especially not for our work. Some of us do rescue and rehabilitation work with wild and domestic animals. There are even vegetarians and vegans in this community. We are not the serial killers we are thought of. We are from all walks of life. We are often friendly and approachable. Happy to educate and share our interests with others. If you have the open mind for it.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Afterthoughts I hesitated publicly sharing:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="s1">Originally the topic of this interview started off - "What does Vulture Culture mean to you?"</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1">That turned into - "</span>You mentioned you don't like the term "vulture culture." Why's that, and is there another term you'd like to use?"</div>
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I turned that question into - "What do you refer to yourself as in your line of work?"</div>
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Why didn't I want the focus of an interview about me to be about the term Vulture Culture?</div>
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First off, it is something that came to be over 25 years after I was already doing "Vulture Culture" processing, collecting and art. Even after I already had my bone processing blog, BoneLust shop and a large following. While others apply it to me now, it is not how I define myself.</div>
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But mostly because of how I have seen people online passionately argue about what Vulture Culture means. Some say it must be ethical. Animal ethics is different for each person, a matter of opinion. So that complicates that definition already. Then others say it does not have to be ethical at all. I don't want these definitions automatically assigned to me by those personal opinions of others. I wanted the focus of this interview to not be distracted right off by this term.</div>
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Lastly, I did not want to offend anyone that does claim the term and take it very personally in who they are and their work. I hope none of this offended anyone in this community. I strongly support this community.</div>
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</style>Jana Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177465719755670007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555266887965093019.post-58572725401642030932017-05-24T22:39:00.005-04:002020-08-30T21:52:27.558-04:00Get Help on Facebook: Bone Collecting & Processing Groups<div class="p1">
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><b>Hello!</b> I apologize for turning off commenting here and never answering some questions. I had way more questions coming in than I will ever have time to fully answer. Plus it is hard to really help you guys here without seeing your photos. So I’m redirecting you to a much better format to help you out - my Facebook groups.<br /><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1">If you did not already know - I’m a full time natural history artist and pet aftercare specialist. Which are my only means of income. My shop is <a href="http://bonelust.etsy.com/">Bonelust.Etsy.Com</a></span></div>
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<span class="s1">I have an overwhelming amount of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/620332541351091/photos/?tab=album&album_id=653439194707092" target="_blank">Pet Memorial Services</a> I’ve taken on. And</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> also find and process most of my own supplies, which is very time consuming.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> <br /><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1">All while answering countless bone processing, bone ID and art related questions daily at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bone.lust/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="http://bone-lust.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Tumblr</a>, <a href="http://bonelust.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Etsy</a>, <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/" target="_blank">Flickr</a> & especially <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Bonelust-620332541351091/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>. If you want help with processing or identification I highly suggest you join the related groups below. Even if I am personally too busy to answer your questions one-on-one, there are still a lot of very helpful and experienced members in my groups.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><b>August 2020 Update - </b></span>My Facebook groups have been around the longest & with the most members, on these topics:</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Worldwide members, natural history group: For processing help, identification help, and to show off collections. There is a main focus on bones but it is open to all things natural history. - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/22574931721/" target="_blank">Skull Collecting</a></span></div>
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<span class="s1">Worldwide members, natural history art group: For artists to share/sell the art, taxidermy & jewelry THEY made from animal by-products and for others to buy. Related drawings, paintings, digital art and photos are also OK. - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/725699604134606/" target="_blank">Bone & Taxidermy, Art & Jewelry</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD7IPm45vAq_tcfaku307mwNWR7FKe0SP-dt2n3jcJnALdaA2jGOkkVSUwOe-7hoEbGG1RdGvsRA-3HK-HDp1iBx2v3Q-Md0sKAS6Kj7tPXEhXl8wRyK3eS90zSLeytCd1wXgBY3QTxij_/s1600/14691023_10207634751172911_8784976920603190261_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD7IPm45vAq_tcfaku307mwNWR7FKe0SP-dt2n3jcJnALdaA2jGOkkVSUwOe-7hoEbGG1RdGvsRA-3HK-HDp1iBx2v3Q-Md0sKAS6Kj7tPXEhXl8wRyK3eS90zSLeytCd1wXgBY3QTxij_/s320/14691023_10207634751172911_8784976920603190261_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1">I have more groups but those are the two main groups and from there I can redirect members to more specific groups. Request to join and once I approve you you can start interacting. <b>PLEASE</b> allow me some time to review your FB profile to make sure you are not a bot. I run many groups with over 100K combined members. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">Sometimes it could take some time before you are added so I appreciate your patience, thanks and see you there!<br /><br />In the meantime, if you need bone processing help I suggest redirecting to this blog post of mine - </span><a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2015/09/bonelust-blog-quick-links-answers-for.html" target="_blank">BONELUST BLOG QUICK LINKS - Answers For Your Bone Processing Questions Are Her</a>e <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span></div>
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Jana Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177465719755670007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555266887965093019.post-69470377502546016262016-02-20T22:56:00.003-05:002016-02-20T22:59:13.891-05:00BONELUST Q&A: "How can I become your assistant or do an apprenticeship under you?" <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBY5LKqyrX4mgTcEaX60UwOdAu7I3rvEQ1kdbwP5yKgszfJzxASBfIvO8ZDxq-qQfsMpSlFVzgInhgd6zIP4TmsNrT5smvV8Qji68nABERkIPon6zHUHC0S3Omh4OuSIKS8jJfHgV0VT6o/s1600/25060691381_bd1c205571_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBY5LKqyrX4mgTcEaX60UwOdAu7I3rvEQ1kdbwP5yKgszfJzxASBfIvO8ZDxq-qQfsMpSlFVzgInhgd6zIP4TmsNrT5smvV8Qji68nABERkIPon6zHUHC0S3Omh4OuSIKS8jJfHgV0VT6o/s320/25060691381_bd1c205571_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm always so humbled to get this question. I love that I got so many of you interested in bone collecting, processing and art but everything done at BoneLust is a one woman show and will likely always stay that way. Not that I don't wish I had little packing gnomes helping me get orders out, but because I'm a very private person, I don't have an actual art studio or storefront. <br />
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Everything you see here, happens on my property and in my home. I don't honestly have the time to take on an apprentice right now either. I am already teaching my skills daily at my blog & countless social networking locations. If I ever have a workspace NOT at my home this may all change though! <br />
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Best I can do is to continue making educational posts here. In case you don't already know, this is where I share my lifetime of bone processing experience. Priceless info, free of charge. So take advantage of it. <br />
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As for learning how to do what I do as far as my art goes, I'm completely self taught. Literally a lifetime of experimenting with different art mediums. You're just going to have to dive right in and get your hands dirty. Experiment. Find what mediums YOU enjoy. Do countless hours of research online for supplies and processes. Create, research, experiment, repeat... again and again and again. This is how I do everything I do, daily. Good luck! JanaJana Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177465719755670007noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555266887965093019.post-79818671116785206642015-09-01T23:29:00.000-04:002015-09-01T23:40:02.077-04:00BONELUST BLOG QUICK LINKS - Answers For Your Bone Processing Questions Are Here<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/16108983426" title="BONELUST CUSTOM ORDER: Pet Processing for a customer - Menoh. Only part of the skeleton is pictured & it arrived with missing teeth. by Jana Miller, on Flickr"><img alt="BONELUST CUSTOM ORDER: Pet Processing for a customer - Menoh. Only part of the skeleton is pictured & it arrived with missing teeth." height="320" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7527/16108983426_7ea3c58e50_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Apologies in advance! I get countless messages in many online locations daily about bone processing, bone ID, etc. Please try to find your answers in these links before messaging me. If you still have questions you are welcome to ask but I may not reply for a while.<br />
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Sorry guys, I'm a <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/BoneLust" target="_blank">full time self employed bone artist</a> and simply do not have the time to always get back to your questions in a timely fashion. Especially when it is a time where I have to really focus on something like holiday sales. Which start for me in October. Or an art show or convention that could be any time of the year.<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">Please take note of the SEARCH THIS BLOG field to the right here where you can quickly search for answers in my many posts rather than having to look for it one at a time. </span></b><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/16297643386" title="BONELUST PERSONAL COLLECTION: Parakeet Skull. This domestic bird is one that's entirely legal to have in your collection. 💀♥💀 by Jana Miller, on Flickr"><img alt="BONELUST PERSONAL COLLECTION: Parakeet Skull. This domestic bird is one that's entirely legal to have in your collection. 💀♥💀" height="320" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8614/16297643386_79432b5f8f_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<b>FOR EVERYONE WITH QUESTIONS ABOUT PROCESSING BIRDS: </b></div>
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I really hardly ever post anything anywhere in general about birds because of legal issues. Most birds you're going to come across in US/Canada are illegal to have any part of dead or alive because they are <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Migratory_Bird_Treaty_Act_of_1918" target="_blank">Migratory Bird Treaty Act</a> protected species. If you were to macerate most birds you're likely going to end up with nothing but a stinky pile of mush. To process birds, rodents & small reptiles/amphibians you can't really macerate like larger medium sized animals. You literally have to carefully remove the feathers, skin & muscle with surgical tools, tweezers & scissors as best you can. I rarely do this myself because it is so tedious. If it is mummified it may be even harder to accomplish. Or you can soak a while in water & if you're lucky you can carefully peel away the skin from the bones & just hope that most of the muscle was already eaten away by carrion insects. I'll have to make a longer blog post about this sometime for sure. But for now there's this one:</div>
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<a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2014/03/bonelust-q-how-do-i-get-bones-from-this.html" target="_blank">BONELUST Q&A: "How do I get the bones from this small animal?"</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/15802454027" title="BONELUST PERSONAL COLLECTION: A new rodent skull addition to my personal collection - Golden Hamster AKA Syrian Hamster, Mesocricetus auratus. It is approx 1.5" long. ♥💀♥ by Jana Miller, on Flickr"><img alt="BONELUST PERSONAL COLLECTION: A new rodent skull addition to my personal collection - Golden Hamster AKA Syrian Hamster, Mesocricetus auratus. It is approx 1.5" long. ♥💀♥" height="320" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8662/15802454027_f8338d4105_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>A LITTLE MORE ABOUT BIRD REMAINS:</b></div>
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Most of the birds protected by the MBTA are not endangered. They are very common and abundant. But that was not the case when the MBTA was created back in 1918. Many common birds were being wiped out into extinction from people hunting them and collecting them & their eggs/nests for their collections. And people using the feathers in fashion. That's the misconception that most people don't understand now. The species that are alive now were saved from extinction by the MBTA. That's why they are so common and abundant now.</div>
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It is illegal in US, Canada, Mexico, Russia and Japan to even possess bird remains of species listed on the MBTA. We can not have or sell birds, feathers, bones, eggs, or even nests from anything on that protected list. Likewise, you could be fined up to $15,000 and/or do jail time for having/selling them. So be careful!</div>
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Your legal common bird options are - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_starling" target="_blank">European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris),</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feral_pigeon" target="_blank">Feral Pigeon (Columba livia domestica)</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_sparrow" target="_blank">House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)</a>, chickens and other domesticated birds and birds like quail, grouse and pheasants. But some of those game birds you still need permits to hunt and can not be sold.</div>
