Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Around the Campfire => Topic started by: Ed Brooks on June 05, 2019, 01:57:05 pm
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its that time of year again, found the 1st rd kill yesterday, and got some quills. My question, should I wash them? Leave them dirty? I’m thinking the more I handle them , I may wreck them or end up stuck with them. Another big question. are they good trading stock on here? Ed
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Are quills hollow? If so, I would be interested in trading for some.
This might be a dumb question but is there any risk of puncturing a tire if you hit a porcupine?
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O O.
Not hollow, but pithy, I’d call it. There’s a some chance of getting a flat. But the quills lay down and point backward when he’s not in a riled up. I can send ya some quills to play with if you’d like. Ed
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I think Pat B was looking for some awhile back. It was in the trade section maybe?
Bjrogg
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I think Pat B was looking for some awhile back. It was in the trade section maybe?
Bjrogg
Thank you. I sent Pat the very few I had in an old hat, from that post. There’s now a few more headed his way. Ed
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As you can imagine, Ed I'm interested in this too. Rebecca Parker, James' wife, would clip off the point end and the butt end and soak the quills in water to soften them enough to flatten them to do her quill work. I think the quill is made from keratin like fingernails. I had a chance to watch Becca doing her quill work and ask her questions about quill work at the Classic.
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Pat,
Saw this thread, and said "Opps! Brain fart! I didn't send out the quills!" That will be rectified tomorrow! Also, found a brief set of instructions from the American Indian Room, will try to get a copy made for you, and "A Beginner's Handbook of Porcupine Qullwork" by Barbara Meuller, I think it was self published. I got it from her at a rendezvous in the late '80's or early 90's. There are probably several newer books available.
Hawkdancer
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pull em out n wash em in dawn dish soap as they are really dirty! they accept dyes pretty well if you want different colors. definitely tradeable. my coworker uses them a fair bit in beadwork appliques.
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Thank you Ben. I’ll start washing these off from now on. Do you need to cut the ends off to dye them? Ed
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once they are clean you can dye them. you shouldn't need to cut them for that.
A long beading needle will push trough the "pith" if you want to use them like beads in earrings. Eastern tribes used the needles to applique birch bark too. Google porcupine quill crafts n see what pops up for ideas.
The styrofoam like center to the quills is what helps them swim.
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You might want to snip off the barbs -they are sharp and stick in you real easy!
Hawkdancer
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found a very informative site about pourcupine quillworks. how to process, dye and various techniques. great resource, very interesting :OK
check:
www nativetech dot org slash quill (pa policy forbid direct links)
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Time to put the styrofoam cooler in the car along with extra gloves!
Pat B, they are on the way, should