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I want to point out as well that there are MANY pigeon/dove species that ARE protected species and many people have a misconception that they are not. Only Feral Pigeons are OK to have. Also, people often mention that crows are hunted and OK to have. Not that simple. You must have a permit to hunt where they are permitted to hunt and do so in season. Also, hunted crows can not be sold, they can only be gifted. Info about <a href="http://crowbusters.com/begart5.html" target="_blank">Regulations For Crows</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/regulationspolicies/mbta/MBTANDX.HTML" target="_blank">List of species covered by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA)</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.dodpif.org/downloads/MBTRA_70FR372final.pdf" target="_blank">Final List of Bird Species to Which the Migratory Bird Treaty Act Does Not Apply</a> - Note though that it is somewhat out of date - file orig dated 2005, PDF from 2008. Could be changes since then.<br />
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<a href="http://www.thegreenwolf.com/animal-parts-laws" target="_blank">Tons More Animal Parts Laws Can Be Found Here.</a> Here in the US you can quickly look up info on your exact state at the link above which is especially helpful with some laws being so varied from state to state.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/15415508244" title="BONELUST PERSONAL COLLECTION: The smaller of the 2 snake skulls I posted a couple days ago cleaned up beautifully!. Exact species unknown. But I was told it is from the Colubridae family. I took this photo at an angle to show you how the jawbones don't co by Jana Miller, on Flickr"><img alt="BONELUST PERSONAL COLLECTION: The smaller of the 2 snake skulls I posted a couple days ago cleaned up beautifully!. Exact species unknown. But I was told it is from the Colubridae family. I took this photo at an angle to show you how the jawbones don't co" height="320" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7523/15415508244_f63a2d0078_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #ffd966;">Here is a list of my most frequented blog posts and topics related to the questions I get for quicker reference to find your answers.</span></b><br />
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<b>TIPS FOR BEGINNER BONE COLLECTORS:</b><br />
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<a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2013/05/bonelust-bone-processing-q-i-want-to.html" target="_blank">BONELUST BONE PROCESSING Q&A: I want to start collecting bones/animal remains but I'm concerned about disease.</a><br />
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<a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2013/05/most-important-thing-for-bone-collector.html" target="_blank">Most Important Thing For a Bone Collector? Patience. </a><br />
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<a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2011/04/starting-over-learning-anew.html" target="_blank">Starting Over, Learning Anew</a><br />
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<a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2009/12/bone-collectors-are-not-sociopaths.html" target="_blank">Bone Collectors Are Not Sociopaths</a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2013/11/bonelust-q-cant-you-get-leprosy-from.html" target="_blank">BONELUST Q&A: "Can't you get leprosy from armadillos?</a></u></span><br />
<span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span><b>DEFLESHING WITH NATURAL DECOMP IN A BONE CAGE:</b><br />
<b><br /></b><a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2015/03/bonelust-q-can-i-just-leave-animals-to.html" target="_blank">BONELUST Q&A: "Can I just leave animals to decompose in a bone cage & do nothing else?"</a><b> </b><br />
<b><br /></b><b>BONE CLEANING WITH MACERATION:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2013/04/bonelust-bone-processing-q-what-should.html" target="_blank">BONELUST BONE PROCESSING Q&A: What should the remains look like to begin maceration?</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2012/05/mathematics-of-maceration-howto-guide.html" target="_blank">The Mathematics Of Maceration - A HowTo Guide For The Patient </a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2015/05/bonelust-q-ive-been-macerating-bones.html" target="_blank">BONELUST Q&A: "I've been macerating bones & they are now a strange color! Are they ruined?"</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2015/03/bonelust-q-whats-this-white-stuff-on-my.html" target="_blank">BONELUST Q&A: "What's this white stuff on my bones? How do I get rid of it?" </a><br />
<br />
<b>WHITENING AND SANITIZING BONE:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2013/06/whitening-bone-teeth-hydrogen-peroxide.html" target="_blank">Whitening Bone Using Hydrogen Peroxide NOT Chlorine Bleach</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2012/03/bad-words-boil-bleach.html" target="_blank">Bad Words: BOIL & BLEACH</a><br />
<br />
<b>WHAT'S WRONG WITH USING CHLORINE BLEACH ON BONE?</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2012/03/bad-words-boil-bleach.html" target="_blank">Bad Words: BOIL & BLEACH</a><br />
<b><br /></b><b>WHAT'S WRONG WITH BOILING BONE?</b><br />
<b><br /></b><a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2013/11/bonelust-q-why-is-it-bad-to-boil-bones.html" target="_blank">BONELUST Q&A: "Why is it bad to boil bones? It is the way I was taught to clean them a long time ago."</a><b><br /></b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2012/03/bad-words-boil-bleach.html" target="_blank">Bad Words: BOIL & BLEACH</a><br />
<b><br /></b><b>TROUBLE SHOOTING PROCESSING ISSUES - RED OR BLACK BONE, GRAVE WAX, MOLD, ALGAE, & MOSS GROWTH ON BONE:</b><br />
<b><br /></b><a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2015/03/bonelust-q-whats-this-white-stuff-on-my.html" target="_blank">BONELUST Q&A: "What's this white stuff on my bones? How do I get rid of it?"</a><b> </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2015/05/bonelust-q-ive-been-macerating-bones.html" target="_blank">BONELUST Q&A: "I've been macerating bones & they are now a strange color! Are they ruined?"</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2013/06/whitening-bone-teeth-hydrogen-peroxide.html" target="_blank">Whitening Bone Using Hydrogen Peroxide NOT Chlorine Bleach</a><br />
<br />
<b>DEGREASING BONE:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2013/06/bonelust-q-how-will-i-know-if-skull.html" target="_blank">BONELUST Q&A: "How will I know if a skull needs degreasing, I'm not sure what it even looks like?"</a><br />
<br />
<b>HOW DO I PUT MANDIBLES TOGETHER & TEETH BACK IN:</b><br />
<b><br /></b><a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2015/03/bonelust-q-teeth-fell-out-of-my-skull.html" target="_blank">BONELUST Q&A: "The teeth fell out of my skull! Did I do something wrong? How do I fix it?"</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2013/06/bonelust-q-how-do-i-put-mandibles-back.html" target="_blank">BONELUST Q&A: "How do I put mandibles back together & teeth in?"</a><br />
<br />
<b>USING INSECTS FOR BONE PROCESSING:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2013/09/stick-it-on-ant-pile.html" target="_blank">"Stick it on an ant pile!"</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2013/09/bonelust-q-do-you-use-dermestid-beetles.html" target="_blank">BONELUST Q&A: "Do you use dermestid beetles?"</a><br />
<br />
<b>WHO AM I? WHAT'S ETHICAL BONE ARTIST MEAN TO ME?:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2014/10/meet-jana-miller-founder-artist-of-bone.html" target="_blank">Meet Jana Miller: Founder & Artist of Bone Lust</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2013/05/bonelust-q-what-do-you-mean-when-you.html" target="_blank">BONELUST Q&A: What do you mean when you say you’re an ethical bone artist?</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2013/04/bonelust-bone-art-shop-q-who-is-your.html" target="_blank">BONELUST BONE ART SHOP Q&A: Who is your animal bone supplier?</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2011/12/jana-miller-bone-lust-interview-on.html" target="_blank">Jana Miller Bone Lust Interview on Postal Treats</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2009/04/bone-collecting-from-beginning.html" target="_blank">Bone Collecting from the Beginning</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/16251298075" title="BONELUST PERSONAL COLLECTION: Another new rodent skull addition to my collection. Woodchuck (Marmota monax) AKA groundhog or marmot by Jana Miller, on Flickr"><img alt="BONELUST PERSONAL COLLECTION: Another new rodent skull addition to my collection. Woodchuck (Marmota monax) AKA groundhog or marmot" height="320" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8666/16251298075_9f6c1f50c4_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>Jana Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177465719755670007noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555266887965093019.post-18385028823548944582015-05-15T04:13:00.000-04:002015-05-15T04:13:30.620-04:00BONELUST Q&A: "I've been macerating bones & they are now a strange color! Are they ruined?"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Maceration is the process of purification to remove the remaining flesh from bone. It is the easiest & least expensive way to do this while still leaving bones in good condition. Note that this process is typically best for animals larger than a rat. Smaller bones can turn to mush during maceration as they themselves start to break down.</div>
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To macerate you take your animal remains that have very minimal flesh on them (never a whole animal!), add them to a plastic container & fill with plain tap water then replace the tight fitted lid. The lid is important because you don't want insect larvae in your maceration water only the bacteria that will grow and eat away the flesh. You also don't want to leave it out in the rain without a lid or you'll get algae growing. Insect larvae & algae with both start to break down and possibly even stain the bone.</div>
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The more flesh on the remains the longer this process will take. Somewhere around 2 weeks the bones should be coated with a film that's pink, red, rust, brown or black. That's normal & means the bacteria is working to remove the flesh. The bacteria may however be dead now though so time to change the water if still fleshy and start the process again, or time to start peroxide bath if done. Pour out only half on the nasty water and add fresh water to fill the rest of the container if the maceration is not done yet.</div>
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These deer bones were covered with a bright red film because they were left for too long in the maceration process, on accident. They were completely flesh free though. Thankfully I just hosed the film right off then started the peroxide step to get rid of the awful smell.</div>
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The odd colored film you see on your bones is a residue of the bacteria or the bacteria itself coating the bone. It does this when the water runs out of oxygen for the bacteria to survive. Referred to as the bacteria going anaerobic. This anaerobic bacteria in maceration replaces the microbes that were doing the maceration work of defleshing the bones. And therefore the maceration process has come to a halt.</div>
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It can be caused by too many microbes using up all of the oxygen in the water or it can be from an oily film on top of the water that keeps oxygen from entering the water. Some ways to prevent this are - larger quantities of water, changing the water or a bubbler. It commonly happens to marine mammal remains during maceration because of the high oil content in their bones rising to the top of the water.</div>
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This is a potbelly pig skull that started off lightly mummified that soaked undisturbed for 2 weeks. The maceration water was still fairly clear and yet the skull was turning black. I've found that when there is little flesh to work with or very old flesh this can happen. Sometimes the black film easily hoses off or goes away once the bone dries. In this case though it took a peroxide bath to remove the black coloration. </div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Raccoon bone that was pulled out of maceration. It was dropped into peroxide and pulled out an hour later to show how fast the peroxide can get rid of the staining. It can in most cases happen instantly.</span><br />
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"Before" of diamondback rattlesnake bones straight out of maceration.</div>
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"After" of same diamondback rattlesnake bones after a peroxide bath.</div>
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The maceration water needs to be kept at a certain temp to work. It will not work in the Winter in most locations because it is too cold for the bacteria to survive. It will also die off if it gets too hot in warmer months. For exact temperatures & more extensive info about this see <a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2012/05/mathematics-of-maceration-howto-guide.html" target="_blank">this blogspot blog</a>.</div>
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Good luck!</div>
<br />Jana Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177465719755670007noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555266887965093019.post-31644381501242741502015-03-21T22:03:00.000-04:002015-03-21T22:03:36.847-04:00BONELUST Q&A: "What's this white stuff on my bones? How do I get rid of it?" <span id="yiv1841341834yui_3_16_0_1_1426982996312_9617">What you are seeing here on this rabbit skull is called adipocere AKA
corpse wax, grave wax or mortuary wax. It is a crumbly, waxy,
water-insoluble material consisting mostly of saturated fatty acids. </span><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/16700749460" title="BONELUST Q&A: "What's this white stuff on my bones? How do I get rid of it?" What you are seeing here on this rabbit skull is called adipocere AKA corpse wax, grave wax or mortuary wax. by Jana Miller, on Flickr"><img alt="BONELUST Q&A: "What's this white stuff on my bones? How do I get rid of it?" What you are seeing here on this rabbit skull is called adipocere AKA corpse wax, grave wax or mortuary wax." height="320" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8715/16700749460_35bbe97bf9_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br class="yiv1841341834" /><br class="yiv1841341834" />Adipocere
is the product of a chemical reaction in which fats react with water
and hydrogen in the presence of bacterial enzymes, breaking down into
fatty acids and soaps. Adipocere is resistant to bacteria and can
protect a corpse, slowing further decomposition. The transformation of
fats into adipocere occurs best in an environment that has an absence of
oxygen and high levels of moisture. Adipocere formation begins within a
month of death, and, in the absence of air, it can persist for
centuries.<br class="yiv1841341834" /><br class="yiv1841341834" />It
is not uncommon for adipocere to be found on bones. Either found in a
natural setting or while being processed. I've found that the best time
to remove it is either A) when the bones are freshly out of maceration
or peroxide and you use a toothbrush to literally brush the adipocere
off while submerged in water or B) After the bones have been degreased,
had a peroxide bath and then dried. The adipocere become less waxy and
more flaky and you can more easily remove it with your fingernail or
again, with a toothbrush. This time dry.<br class="yiv1841341834" /><br class="yiv1841341834" />Be
careful how much force you use on a bone with a brush or fingernail.
This rabbit skull for example is going to be a real challenge for me to
remove the adipocere as it is a very thin/fragile skull. </span>Jana Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177465719755670007noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555266887965093019.post-83984610098669351792015-03-20T22:18:00.000-04:002015-03-20T22:18:26.098-04:00BONELUST Q&A: "The teeth fell out of my skull! Did I do something wrong? How do I fix it?"It is absolutely normal for some of the teeth to fall out of a skull you are processing. The gums that once held them in place are now gone. It is also normal for the mandible to split into two pieces in many animals, like this coyote.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/9338822386" title="BONELUST PERSONAL COLLECTION: Here's that same coyote skull I posted a while ago that someone glued the skull & mandible together with an awful brown glue. It only took a few days soaking in a peroxide bath to pop it off & for the mandible to come back ap by Jana Miller, on Flickr"><img alt="BONELUST PERSONAL COLLECTION: Here's that same coyote skull I posted a while ago that someone glued the skull & mandible together with an awful brown glue. It only took a few days soaking in a peroxide bath to pop it off & for the mandible to come back ap" height="320" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3712/9338822386_f43ea94094_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />Take photos of the skull/head with teeth in place before starting to clean it if you think you will have trouble putting them back into the correct place. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/16875156081" title="BONELUST Q&A: "The teeth fell out of my skull! Did I do something wrong? How do I fix it?" It is absolutely normal for some of the teeth to fall out of a skull you are processing. The gums that once held them in place are now gone. It is also normal for t by Jana Miller, on Flickr"><img alt="BONELUST Q&A: "The teeth fell out of my skull! Did I do something wrong? How do I fix it?" It is absolutely normal for some of the teeth to fall out of a skull you are processing. The gums that once held them in place are now gone. It is also normal for t" height="320" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7287/16875156081_46ae250855_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />Pictured above is what you do NOT want to do! I received this absolutely glue saturated opossum skull from someone I though would know better. Second photo shows the same glue (white) before I brushed it off with a toothbrush, after I soaked the whole skull in water to remove the glue. Not all glues will come off in water but I suggest that as your first try. <br /><br />Followup with a peroxide bath overnight. Then dry. Next you put the teeth back into place one by one with a very small amount of white school glue on each root before inserting into the skull. Wipe off any excess glue or it will be shiny on your skull. Let dry upside down so the teeth stay in place.<br /><br />You put the mandibles back together with a small about of white school glue as well. They will not stay in place while drying without some help. <a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2013/06/bonelust-q-how-do-i-put-mandibles-back.html" target="_blank">I have a blog post already on how to reattach a mandible. </a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/11472442705" title="BONELUST Q&A: "How do I put mandibles back together?" There are many ways to reattach two mandible halves that have come apart. Depends on the species. I prefer to use regular white school glue because you don't always get it right first time around. It i by Jana Miller, on Flickr"><img alt="BONELUST Q&A: "How do I put mandibles back together?" There are many ways to reattach two mandible halves that have come apart. Depends on the species. I prefer to use regular white school glue because you don't always get it right first time around. It i" height="320" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5541/11472442705_4ea8e94023_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />Some animal skulls you can flip over and the freshly lightly glued mandible just stays nicely in place while drying. Also, by doing it that way you're sure you have them glued together at the right angle.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/14816325546" title="BONELUST Q&A: "How do I put mandibles back together & teeth back into a skull?" There are many ways to reattach two mandible halves that have come apart. Depends on the species. I prefer to use regular white school glue because you don't always get it rig by Jana Miller, on Flickr"><img alt="BONELUST Q&A: "How do I put mandibles back together & teeth back into a skull?" There are many ways to reattach two mandible halves that have come apart. Depends on the species. I prefer to use regular white school glue because you don't always get it rig" height="320" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5559/14816325546_97626bb6be_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>Jana Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177465719755670007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555266887965093019.post-18918459877233409202015-03-19T06:13:00.000-04:002015-03-19T06:13:53.937-04:00BONELUST Q&A: "Can I just leave animals to decompose in a bone cage & do nothing else?"<div style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">I am frequently asked - "Can I just leave animals to decompose in a bone cage & do nothing else?"</span><br />No, it is only one of the first steps in my bone processing techniques. There have been some misconceptions about how bone cages are used in my processing. There are several reasons you don't want to just leave an animal carcass in a bone cage for the months or even years it could take for nature to clean it for you.<br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Reasons Not to Leave Bones in a Bone Cage: <br /><br />Lichen, moss, mold, algae et</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">c can start to grow into the bones. Sometimes you can't get this plant life out of the bone. Or the green stain off. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/15953843322" title="BONELUST Q&A: "Can I just leave animals to decompose in a bone cage & do nothing else?" No, it is only one of the first steps in bone processing. There have been some misconceptions about how my bone cages are used in my processing. There are several reas by Jana Miller, on Flickr"><img alt="BONELUST Q&A: "Can I just leave animals to decompose in a bone cage & do nothing else?" No, it is only one of the first steps in bone processing. There have been some misconceptions about how my bone cages are used in my processing. There are several reas" height="500" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7476/15953843322_4f9ea4d675.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Fallen leaves will eventually stain & decay the bones too. Also, you greatly chance getting rust on your bones which I've yet to find a fix for in over 30 years. So yes, rust stains are permanent in bone. Even though I put screen down over the metal wire cage it can still ruin the bone if left too long.</span><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/15137725131" title="Remains of a squirrel in my bone cage after only two days with optimal weather. by Jana Miller, on Flickr"><img alt="Remains of a squirrel in my bone cage after only two days with optimal weather." height="500" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3892/15137725131_bee96b0cf5.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />Note the screen under the squirrel to catch tiny teeth/bones and keep it from rusting.<br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Pictured below are diamondback rattlesnake vertebrae & ribs I just removed from my bone cage today. I removed as much excess skin that remained then started them with the maceration process.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/16858147951" title="BONELUST Q&A: "Can I just leave animals to decompose in a bone cage & do nothing else?" No, it is only one of the first steps in my bone processing techniques. There have been some misconceptions about how bone cages are used in my processing. There are s by Jana Miller, on Flickr"><img alt="BONELUST Q&A: "Can I just leave animals to decompose in a bone cage & do nothing else?" No, it is only one of the first steps in my bone processing techniques. There have been some misconceptions about how bone cages are used in my processing. There are s" height="500" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8718/16858147951_17ebeb4b03.jpg" width="500" /></a></span><br /></div>
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Normally my bone cages are used simply to let the wild carrion insects deflesh the animal remains for me. Then I move the bones onto the maceration step to further clean them of flesh, skin, ligaments, cartilage & such. Then degrease if needed and last step is the sanitizing & whitening hydrogen peroxide bath.<br /><br />So in summary, if you left <span style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">an animal carcass in a bone cage for the months or even years it could take for nature to fully clean it for you... you would likely end up with very weathered and flaky bone, with rusty undersides and plant growth.</span></div>
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Jana Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177465719755670007noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555266887965093019.post-36311013222435941682014-10-01T02:59:00.000-04:002014-10-01T03:02:19.551-04:00Meet Jana Miller: Founder & Artist of Bone Lust<div class="p1">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/3760920260" title="BONELUST - Self Portrait with White-tailed Deer Skull 3 - Ver2 Duotone by Jana Miller, on Flickr"><img alt="BONELUST - Self Portrait with White-tailed Deer Skull 3 - Ver2 Duotone" height="500" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3479/3760920260_ff941bc980.jpg" width="403" /></a><br />
<span class="editable meta-field photo-title ">Self Portrait with White-tailed Deer Skull from 2009</span><br />
<b><br />I frequently get requests for interviews by magazines and online sites and I think the short pieces they usually do on my </b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/BoneLust" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Bone Lust</a><b> work just doesn't paint the whole picture. So I'm posting this here as the definitive "About Me".</b><br />
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I've been collecting and processing bones and other things of nature for over 35 years now, as of 2014. Just always been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I have a very science and nature oriented family. I've disliked waste from a vey young age. Started picking up bones and dead insects then. I still keep every single little pieces of animal/insect/fungi/rusty bits I find and try to use them in my art. I'm been called "the ultimate recycler" because it.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/8575561293" title="BONELUST ART & JEWELRY NATURAL SUPPLIES: Just now sorting these natural supplies that were a bday gifts. Insects, mummified frogs, bones, crab pinchers, snail shells & wasp nests. All ethically sourced & found by chance over many years. Already have plans by Jana Miller, on Flickr"><img alt="BONELUST ART & JEWELRY NATURAL SUPPLIES: Just now sorting these natural supplies that were a bday gifts. Insects, mummified frogs, bones, crab pinchers, snail shells & wasp nests. All ethically sourced & found by chance over many years. Already have plans" height="500" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8104/8575561293_e2659a4a4e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Naturally Dead Nature Finds For BoneLust Art Aupplies</div>
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I've been making animal bone and human teeth jewelry since the late 1980s - early 1990s. For a long time I only made it for myself and friends. In 2008, I became unemployed at no fault of my own. Previously, I had worked 10 years for NOAA/USGS deep-sea conservation scientists. So I went back to my roots for my new "career". I started my BoneLust blog in 2009, to share my lifetime of self taught bone processing experience with those that want to learn (without making the mistakes I already had). Soon after I started selling my bone art and jewelry to the public as Bone Lust.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/8398941728" title="Skunk Skull Wall Mount with Quartz Shard Bullet 1 Front by Jana Miller, on Flickr"><img alt="Skunk Skull Wall Mount with Quartz Shard Bullet 1 Front" height="500" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8050/8398941728_8ddbc1df0f.jpg" width="341" /></a></div>
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Skunk Skull Wall Mount with Quartz Shard Bullet created in 2013, by BoneLust</div>
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99% of my bone/taxidermy supplies I find dead and process myself. Even the insects. Ethical sources are very important to me. I can't stress this enough. My art is not about glorifying death but rather honoring and celebrating life. I would much rather see any of the animals, insects, plants used in my art alive. I never have nor ever will harm or kill an animal, insect or plant for my bone collection or art.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/8386711499" title="I've been hauling around these 3 old rusty saw blades for probably 15 years now with every intention of using them in my art. They nearly went to the scrap yard recently & I pulled them aside in the last minute. Since this is the year I want to do more ar by Jana Miller, on Flickr"><img alt="I've been hauling around these 3 old rusty saw blades for probably 15 years now with every intention of using them in my art. They nearly went to the scrap yard recently & I pulled them aside in the last minute. Since this is the year I want to do more ar" height="500" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8222/8386711499_33a0867ddb.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Rusty Vintage aw Blades & Skulls For BoneLust Art Projects</div>
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My bone processing techniques involve natural decomposition using a bone cage and the help of wild carrion insects. Then followed up by a rinsing step, degreasing step and lastly a sterilizing and whitening step. Leaving me with the strongest quality finished bones possible.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/15137725131" title="Remains of a squirrel in my bone cage after only two days with optimal weather. by Jana Miller, on Flickr"><img alt="Remains of a squirrel in my bone cage after only two days with optimal weather." height="500" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3892/15137725131_bee96b0cf5.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Squirrel Skeleton In My Bone Cage</div>
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I'm currently located on the Nature Coast of Florida. Which is in North FL., Gulf of Mexico side. Deep country life is why I can process salvaged animals into bones much more easily than when I lived in more suburban areas of FL in the past. Plus finding deceased animals is easier here as well. Many are roadkill salvaged and from hunter dumping grounds. On a rare occasion I have animals donated to me. Also wanted to note that all animal remains used in my work are legal species for me to use.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/14422608552" title="BONELUST TOOTH CUSTOM ORDER INFO: I have a number of creations I can make YOUR supplied teeth into. Human, pet or found animal teeth welcome! Glass displays, necklaces & rings. Some already have custom order listings at Bonelust.Etsy.Com in my Custom Orde by Jana Miller, on Flickr"><img alt="BONELUST TOOTH CUSTOM ORDER INFO: I have a number of creations I can make YOUR supplied teeth into. Human, pet or found animal teeth welcome! Glass displays, necklaces & rings. Some already have custom order listings at Bonelust.Etsy.Com in my Custom Orde" height="320" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3901/14422608552_a427cd86dd_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Examples of BoneLust Custom Orders With Customer Supplied Pet & Human Teeth</div>
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A couple things I specialize in is making art/jewelry out of customer supplied human and pet teeth. I also do pet memorial work. In other words, I get recently deceased furry friends in the mail and I turn them into pretty white bones and jewelry (fur, whiskers, claws, microchip, etc). You can see <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.653439194707092.1073741832.620332541351091&type=3" target="_blank">more examples here</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/15025411925" title="BONELUST PET PROCESSING & MEMORIAL JEWELRY INFO: I have been getting a lot of questions on this topic lately. If you want more info you must contact me directly at my shop to discuss the details please Bonelust.Etsy.Com by Jana Miller, on Flickr"><img alt="BONELUST PET PROCESSING & MEMORIAL JEWELRY INFO: I have been getting a lot of questions on this topic lately. If you want more info you must contact me directly at my shop to discuss the details please Bonelust.Etsy.Com" height="320" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5572/15025411925_feb1d21993_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Examples of BoneLust Pet Processing & Memorial Pieces, 2014<br />
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<a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2011/12/jana-miller-bone-lust-interview-on.html" target="_blank">Here is an earlier interview from 2010</a><br />
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<a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2013/05/bonelust-q-what-do-you-mean-when-you.html" target="_blank">And here is a detailed blog post that goes into what exactly ethical means to me.</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/7593357766" title="Two Deer Dolly Taxidermy Mounts Available In My Shop - Made With Vintage Porcelain Dolls, Deer Antlers & Teeth by Jana Miller, on Flickr"><img alt="Two Deer Dolly Taxidermy Mounts Available In My Shop - Made With Vintage Porcelain Dolls, Deer Antlers & Teeth" height="320" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8009/7593357766_e57d2e70f7_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Deer Dolly Taxidermy Mounts created in 2012, by BoneLust</div>
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My shop - <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/BoneLust">https://www.etsy.com/shop/BoneLust</a></div>
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FB - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jana.miller.photography">https://www.facebook.com/jana.miller.photography</a></div>
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FB page - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bonelust/620332541351091">https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bonelust/620332541351091</a></div>
Jana Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177465719755670007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555266887965093019.post-9848191650288477662014-05-15T00:07:00.000-04:002014-05-15T00:09:26.042-04:00BONELUST SCIENCE LESSON - Bone Eating Squirrels<span class="editable meta-field photo-title" id="yui_3_16_0_rc_1_1_1400104032849_2392"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/8097408474" title="Today's Science Lesson: This Is A Well Gnawed On Boar Skull I Wedged Between Two Trees. I Toss Bones In The Woods As Well. Why? For Squirrels & Other Wildlife That Rely On Them For Minerals & Other Nutrients They Can't Get In Their Normal Diet. by Jana Miller, on Flickr"><img alt="Today's Science Lesson: This Is A Well Gnawed On Boar Skull I Wedged Between Two Trees. I Toss Bones In The Woods As Well. Why? For Squirrels & Other Wildlife That Rely On Them For Minerals & Other Nutrients They Can't Get In Their Normal Diet." height="320" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8048/8097408474_882d811ab6_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />The remains of a wild boar skull wedged into a tree on my property that has been very well gnawed out the past 10 years or so.<br /><br />As a bone collector it is always important to leave
some bones for the wild animals. I have tossed out bones around my
entire property for them and have spots where I leave piles like in the
first photo.</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/9209773263" title="BONELUST SCIENCE LESSON - As a bone collector it is always important to leave some bones for the wild animals. I have tossed out bones around my entire property for them and have spots where I leave piles like in the first photo. by Jana Miller, on Flickr"><img alt="BONELUST SCIENCE LESSON - As a bone collector it is always important to leave some bones for the wild animals. I have tossed out bones around my entire property for them and have spots where I leave piles like in the first photo." height="320" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7443/9209773263_db7c1f497c_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Why do I do this? Most bone collectors have found bones, skulls or even antlers or turtle shells with teeth
gnaw marks on them in the outdoors. This is likely caused by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_gray_squirrel#Diet" target="_blank">squirrels</a> in most cases.<br />
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They do this for two
reasons: A) As a source of minerals sparse in their normal diet & B)
To help keep their teeth from getting too long. Their teeth are always
growing & if they get too long it can cause the squirrel to starve
or even have the teeth impale them. Eventually resulting in the death of the squirrel. Other animals gnaw on bones for
similar reasons as well. Like rabbits. This overgrowth of teeth is
called <a href="http://squirrelrefuge.org/teethissues.html" target="_blank">malocclusion</a>.<br /><br />There was even a giraffe that was photographed recently found <a href="http://animals.io9.com/and-now-a-giraffe-eating-an-impala-skull-1562625490" target="_blank">gnawing on an impala skull</a> likely for similar reasons.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/8113356519" title="A Well Gnawed On Wild Boar Or Deer Bone Found In The Woods: Squirrels & Other Animals Eat Them For Nutrients They Can't Get From Their Regular Diet by Jana Miller, on Flickr"><img alt="A Well Gnawed On Wild Boar Or Deer Bone Found In The Woods: Squirrels & Other Animals Eat Them For Nutrients They Can't Get From Their Regular Diet" height="320" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8049/8113356519_4a788606aa_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
A well gnawed on deer or wild boar bone.<br />
<br />Jana Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177465719755670007noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555266887965093019.post-24331996199680843972014-03-15T17:32:00.000-04:002014-03-15T17:32:50.878-04:00BONELUST Q&A: "How do I get the bones from this small animal?"This is one of the smallest skulls in my collection at approx .5" long, from a Carolina Anole. The fact that I have some of these in good condition & complete is quite a task for me.<br /><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="320" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" nbsp="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/10336030333/player/e93762d0d3" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="320"></iframe><br /><br />Give me an entire adult deer & I can process it for the bones no problem. But it is the tiny reptiles, amphibians, rodents, birds & etc that I have the hardest time processing. You can't macerate like you do with medium sized animals (raccoon, opossum, etc) & up (deer, boar, cattle). The bones can literally be eaten up by the bacteria that defleshes larger bones. <br /><br />You also can't simply let dermestid beetles help with a skeleton this small and forget about it. I tried, and this is all they left me from 8 full lizards. Although I may try that again with a more controlled environment where I watch more closely with fewer beetles. <br /><br />In the meantime, it comes down to painstakingly slowly & carefully removing the flesh by hand with tweezers & scalpel after rehydrating it with plain water. A very tedious process. Once I myself take the time to master this process I will make a blog about it.Jana Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177465719755670007noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555266887965093019.post-91670714548755229082013-11-09T18:48:00.000-05:002013-11-09T19:50:04.785-05:00BONELUST Q&A: "Can't you get leprosy from armadillos?First off, always be sanitary when handling
any dead animals to process for their bone. Wear high quality
waterproof gloves. Don't touch anything dead then cross contaminate like
touching your face, clothes, steering wheel, or anything you may touch
once you remove the gloves later. See <a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2013/05/bonelust-bone-processing-q-i-want-to.html" target="_blank">my related blog post</a> for more info on the sanitary concerns of bone processing/collecting.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/3738487704/" title="Nine-banded Armadillo Young & My Foot - Dasypus novemcinctus by Gato Ranch, on Flickr"><img alt="Nine-banded Armadillo Young & My Foot - Dasypus novemcinctus" height="404" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3478/3738487704_03fff013b0.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
From back in 2003, a litter of armadillo were born under my house.<br />
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Armadillos are unfortunate in that are among the few known species that can contract <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leprosy" target="_blank">leprosy</a>. I want to stress the word CAN here. No, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armadillo#Armadillos_and_humans" target="_blank">not all armadillos are carriers of leprosy</a> as far too many people believe. But they can get it just as humans, mangabey monkeys, rabbits and mice can. It is <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1uKHpphOSY" target="_blank">too often misunderstood</a> that all armadillos have the disease, they do not.<br />
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Prior to the arrival of Europeans in the late 15th century, leprosy was unknown in the New World. Given that armadillos are native to the New World, at some point they must have acquired the disease from humans. <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/28/health/28leprosy.html?_r=1&" target="_blank">This is a scientific fact.</a> So it is a matter of susceptibility NOT that one species alone is the main carrier spreading the disease. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/3738487708/" title=""Oh Hai" Nine-banded Armadillo Young - Dasypus
novemcinctus by Gato Ranch, on Flickr"><img alt=""Oh Hai" Nine-banded
Armadillo Young - Dasypus novemcinctus" height="375" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2646/3738487708_f5f01c3871.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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In order for a human to get leprosy from an armadillo it has to be infected first of all. Secondly you'd have to eat and/or heavily handle it. Armadillo to human spread cases are concentrated in Louisiana and Texas, where some people hunt, skin and eat armadillos.<br />
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Only about 150 to 250 people in the United States each year even get leprosy and not all of those cases were caused by armadillos. So, just be very careful when handling an armadillo dead or alive and avoid eating it and you're very unlikely to ever get it. Approximately 95% of people are naturally immune to the disease anyway and sufferers are no longer infectious after as little as two weeks of treatment if the disease is recognized and treated early on.<br />
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<br />Jana Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177465719755670007noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555266887965093019.post-13161517872544574652013-11-06T00:00:00.001-05:002013-11-06T00:00:09.791-05:00BONELUST Q&A: "Why is it bad to boil bones? It is the way I was taught to clean them a long time ago."<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/10317099364/" title="BONELUST Q&A: "Why is is bad to boil bones? It is the way I was taught to clean them a long time ago." I took these surplus deer leg bones & scapula to show you why. After only a couple hours of boiling them I could push my finger through these large prev by Gato Ranch, on Flickr"><img alt="BONELUST Q&A: "Why is is bad to boil bones? It is the way I was taught to clean them a long time ago." I took these surplus deer leg bones & scapula to show you why. After only a couple hours of boiling them I could push my finger through these large prev" height="320" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5535/10317099364_431017089c_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />I took these surplus deer leg bones & scapula to show you why. After only a couple hours of boiling them I could push my finger through these large previously very solid deer leg bones with no effort & bend the scapula right in half. A rolling boil is very detrimental to the structure of bones. You literally cook off tiny pieces that hold it together. Even a very low heated slow simmer can eventually destroy bones. Especially ones smaller than these. I think many people learned the oldschool word-of-mouth techniques of bone processing which are to boil & bleach them. Even I started of experimenting with that & quickly found out it was a terribly bad idea. I've spent the last 35 years processing my own bones & now use the most delicate processes to keep them structurally sound for the long run. I share this priceless info freely with you so that you don't make the same mistakes I did. Stick to cold water maceration to have strong solid bones. Just takes more patience. Even if you don't see obvious damage to your bones after using a heated water process you have likely caused structural damage to your bone. Bone simply is not meant to be heated unless you are cooking off the flesh to eat & don't intend to keep the bones. <br /><br />For much more info about this & why chlorine bleach is also bad read my related blog post <a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2012/03/bad-words-boil-bleach.html" target="_blank">Bad Words: Bleach & Boil</a>Jana Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177465719755670007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555266887965093019.post-77499699268302774722013-09-20T18:35:00.001-04:002013-09-20T18:37:29.919-04:00BONELUST Q&A: "Do you use dermestid beetles?"<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/9843376905/" title="BONELUST Q&A: "Do you use dermestid beetles." Carrion insects have always been a part of my bone processing but I've never had a captive colony of any kind. For a while I had a wild colony of dermestid beetles/larvae helping me clean. I posted photos of t by Gato Ranch, on Flickr"><img alt="BONELUST Q&A: "Do you use dermestid beetles." Carrion insects have always been a part of my bone processing but I've never had a captive colony of any kind. For a while I had a wild colony of dermestid beetles/larvae helping me clean. I posted photos of t" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7441/9843376905_75f85d3872_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2012/03/bad-words-boil-bleach.html" target="_blank">Carrion insects</a> have always been a part of my bone processing but I’ve never had a captive colony of any kind. For a while I had a wild colony of dermestid beetles/larvae helping me clean. As long as I supplied them with new food they stuck around. But I’ve not yet had a captive colony. Ever since that <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heRtDDTntRg" target="_blank">episode of Oddities</a> with the dermestid beetles in a NY apartment I constantly see beginner collectors talking about getting them to clean bones & it makes me cringe. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/7362178762/" title="Looking Good In Dermestid Beetle Bone Cleaning World by Gato Ranch, on Flickr"><img alt="Looking Good In Dermestid Beetle Bone Cleaning World" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7071/7362178762_a38b424d33_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Sorry but I don't agree that the best way to remove flesh from bones of an animal carcass is by using dermestid beetles. Many that suggests them too frequently neglect to also mention their care, upkeep and not to mention that while dermestid cleaned bones are beautifully flesh free they are also usually absolutely grease saturated. A step that's often completely skipped by me is degreasing because my maceration process often takes care of it. And to be honest I abhor bone degreasing. It is VERY time consuming and tedious. I'm also quite confused how the Oddities episode skips degreasing completely and goes straight from beetle defleshing to the <a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2013/06/whitening-bone-teeth-hydrogen-peroxide.html" target="_blank">Hydrogen Peroxide bath</a>. As a longtime experienced bone collector/processor I know that scene must be missing or you'll end up with a grease saturated skull in most cases. Wanted to note that I actually do know Ryan and Monique that were in that episode, so I'm by far giving anyone hell... just wanted to point out some important factual things about bone processing and dermestid beetles that I feel were not mentioned in that episode of Oddities.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/7338345174/" title="Wild Dermestid Beetle Cleaned Spine by Gato Ranch, on Flickr"><img alt="Wild Dermestid Beetle Cleaned Spine" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7238/7338345174_84d5ae38f3_n.jpg" width="320" /></a> <br />
I still had to macerate this spine after dermestid defleshing because the cartilage was still between the vertebrae.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/7179922984/" title="Wild Dermestid Beetle Larva Working Their Magic Exposing the Clean White Bone In A Deer Leg by Gato Ranch, on Flickr"><img alt="Wild Dermestid Beetle Larva Working Their Magic Exposing the Clean White Bone In A Deer Leg" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7071/7179922984_edf2dbc066_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Care and upkeep of these beetles is far harder than people realize. I can’t recommend against it more if you are a beginner bone collector. Unless you actually need them for smaller animals & have a constant food supply for them, and are REALLY good at pet care I don’t ever suggest them to anyone. Plus, the <a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2012/05/mathematics-of-maceration-howto-guide.html" target="_blank">maceration process</a> is so easy & inexpensive in comparison. You literally need reg tap water, a tight lidded plastic container & <a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2013/05/most-important-thing-for-bone-collector.html" target="_blank">patience</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/7617485078/" title="So Excited To Have Just Found My Wild Dermestid Beetle Colony Back On Their Own & Looking Really Healthy! by Gato Ranch, on Flickr"><img alt="So Excited To Have Just Found My Wild Dermestid Beetle Colony Back On Their Own & Looking Really Healthy!" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8141/7617485078_fd7b67f62f_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Dermestid beetle care is far more complicated. They need very specific maintained temperatures, humidity, have to keep them free of parasitic mites, have to keep predators from them like spiders, need food/water, proper bedding, lighting, ventilation and enclosure... and so much more. I am currently working on setting up my first captive colony but only after a LOT of online research, talking to friends that successfully have healthy colonies & even located an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Beetles-Bones-Care-Feeding-Dermestid/dp/0977463001/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1379715662&sr=8-2&keywords=dermestid+beetle" target="_blank">out-of-print book</a> on the topic. And I’m still not sure if I will be able to keep them alive but I will give it my best shot. The thought of them dying because I can’t properly care for them kills me. So I’ve prepared for this for literally years. Not haphazardly bought a starter colony online at a whim. If I'm successful I will post a followup blog.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/7338270372/" title="Dermestid Beetle Larva Cleaning A Paw by Gato Ranch, on Flickr"><img alt="Dermestid Beetle Larva Cleaning A Paw" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8012/7338270372_576b38d52f_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
There is a great misconception that feeding them alone is enough. Just drop a fleshy skull into your enclosure and you’re done. Or that cleaning bone is super fast and easy with a colony. Far from the truth. It takes a colony of literally 1000s of adults/larvae to even clean a med sized animal head. The larvae actually do most of the work but you need the adults to make more larvae<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/6964734548/" title="Why Buy a Colony of Flesh Eating Dermestid Beetles When You Can Get Them For Free? by Gato Ranch, on Flickr"><img alt="Why Buy a Colony of Flesh Eating Dermestid Beetles When You Can Get Them For Free?" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7194/6964734548_a70876fca0_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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So this was just a little PSA to REALLY do your research. They need care just like any other kind of pet. Also, if they get loose in your home they can <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dermestidae" target="_blank">eat a whole lot of other things in every common household</a> besides dried flesh. I've actually lost a lot of my personal collections in the past of smaller bones and insects to wild colonies invading my home. And yes, adults can fly. So you’ve been warned! haha<br />
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<b>For more info on the topics discussed here clink on the links in the post to go to my related extensive posts.</b>Jana Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177465719755670007noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555266887965093019.post-29921254722536887452013-09-14T01:03:00.002-04:002014-11-08T00:22:53.273-05:00"Stick it on an ant pile!"I've heard that countless times in reply to "How do I clean these bones/dead animal?" This anole here is literally the 3rd dead animal in 12 years living at my current location that I've seen with any ants feasting on. And there have been a LOT of dead things for ants to eat on my property over the years. I don't have any piles on my property at all. Too swampy here. So I usually see them out on the well drained and dry dirt road like this.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/9140941504/" title=""Stick it on an ant pile!" I've heard that countless times in reply to "How do I clean these bones/dead animal?" This anole here is literally the 3rd dead animal in 12 years living here that I've seen any ants feasting on. by Gato Ranch, on Flickr"><img alt=""Stick it on an ant pile!" I've heard that countless times in reply to "How do I clean these bones/dead animal?" This anole here is literally the 3rd dead animal in 12 years living here that I've seen any ants feasting on." src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2856/9140941504_645413a1ac.jpg" height="500" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
This is a perfect example of how there are so many deciding factors involved in the steps to process a dead animal. A major one being your location. I simply do not have any of the ant species where I currently am that will help remove the flesh from dead animals. So that option is out for me.<br />
<br />
Also, the first and last time I ever tried using ants to help me clean remains over 15 years ago, most of my pet snake was taken underground vertebra by vertebra and rib by rib. I even had it in a cage on top of a screen. So it ruined that whole option for me. I really like having much more control of my bone processing.<br />
<br />
I understand though that this may work for other people. I've met people swear by it and that's great. But it isn't something that will work for everyone Jana Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177465719755670007noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555266887965093019.post-35628901546807005802013-06-11T20:48:00.002-04:002015-03-20T22:20:09.364-04:00BONELUST Q&A: "How do I put mandibles back together & teeth in?"<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/9021713338/" title="BONELUST Q&A: "How do I put mandibles back together?" There are many ways to reattach two mandible halves that have come apart. Depends on the species. I prefer to use regular white school glue because you don't always get it right first time around. It i by Gato Ranch, on Flickr"><img alt="BONELUST Q&A: "How do I put mandibles back together?" There are many ways to reattach two mandible halves that have come apart. Depends on the species. I prefer to use regular white school glue because you don't always get it right first time around. It i" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5335/9021713338_ea7498e35b_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<span id=".reactRoot[1].0.{info476270639605187198_6741887}.[0][1].0.[1].[1].[1].0"><span id=".reactRoot[1].0.{info476270639605187198_6741887}.[0][1].0.[1].[1].[1].0.[0]">There
are many ways to reattach two mandible halves that have come apart.
Depends on the species. I prefer to use regular white school glue
because you don't always get it right first time around. I also use this same glue to put teeth back in. It is water
soluble so you just soak it in water, wash off the glue, let it dry
& re-glue. Also, not all mandibles can simply be put back together.
Some are lacking muscle where they once connected and do not perfectly
fit together anymore once the flesh is gone. That's why sometimes you
see people using rubber bands to hold the two jawbone halves together on
deer, goats and similar species. For a small mandible like this cat
skull I just put a small dab of glue where they connect then rest the
two halves balanced together with the skull flipped over. Always be sure
the mandible fits the skull properly before it dries. This flip over and balance trick doesn't work for everything obviously. Sometimes you
just have to carefully tape the end after applying the glue. And
sometimes some mandible shapes let you clip them together while they dry
with a clothespin. You just have to figure out what works best for you.
It is also important that all incisors are already sealed into place
before you attach the mandible halves. Otherwise glue may fill the holes
where their roots go.<br /><br />Here's a related blog post - <a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2015/03/bonelust-q-teeth-fell-out-of-my-skull.html" target="_blank">BONELUST Q&A: "The teeth fell out of my skull! Did I do something wrong? How do I fix it?"</a></span></span><br />
<br />Jana Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177465719755670007noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555266887965093019.post-43781322256819922822013-06-10T22:39:00.002-04:002013-06-11T15:12:54.262-04:00BONELUST Q&A: "How will I know if a skull needs degreasing, I'm not sure what it even looks like?"<span id=".reactRoot[1].0.{info475612648467955848_6741887}.[0][1].0.[1].[1].[1].0"><span id=".reactRoot[1].0.{info475612648467955848_6741887}.[0][1].0.[1].[1].[1].0.[0]"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/9012805840/" title="BONELUST Q&A: "How will I know if a skull needs degreasing, I'm not sure what it even looks like?" These are my two Mountain Lion skulls. The natural body oils are very apparent on the specimen on the left. The golden coloration is a dead give away that i by Gato Ranch, on Flickr"><img alt="BONELUST Q&A: "How will I know if a skull needs degreasing, I'm not sure what it even looks like?" These are my two Mountain Lion skulls. The natural body oils are very apparent on the specimen on the left. The golden coloration is a dead give away that i" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7324/9012805840_c7db3e0eb4_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />These
are my two Mountain Lion skulls. The natural body oils are very
apparent on the specimen on the left. The golden coloration is a dead
give away that it was never properly processed. Some factors to keep in
mind though: yellow can also mean that it was once boiled or chlorine
bleach was used in the processing. So avoid both of those things! You
can not undo bone that was yellowed by chlorine bleach. It may appear
white at first but over time it will yellow. A full rolling boil will
draw grease deeper into the bone rather than making it rise to the
surface. Once done it is very hard to degrease. Last factor to consider
is that the skull on the left was sold to me as "antique". I will be
attempting to properly processing this skull in the near future. Only
then will I know the true answers to the history of this skull. The
skull on the right is still mildly greasy to the eye & touch but not
so bad that I feel the need to degrease. Degreasing is a step in bone
processing that is purely for preference to the bone collector. I
honestly rarely need to degrease anything because it gets mostly taken
care of during maceration. With experience you will be able to tell by
touch, color and weight if you need to degrease. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span id=".reactRoot[1].0.{info475612648467955848_6741887}.[0][1].0.[1].[1].[1].0"><span id=".reactRoot[1].0.{info475612648467955848_6741887}.[0][1].0.[1].[1].[1].0.[0]"></span></span><br />
<span id=".reactRoot[1].0.{info475612648467955848_6741887}.[0][1].0.[1].[1].[1].0"><span id=".reactRoot[1].0.{info475612648467955848_6741887}.[0][1].0.[1].[1].[1].0.[0]">For long term preservation, too much oil in bone is bad because bacteria can turn grease into acid and thus damage the bone. But at the same time, 100% grease free makes bone more fragile because grease is a part its natural components and sometimes bones can even shrink a little. A little grease left in bone is best for the longest preservation. I was told by a university teacher that some museums stopped to degrease fully and whiten specimens devoted to research. Now they only do the total bone degreasing for displayed specimens that will not be handled at all. So keep this in mind when deciding on whether you want to degrease or not. I have absolutely noticed a difference in quality of the bones I will or won't use in my jewelry. If they have been fully degreased they just don't seem to be up for being a wearable piece of art that could take daily wear. They also have very little weight which is not good for say a pendant for example.<br /><br />More related extensive info here:</span></span><br />
<span id=".reactRoot[1].0.{info475612648467955848_6741887}.[0][1].0.[1].[1].[1].0"><span id=".reactRoot[1].0.{info475612648467955848_6741887}.[0][1].0.[1].[1].[1].0.[0]"><a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2013/06/whitening-bone-teeth-hydrogen-peroxide.html" target="_blank">Whitening Bone Using Hydrogen Peroxide NOT Chlorine Bleach</a></span></span><a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2012/03/bad-words-boil-bleach.html" target="_blank">Bad Words: BOIL & BLEACH<span id="goog_477198279"></span><span id="goog_477198280"></span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2012/05/mathematics-of-maceration-howto-guide.html">The Mathematics Of Maceration - A HowTo Guide For The Impatient </a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2012/11/a-howto-guide-for-my-crock-pot-methods.html" target="_blank">A HowTo Guide For My Crock Pot Methods</a> <span id=".reactRoot[1].0.{info475612648467955848_6741887}.[0][1].0.[1].[1].[1].0"><span id=".reactRoot[1].0.{info475612648467955848_6741887}.[0][1].0.[1].[1].[1].0.[0]"><br /></span></span>Jana Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177465719755670007noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555266887965093019.post-4927177389132215452013-06-05T14:35:00.000-04:002014-03-15T17:34:46.147-04:00Whitening Bone Using Hydrogen Peroxide NOT Chlorine Bleach<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/8796978087/" title="BONELUST BONE PROCESSING PROGRESS: Cat Skull finished (mandible still in maceration). Note, cat only had incisor roots remaining. Front view. by Gato Ranch, on Flickr"><img alt="BONELUST BONE PROCESSING PROGRESS: Cat Skull finished (mandible still in maceration). Note, cat only had incisor roots remaining. Front view." src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7284/8796978087_2b4c371a41_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
I recently edited my <a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2012/03/bad-words-boil-bleach.html" target="_blank">Bad Words: BOIL & BLEACH</a> post here adding much more extensive info about using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Posting it as a new blog with even more info and photos so you guys don't miss this important info.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/8294634322/" title="BONELUST BONE PROCESSING PROGRESS: View Of Raccoon Skulls & Bones Recently Posted Here In Peroxide Bath. They Are Cleaning Up Nicely. by Gato Ranch, on Flickr"><img alt="BONELUST BONE PROCESSING PROGRESS: View Of Raccoon Skulls & Bones Recently Posted Here In Peroxide Bath. They Are Cleaning Up Nicely." src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8220/8294634322_295780b8dc_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><br />
In the H2O2 bath.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/8185990667/" title="ON THE DRYING RACK: Always Seem To Have Every Step Of Bone Processing Going On Here At All Times - Learn More At My Blog Bone-Lust.Blogspot.Com by Gato Ranch, on Flickr"><img alt="ON THE DRYING RACK: Always Seem To Have Every Step Of Bone Processing Going On Here At All Times - Learn More At My Blog Bone-Lust.Blogspot.Com" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8337/8185990667_93886b048a_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><br />
Drying after the H2O2 bath.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">NEVER use chlorine bleach on bones.</span><br />
<br />
Chlorine based bleach permanently damages the bone itself. It will start
to break down the structure of the bone and will continue to even after
it is rinsed and dried. Resulting in chalky, fragile and extremely
porous bone that will turn to bone meal with age. Not to mention it
turns the bone yellow. Which pretty much defeats the purpose if you are
trying to whiten the bone. It may appear white at first but will turn yellow. Once it yellows from bleach there is nothing
you can do about it. Believe me, I've tried to salvage yellow bleached
skulls before to no avail.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/8663333795/" title="Bone Collectors Gold: I enjoy quickly changing the topic every
time I buy a mass quality of Hydrogen Peroxide. Most people wouldn't
appreciate the truth. Finding this much all at once isn't easy around
here. by Gato Ranch, on Flickr"><img alt="Bone Collectors Gold: I enjoy quickly
changing the topic every time I buy a mass quality of Hydrogen Peroxide.
Most people wouldn't appreciate the truth. Finding this much all at
once isn't easy around here." src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8241/8663333795_81d92b2283_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
To sanitize and whiten bone use regular household hydrogen peroxide
(H2O2) that you can easily and inexpensively get ahold of at the grocery
store, dollar store or drugstore. Do a 50/50 bath with water just above
the bones in a loose lidded plastic container to reduce evaporation.
Oxygen activates the peroxide so you want to let air get to it. But it
will evaporate so keep an eye on it and top it off as needed. Also, if
you have a tight lid on it pressure may build up and the top literally
blows off.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/5035171964/" title="BONELUST - Skulls, Bones & Teeth in Hydrogen Peroxide
Baths by Gato Ranch, on Flickr"><img alt="BONELUST - Skulls, Bones & Teeth
in Hydrogen Peroxide Baths" src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4104/5035171964_05f4d25239.jpg" height="359" width="500" /></a><br />
Lids are loose to let oxygen in and pressure out.<br />
<br />
<b>How long?</b> Just keep the bones in this bath until they are the
color you want them. This is a personal preference. Note that the bone
will dry lighter than it looks wet. This process can take days or weeks.
Although if you leave it too long it will eventually make the bone
brittle. But this usually would take months for medium sized bones like
say of a raccoon. This is a very safe process for most bones if you
properly follow my steps. When done whitening, rinse the bones in water
then lay out to dry in the sun on towels or dry inside with a fan on. I
put towels or paper towels under the bones to help pull moisture out. Be
sure the bones are dry before you put them in a sealed container for
storage or they may mold.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/8607663902/" title="Just my usual day. Cleaning & sorting bones for Bone Lust
projects. by Gato Ranch, on Flickr"><img alt="Just my usual day. Cleaning &
sorting bones for Bone Lust projects." src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8118/8607663902_6aa144ddbb_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><br />
Sun drying bones. <br />
<br />
<b>More About Mold</b><br />
<br />
These were bright white cleaned bones. I thought I had left them out to dry long enough but apparently hadn't. I bagged them up in a ziploc and put them in my supply drawer. Only to find some time later that the had become splotched with black mold through the bone core and on the outside. I soaked them for weeks in full strength hydrogen peroxide but they only got this white again. In the closeup on top you can see the actual mold inside the bone. I think the molding also had to do with the bone needing to be degreased more. The mold spread to all bones in the batch though. Those not needing degreasing as well. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/7508977174/" title="Problems With Bone Processing: Molded Bones by Gato Ranch, on
Flickr"><img alt="Problems With Bone Processing: Molded
Bones" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7247/7508977174_115efa7b89_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
These bones had been cleaned and dried but got humid and grew a green fuzzy mold on them. Luckily I just hosed them off and gave them a H2O2 bath and they cleaned up beautifully. So this is a reminder to store bones in a dry place.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/7712420916/" title="The Hazards Of Bone Processing In The Humid South: Moldy Bones - These Deer & Wild Boar Bones Were Already Cleaned & Stored On My Porch - All The Rain Lately Made Them Mold by Gato Ranch, on Flickr"><img alt="The Hazards Of Bone Processing In The Humid South: Moldy Bones - These Deer & Wild Boar Bones Were Already Cleaned & Stored On My Porch - All The Rain Lately Made Them Mold" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8294/7712420916_049d51e081_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>Important factors:</b> If your H2O2 bath gets really cloudy you
likely need to dump it out and start a new bath. Otherwise it will start
to macerate instead. Do not use a metal container with H2O2. Use
plastic or glass. Store in a
cool dark place. Direct sunlight will eventually deactivate H2O2 that's
why it comes in dark containers. Do not do this step outside with no
lid. You will just end up with deactivated H2O2, algae and insect larvae
all over you bones and you'll have to start over... or the bones may be
ruined.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/7408722338/" title="Nearly Done: Peroxide Bathing Deer Skull & Jaws by Gato
Ranch, on Flickr"><img alt="Nearly Done: Peroxide Bathing Deer Skull
& Jaws" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7267/7408722338_4af115ec64_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><br />
Bubbles is a good sign your H2O2 is still active.<br />
<br />
<b>DO NOT use hair developer type peroxide on bones, ever.</b> <br />
<br />
There are
additional ingredients in it besides H2O2 and it is MUCH stronger than
regular corner store purchased H2O2. Which I think is only 3%. I have experimented with this
myself and the developer turned huge deer vertebrae to literally mush in
my hands. Likewise, do not use the powdered hair bleach packets. The
same results will happen. So you've been warned!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/8304837025/" title="Bone Processing No-No: This Is Why You NEVER Boil Bones To Clean Them. This Normally Very Thick & Strong Boar Vertebrae Literally Turned To Mush After 2 Days In Very Low Heated Water. Imagine What Damage A Full Boil Could Do In A Matter Of Hours. I Crush by Gato Ranch, on Flickr"><img alt="Bone Processing No-No: This Is Why You NEVER Boil Bones To Clean Them. This Normally Very Thick & Strong Boar Vertebrae Literally Turned To Mush After 2 Days In Very Low Heated Water. Imagine What Damage A Full Boil Could Do In A Matter Of Hours. I Crush" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8360/8304837025_a12e39debe_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><br />
Improperly processed vertebrae that turned to mush in my hands.<br />
<br />
<b>Algae & Moss Covered Nature Cleaned Bones</b><br />
<br />
Note that some staining will not come out especially if bones were
decaying on the forest floor for some time. Remember, you want to be
sure the bones have already been degreased and cleaned of all
flesh/dirt/etc before putting into the peroxide.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/7810598884/" title="This Is What Happens To Bones Left Outside For Too Long: Might Leave Some Of These Wild Turkey Bones This Way For My Art by Gato Ranch, on Flickr"><img alt="This Is What Happens To Bones Left Outside For Too Long: Might Leave Some Of These Wild Turkey Bones This Way For My Art" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8424/7810598884_f48a743c9d_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Too late to clean and whiten these bones. After bones have been left in
the elements for some time they begin to break down. These bones are now
"living" again covered with algae/fungi that is eating it. This is one
reason I choose not to do the bury method. If you wait too long bones
have already begun to decay. I like processing methods where I can see
what is happening to the remains at all times.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/4217936652/" title="BONELUST - Old Bone Box Growth/Rot on Misc Animal Bones (Macro) by Gato Ranch, on Flickr"><img alt="BONELUST - Old Bone Box Growth/Rot on Misc Animal Bones (Macro)" src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4072/4217936652_6c84cba225.jpg" height="500" width="375" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>BONE PROCESSING BLOG POST WITH TIMELINE:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/8690854126/" title="BONELUST BONE PROCESSING PROGRESS: First Adult Goat Skull processing progression photos & timeline. by Gato Ranch, on Flickr"><img alt="BONELUST BONE PROCESSING PROGRESS: First Adult Goat Skull processing progression photos & timeline." src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7050/8690854126_e43d44ffec_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
See the post that goes along with the above photo here - <a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2013/04/bonelust-bone-processing-progress-first.html" target="_blank">BONELUST BONE PROCESSING PROGRESS: First Adult Goat Skull processing progression photos & timeline. </a><br />
<br />
For even more extensive info about all the steps I use in processing bones check out the rest of my blog. Enjoy!Jana Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177465719755670007noreply@blogger.com115tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555266887965093019.post-29982912305565955282013-05-23T21:52:00.000-04:002014-08-19T23:28:23.904-04:00BONELUST Q&A: What do you mean when you say you’re an ethical bone artist?<b style="color: #e06666;">PLEASE NOTE:</b><span style="color: #e06666;"> I have zero interest in a political debate of any kind. I’m
just posting this about my personal beliefs because it is what BoneLust
is based on & this is the question I was asked. What a boring world
this would be if we were all exactly the same. THANKS!</span><br />
<br />
A bit about me first, Jana Miller. I’ve been collection and
processing bones and other things of nature for over 30 years. I’ve been
making bone and teeth jewelry since the 1980s. For a long time I only
made bone jewelry and art for myself and friends. In 2008, I became
unemployed at no fault of my own. So I opened 3 Etsy shops. One of which
is, BoneLust/Bone Lust, which offers bone jewelry/art to the public.
Each piece is carefully made with love. Nothing is mass produced. I’m
the only one working in my shops.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/8323067039/" title="BONELUST BONE PROCESSING PROGRESS: The 5 Wild Boar Skull Project Has To Be Put On Hold For A Bit. So Moved These 4 To This Temp Home. Top 2 Are Almost Done. Bottom 2 Are Drying. 5th Was Just Put In Peroxide Bath. by Gato Ranch, on Flickr"><img alt="BONELUST BONE PROCESSING PROGRESS: The 5 Wild Boar Skull Project Has To Be Put On Hold For A Bit. So Moved These 4 To This Temp Home. Top 2 Are Almost Done. Bottom 2 Are Drying. 5th Was Just Put In Peroxide Bath." src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8351/8323067039_140ea57c0d_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>ABOUT THE BONES & OTHER ANIMAL BY-PRODUCTS USED IN MY PIECES:</b><br />
<br />
I pride myself in NOT SUPPORTING industries that harm/kill animals
and/or use their lives as profit. Like trappers, fur garment industries, pet breeders/shops, factory farming/meat industries, or medical research supply companies. "Not support" means I will not purchase any animal by-products from these industries.<br />
<br />
I do use bones that hunters have
dumped. I live in a very rural/poor area and these hunters feed their
families this way and help control invasive species like wild boar.
While I myself do not even eat meat (since 1993), beyond seafood about
once a month. I’ve also been very active in animal rights,
anti-vivisection, conservation efforts, etc. Donating thousands so far in my lifetime to related groups. And have personally rescued
easily hundreds of creatures in my lifetime so far. Furry, feathered,
insect, spider and otherwise.<br />
<br />
99.9% of the bones and teeth used in my jewelry and art I’ve found
myself. Then processed myself by the best means to provide you with a
strong product that will last, and be sanitary to wear. I consider
myself a professional as I’ve been collecting bones for over 30 years
now. I do not like waste and honor the lives of these animals in my
art/jewelry. I never have nor ever will harm or kill an animal, insect
or plant for my bone collection or for the bones used/sold here. Also,
all animal remains used in my shop were obtained by legal means approved
by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.<br />
<br />Jana Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177465719755670007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555266887965093019.post-20272498455481132372013-05-05T18:09:00.000-04:002013-05-05T18:09:21.104-04:00BONELUST BONE PROCESSING Q&A: I want to start collecting bones/animal remains but I'm concerned about disease.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/8294693319/" title="Excited About My New Respirator Filters & Getting My High Quality Gloves Again. Otherwise Even I Couldn't Have Dealt With The Nastiness I Did Today. Didn't Smell A Thing & No Need To Double Up Gloves! by Gato Ranch, on Flickr"><img alt="Excited About My New Respirator Filters & Getting My High Quality Gloves Again. Otherwise Even I Couldn't Have Dealt With The Nastiness I Did Today. Didn't Smell A Thing & No Need To Double Up Gloves!" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8221/8294693319_82df4fe499_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />
What sort of safety precautions do you take while removing flesh from bone?<br /><br />Good questions that I think not enough beginning bone collectors think about. Well obviously be super sanitary about each step of it. Here are some steps I take to stay sanitary:<br /><br />
Wear a respirator or at least a surgical/dust mask when you have concerns about airborne disease. I always wear high quality well fitted latex gloves when handling any remains until they are completely sanitary AFTER the hydrogen peroxide bath, which is the final step of processing. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_12?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=latex%20gloves&sprefix=latex+gloves%2Caps%2C1860&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Alatex%20gloves" target="_blank">You can get every size imaginable in boxes of 100 on Amazon.com</a>. You don't want cheap gloves tearing open while you're handling rotting carcasses. If you only have cheap gloves, double up.<br /><br />Take care not to do processing where you eat or bathe. Every time I see a photo of a skull in a bathroom sink with their toothbrush and glass nearby I cringe. Keep your processing tools separate from your kitchen tools AND wash separate. Yes, these things would seem like common sense but I've seen bone collectors do things you wouldn't believe. Also, do not let your pets drink maceration water, peroxide bath or chew on dead things. I've seen far too many photos where people think this is funny. It can be VERY bad for your pets to do any of these things. Would you let your child drink/chew on these things???<br /><br />Also, wash your hands/arms, hair and clothes/shoes after possible contamination. After I've gotten myself into some REALLY nasty stuff I put my clothes (shoes included, I wear Chucks so I can) into the wash and take a shower myself. When you're working on maceration tubs or handling dead animals you can expect a certain amount of contamination of your clothes/shoes. Splashback from maceration baths is very common. If you have long hair like me, take care to pull it back and keep it out of the nastiness. Likewise, wash down your processing work area and maceration tubs after use. The only time I use chlorine bleach in relation to bone processing is when I clean out maceration tubs when they get really bad. Although most of the time I let everything sun sanitize. Because I don't want bleach killing off my maceration bacteria colonies. So if you do use bleach rinse VERY well.<br /><br />When picking up dead animals to process watch out for gases and liquids escaping the body. Which will almost always happen when you move the body. If you don't have latex gloves with you use a plastic bag to handle it and flip it right into that same bag. Don't lay dead animals in your car without a plastic bag or you'll be sorry. That smell will stay around and leave a very unsanitary stain where it laid. Keep hand sanitizer, gloves, and bags in your car so you're always prepared.<br /><br />I could go on but that covers the basics and a little extra, just use common sense. Stay safe and sanitary friends.Jana Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177465719755670007noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555266887965093019.post-90173230568449610512013-05-04T16:22:00.000-04:002013-08-05T15:25:58.495-04:00Most Important Thing For a Bone Collector? Patience.One of the main things I see most bone collectors struggling with is
having the patience to get the job done right. Right meaning using steps
that leave the bone strongest as a finished piece. Processing from
start to finish for me can take weeks or even months per skeleton/skull.
Start being a dead animal, finished being only the
bone/horn/hoof/claw/antlers. <br />
<br />
The way I get around being impatient is to
always have several projects going on at all times in every step of my
bone processing. <br />
<br />
1) Natural decomposition and/or maceration.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/8537073241/" title="Deer Remains I Got Oddly Enough, In The Mail by Gato Ranch, on Flickr"><img alt="Deer Remains I Got Oddly Enough, In The Mail" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8240/8537073241_8060b31b93_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Naturally decomping deer remains, nearly ready for maceration.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/8701323305/" title="BONELUST BONE GIFT: My father brought me this great opossum
skull. I dropped it right into a maceration tub I already had going for
an opossum skeleton. When the flesh/fur is this dried on it is ok to
macerate as is. You'd do more damage to the skull tryi by Gato Ranch, on
Flickr"><img alt="BONELUST BONE GIFT: My father brought me
this great opossum skull. I dropped it right into a maceration tub I
already had going for an opossum skeleton. When the flesh/fur is this
dried on it is ok to macerate as is. You'd do more damage to the skull
tryi" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8536/8701323305_0de49730ca_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Naturally mummified opossum skull ready to macerate. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/6986219399/" title="BONELUST - Maceration Bucket Refreshing: Deer, Wild Boar & Cattle Bones by Gato Ranch, on Flickr"><img alt="BONELUST - Maceration Bucket Refreshing: Deer, Wild Boar & Cattle Bones" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7039/6986219399_b2a6bc9ddd_n.jpg" width="294" /></a><br />
Filling up a maceration tub of deer and wild boar bones with water.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/8176036102/" title="Deer Bones Rinsed Beautifully After Maceration Process Of Bone Cleaning: Detailed HowTo Posts At My Bone Collecting Blog Bone-Lust.Blogspot.Com by Gato Ranch, on Flickr"><img alt="Deer Bones Rinsed Beautifully After Maceration Process Of Bone Cleaning: Detailed HowTo Posts At My Bone Collecting Blog Bone-Lust.Blogspot.Com" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8203/8176036102_d074c5686b_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Flesh free bones after maceration.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/8194472918/" title="Bone Processing Time: Checking On My Maceration & Degreasing Tubs. From Extra Nasty To Almost Clean. Want To Learn More? Check Out My Blog Bone-Lust.Blogspot.Com by Gato Ranch, on Flickr"><img alt="Bone Processing Time: Checking On My Maceration & Degreasing Tubs. From Extra Nasty To Almost Clean. Want To Learn More? Check Out My Blog Bone-Lust.Blogspot.Com" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8202/8194472918_faf5a812b9_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Wild boar and deer bones in different stages of maceration and degreasing. <br />
<br />
2)
Degreasing.<br />
<br />
I honestly don't do a lot of degreasing. I've found that a lot of the oils rise to the surface during maceration. On a rare ocassion I do some extra degreasing though with a dishsoap and water soak. Or super weak ammonia and water soak. Both can take months. Also degreasing is really a personal preference of the bone collector. Some people don't care to degrease at all and some like their bones grease free.<br />
<br />
3) Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) bath. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/8304785603/" title="BONELUST BONE PROCESSING PROGRESS: Ran Out Of Containers For Peroxide Baths So 2 Front Wild Boar Skulls Are From The Last 2 Days. You Can See That The 2 In Containers In The Back Are Already Lighter. I Have One Left To Degrease Tomorrow. by Gato Ranch, on Flickr"><img alt="BONELUST BONE PROCESSING PROGRESS: Ran Out Of Containers For Peroxide Baths So 2 Front Wild Boar Skulls Are From The Last 2 Days. You Can See That The 2 In Containers In The Back Are Already Lighter. I Have One Left To Degrease Tomorrow." height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8222/8304785603_488eb007d8_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Wild boar bones and skulls in different stages of peroxide bath sanitizing and whitening.<br />
<br />
Right now I have these
skulls/bones in their final H2O2 bath. Deer skulls, goat skull &
wild boar vertebrae. One deer skull is on the side to further lighten a
stain. The goat skull was too big for the container so once the skull
lightened it was time to do the same to the horns (minus the horn
sheaths).<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/8676243769/" title="BONELUST BONE PROCESSING PROGRESS: Right now I have these skulls/bones in their final H2O2 bath. Deer skulls, goat skull & wild boar vertebrae. One deer skull is on the side to further lighten a stain. The goat skull was too big for the container so once by Gato Ranch, on Flickr"><img alt="BONELUST BONE PROCESSING PROGRESS: Right now I have these skulls/bones in their final H2O2 bath. Deer skulls, goat skull & wild boar vertebrae. One deer skull is on the side to further lighten a stain. The goat skull was too big for the container so once " height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8520/8676243769_58ed7f3ea2_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
4) Drying.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/8442208156/" title="BONELUST BONE PROCESSING PROGRESS: Taking advantage of another beautiful sunny day & laid out a huge batch of deer & wild boar bones to dry yesterday. They always look better once the are dried. These were all hunter dumped. by Gato Ranch, on Flickr"><img alt="BONELUST BONE PROCESSING PROGRESS: Taking advantage of another beautiful sunny day & laid out a huge batch of deer & wild boar bones to dry yesterday. They always look better once the are dried. These were all hunter dumped." height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8238/8442208156_4b51080b50_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Deer and boar bones sun drying.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/8689733417/" title="BONELUST BONE PROCESSING PROGRESS: First Adult Goat Skull is complete. This will be a keeper for my personal collection. by Gato Ranch, on Flickr"><img alt="BONELUST BONE PROCESSING PROGRESS: First Adult Goat Skull is complete. This will be a keeper for my personal collection." height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7046/8689733417_3cf17e12ca_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Finished skull example of a goat.<br />
<br />
Want more detailed info on each step? There are extensive blog posts covering each of these steps pictured here. For more info read the rest of my related blog posts.<br />
<br />
<b>Maceration Info</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2012/03/bad-words-boil-bleach.html" target="_blank">Bad Words: BOIL & BLEACH</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2012/05/mathematics-of-maceration-howto-guide.html" target="_blank">The Mathematics Of Maceration - A HowTo Guide For The Impatient</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2013/04/bonelust-bone-processing-q-what-should.html" target="_blank">BONELUST BONE PROCESSING Q&A: What should the remains look like to begin maceration?</a><br />
<br />
<b>Degreasing Info</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2013/06/bonelust-q-how-will-i-know-if-skull.html" target="_blank">BONELUST Q&A: "How will I know if a skull needs degreasing, I'm not sure what it even looks like?"</a> <br />
<br />
<b>Whitening Info</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2013/06/whitening-bone-teeth-hydrogen-peroxide.html" target="_blank">Whitening Bone Using Hydrogen Peroxide NOT Chlorine Bleach</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2012/03/bad-words-boil-bleach.html" target="_blank">Bad Words: BOIL & BLEACH</a><br />
<br />
<br />Jana Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177465719755670007noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555266887965093019.post-2992514134039700112013-04-28T18:14:00.000-04:002013-09-27T10:43:03.716-04:00BONELUST BONE PROCESSING PROGRESS: First Adult Goat Skull processing progression photos & timeline.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/8690854126/" title="BONELUST BONE PROCESSING PROGRESS: First Adult Goat Skull processing progression photos & timeline. by Gato Ranch, on Flickr"><img alt="BONELUST BONE PROCESSING PROGRESS: First Adult Goat Skull processing progression photos & timeline." height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7050/8690854126_e43d44ffec_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="photo-desc insitu-trigger" id="description_div">
<div id="yui_3_7_3_3_1367186221054_1425">
1)
As it started in early March, horn sheaths removed. Added to maceration
tub. Some minor flesh and grease present. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/8542387577/" title="BONELUST BONE PROCESSING PROGRESS: See you in a few weeks my beautiful new goat friend. Bath time! by Gato Ranch, on Flickr"><img alt="BONELUST BONE PROCESSING PROGRESS: See you in a few weeks my beautiful new goat friend. Bath time!" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8087/8542387577_e488e0a2d4_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
2) Removed from maceration
and rinsed, mid April. Had been dumped and refilled once with water. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/8655789975/" title="BONELUST BONE PROCESSING PROGRESS: This goat skull & deer skull/mandible cleaned up nicely after a few weeks in maceration tubs. The deer unfortunately is a bit fragile & coming apart. I think it is because it is a juvenile or struck on the snout by a car by Gato Ranch, on Flickr"><img alt="BONELUST BONE PROCESSING PROGRESS: This goat skull & deer skull/mandible cleaned up nicely after a few weeks in maceration tubs. The deer unfortunately is a bit fragile & coming apart. I think it is because it is a juvenile or struck on the snout by a car" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8117/8655789975_13034a0077_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
3)
Started hydrogen peroxide bath mid April. No grease present or flesh.
Only some bone staining. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/8676243769/" title="BONELUST BONE PROCESSING PROGRESS: Right now I have these skulls/bones in their final H2O2 bath. Deer skulls, goat skull & wild boar vertebrae. One deer skull is on the side to further lighten a stain. The goat skull was too big for the container so once by Gato Ranch, on Flickr"><img alt="BONELUST BONE PROCESSING PROGRESS: Right now I have these skulls/bones in their final H2O2 bath. Deer skulls, goat skull & wild boar vertebrae. One deer skull is on the side to further lighten a stain. The goat skull was too big for the container so once " height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8520/8676243769_58ed7f3ea2_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
4) Done and horn sheaths replaced late April.
Turned out gorgeous.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/8689733417/" title="BONELUST BONE PROCESSING PROGRESS: First Adult Goat Skull is complete. This will be a keeper for my personal collection. by Gato Ranch, on Flickr"><img alt="BONELUST BONE PROCESSING PROGRESS: First Adult Goat Skull is complete. This will be a keeper for my personal collection." height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7046/8689733417_3cf17e12ca_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<br />RELATED BLOG POSTS:<br /><br /><a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2012/03/bad-words-boil-bleach.html" target="_blank" title="BONELUST BONE PROCESSING PROGRESS: First Adult Goat Skull is complete. This will be a keeper for my personal collection. by Gato Ranch, on Flickr">Bad Words: BOIL & BLEACH</a><br /><br /><a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2012/05/mathematics-of-maceration-howto-guide.html" target="_blank">The Mathematics Of Maceration - A HowTo Guide For The Impatient</a><br /><br /><a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2013/06/whitening-bone-teeth-hydrogen-peroxide.html" target="_blank">Whitening Bone Using Hydrogen Peroxide NOT Chlorine Bleach</a><br /><br />Jana Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177465719755670007noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555266887965093019.post-20537213619083548062013-04-27T20:16:00.000-04:002013-05-05T18:31:26.831-04:00BONELUST BONE ART SHOP Q&A: Who is your animal bone supplier?<div class="comment caption" data-id="443635125815444184" id=".reactRoot[1].0.{info443635113131868275_6741887}.[0][1].0.[1]">
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<span id=".reactRoot[1].0.{info443635113131868275_6741887}.[0][1].0.[1].[1].[1].0"><span id=".reactRoot[1].0.{info443635113131868275_6741887}.[0][1].0.[1].[1].[1].0.[0]"></span></span></div>
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<span id=".reactRoot[1].0.{info443635113131868275_6741887}.[0][1].0.[1].[1].[1].0"><span id=".reactRoot[1].0.{info443635113131868275_6741887}.[0][1].0.[1].[1].[1].0.[0]"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/8469199376/" title="BONELUST Q&A: Who is your bone supplier? by Gato Ranch, on Flickr"><img alt="BONELUST Q&A: Who is your bone supplier?" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8237/8469199376_c034e79e43_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />I
am! This is just a small peek into my bone supplies. 99% of the animal
bones, teeth & claws I use in my art I find and process myself. They
are natural death, road kill and hunter dumped remains I've collected
& fully processed myself. </span></span><span id=".reactRoot[1].0.{info443635113131868275_6741887}.[0][1].0.[1].[1].[1].0"><span id=".reactRoot[1].0.{info443635113131868275_6741887}.[0][1].0.[1].[1].[1].0.[0]">Nothing is ever killed for my art. On rare
occasions I locate ethical sources for anything I can't find locally.
Like the quills & deer antler I use, which are naturally shed.
Sorry, but I do not sell my bone supplies or tell anyone the sources for
any of my supplies in general.</span></span><span id=".reactRoot[1].0.{info443635113131868275_6741887}.[0][1].0.[1].[1].[1].0"><span id=".reactRoot[1].0.{info443635113131868275_6741887}.[0][1].0.[1].[1].[1].0.[0]"><br /></span></span></div>
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Jana Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177465719755670007noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555266887965093019.post-66456577553433723532013-04-27T18:45:00.000-04:002013-10-24T14:24:06.518-04:00BONELUST BONE PROCESSING Q&A: What should the remains look like to begin maceration?<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/8687502062/" title="BONELUST BONE PROCESSING Q&A: What should the remains look like to begin maceration? This photo of opossum remains is a perfect example of when to macerate. Only a little dried on flesh and almost no fur on the bones. I just filled up this container with by Gato Ranch, on Flickr"><img alt="BONELUST BONE PROCESSING Q&A: What should the remains look like to begin maceration? This photo of opossum remains is a perfect example of when to macerate. Only a little dried on flesh and almost no fur on the bones. I just filled up this container with " height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8115/8687502062_f9b0c8f3d0.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
This photo of opossum remains is a perfect example of when to macerate.
Only a little dried on flesh and almost no fur on the bones. I just
filled up this container with water & tightly sealed the lid. Now I
will leave the bacteria to do their work for the next 2 to 3 weeks. Do
not add anything else, only water. Especially not any soaps or chemicals
that would kill the bacteria that need to breed in that water to clean
the bones of the flesh. If you put a whole animal in a maceration tub
with fur, innards & skin it would take forever. Could potentially
cause the bones to start to decay before they fell free. And would be
unbelievably horrid smelling. I also stress using a sealed container for
the process especially if you are leaving it outside. Otherwise you
could grow algae on the bones or have the tub fill will maggots or other
creatures that will possibly begin to decay the bone. Lastly, always
wear latex gloves during this process while handling the remains/bones.
They will be incredibly unsanitary. <br /><br />For much more info about maceration check out my other posts here:<br />
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
<a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2012/05/mathematics-of-maceration-howto-guide.html" target="_blank">The Mathematics Of Maceration - A HowTo Guide For The Impatient</a>
</h3>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
<a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2012/03/bad-words-boil-bleach.html" target="_blank">Bad Words: BOIL & BLEACH</a>
</h3>
<br />Jana Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177465719755670007noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2555266887965093019.post-45014986974187516432012-11-17T01:46:00.000-05:002013-05-05T18:33:44.367-04:00A HowTo Guide For My Crock Pot Methods<span style="color: red;"><b>IMPORTANT EDIT:</b> Too many people are misunderstanding this post and I actually considered deleting it because of the messages I've been getting. This is an absolute LAST RESORT process for LARGE BONES with tough stuck on skin/ligaments only after maceration has already been done. This is NOT for a fast and easy way to clean your remains. You will destroy your bones quickly that way! Especially if they are small/thin. They will crumble in your hands and you will be very sad. I don't want anyone getting mad at me for misunderstanding this post. SO YOU'VE BEEN WARNED! Stick to maceration and be patient. For strong solid bones it take a lot of time, period. I have been processing bones for over 30 years, I know this stuff very well. If you are new at this do not do it. </span><br />
<br />
I've mentioned here previously in my <a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2012/03/bad-words-boil-bleach.html" target="_blank">'Bad Words: BOIL & BLEACH'</a> post that my last resort for removing tough stuck on ligaments, skin and etc from bones is a crock pot. But I didn't really go into much detail. So this is my instructional guide for that.<br />
<br />
This crock pot method is one of my own invention. I've never met anyone else that does it. It has worked well for me since the early 90s when I first started using it. I've further mastered it since and figured out other ways to use it for bone processing tasks... and I've used the same trusty crock pot all these years.<br />
<br />
<b>DEFLESHING:</b><br />
<br />
When I have a really stuck on flesh mass, ligaments or something similar that maceration has not removed I use the crock pot as a last resort to remove it from the bone. Most of the time it works within hours but in tough cases I've had to leave it overnight or a full 24 hours.<br />
<br />
I like to add a metal veggie steamer/strainer to the bottom of the crock pot to minimize the bones/teeth actually touching the hot ceramic pot since it is this extreme heat that can damage them. But if you can find a metal strainer that fits in your crock pot that won't rust, that will work well too.<br />
<br />
This method is also a good way to carefully clean smaller more fragile bones that may start to break down during maceration. Put them in a metal screen style tea strainer if they are that small to keep from losing them, or another smaller metal strainer that will fit into the crock pot.<br />
<br />
The reason I do this in a crock pot and not stove top is because I like to carefully regulate the temperature. Stove top simmering always seems to eventually boil. The lowest setting on my crock pot never boils. I've discussed why boiling bones is bad in my <a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2012/03/bad-words-boil-bleach.html" target="_blank">'Bad Words: BOIL & BLEACH'</a> post.<br />
<br />
I fill the crock pot with water well above the bone and put it on low and replace the lid. Being sure to top off the water as it evaporates. Best part is that there is nothing to do. You just put your bones into the crock pot and go do something else. Just like when you use it to cook dinner.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/3952950620/" title="BONELUST - Virginia Opossum Skull Remains Cleaning by Gato Ranch, on Flickr"><img alt="BONELUST - Virginia Opossum Skull Remains Cleaning" height="382" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2526/3952950620_db28e8f4a2.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Vultures had literally just pulled the outer skin off this opossum so I decided to do a slow simmer in the crock pot instead of maceration. This worked very quickly with the flesh still so fresh/soft.<br />
<br />
There's really not much of a need to add anything to the water. The slow constant heat alone will get the toughest dried on mummified skin off of anything. Often overnight. Sometimes I pour out what has cooked off overnight, add new water and start again... if it is something really fleshy like a mummified head.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/6877630541/" title="BONELUST - I Like Turtles! A Couple New Turtle Skulls. Take 2 by Gato Ranch, on Flickr"><img alt="BONELUST - I Like Turtles! A Couple New Turtle Skulls. Take 2" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7064/6877630541_3ce2bbb424_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
These turtle skulls started off whole mummified heads before I added them to the crock pot. The process is so gentle that even the keratin sheaths (or rhamphotheca) that covers the upper and lower turtles jaws were unharmed.<br />
<br />
<b>DEGREASING:</b><br />
<br />
If the bones seem very greasy I just add a little dish soap to the water and it helps the natural fats out of the bone and rise to the top. That's the only additive I've ever put in the water with the bones. But grease will still come out of the bone without you even adding soap to the water! This is why I say to add water well above the top of the bones you've added to the crock pot. The grease will float to the top where you can easily spoon it out of the water.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/8192786916/" title="BONELUST - Partial Coyote Skulls in Crock Pot by Gato Ranch, on
Flickr"><img alt="BONELUST - Partial Coyote Skulls in Crock
Pot" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8338/8192786916_bc367fa637.jpg" width="373" /></a><br />
<br />
These partial coyote skulls were quite visibly greasy so I put them in the crock pot overnight with some dish soap.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/8192786890/" title="BONELUST - Fat in in Crock Pot by Gato Ranch, on Flickr"><img alt="BONELUST - Fat in in Crock Pot" height="385" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8198/8192786890_a06f7388c5.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
The next morning a good amount of grease was at the top of the water.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/8192786874/" title="BONELUST - Greasy Spoon from Crock Pot by Gato Ranch, on Flickr"><img alt="BONELUST - Greasy Spoon from Crock Pot" height="483" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8202/8192786874_2ec5f31b53.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
To easily remove the grease from the crock pot so it doesn't get back onto the skulls when removing them I just scooped it out with a spoon. Doesn't get any easier than that. Remember as I discussed previously in my post <a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2012/03/bad-words-boil-bleach.html" target="_blank">'Bad Words: BOIL & BLEACH'</a> that boiling bone will draw the grease further inside the bone. So don't do that to remove the natural fats in animal remains.<br />
<br />
<b>SOFTENING BONE TO REMOVE TEETH:</b><br />
<br />
Another thing I use the crock pot for it to soften bone so that it is easier for me to remove teeth. This worked well for these wild boar mandible fragments.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/5034623397/" title="BONELUST - Wild Boar Rotten Jaw Teeth Removal 6 by Gato Ranch, on Flickr"><img alt="BONELUST - Wild Boar Rotten Jaw Teeth Removal 6" height="375" src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4112/5034623397_d6fe749b52.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
The bone became soft enough after a couple days for me to use pliers and wrenches to carefully smash and break the mandible apart and extract the teeth.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gato-ranch/5034630405/" title="BONELUST - Wild Boar Rotten Jaw Teeth Removal 1 by Gato Ranch, on Flickr"><img alt="BONELUST - Wild Boar Rotten Jaw Teeth Removal 1" height="378" src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4149/5034630405_f46fc77026.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Much more about this at my <a href="http://bone-lust.blogspot.com/2011/08/extracting-teeth-from-bone.html" target="_blank">'Extracting Teeth From Bone'</a> blog post.<br />
<br />
My crock pot method works beautifully. Very low maintenance. Rarely any need to scrub anything from the bones afterwords. I've never even had any need to find another method. I do wish though that crock pots came MUCH LARGER...haha<br />
<br />
I hope you enjoy my HowTo blog posts. For most of the time I've been collecting and processing bones the internet was not yet around and this info was not commonly found in books either. So I've had over 30 years of trial and error figuring out these things on my own. I decided to save everyone some time that comes across my blog and let them in on a few of my trade secrets. And hopefully keep some bones from being destroyed in the process.Jana Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00177465719755670007noreply@blogger.com12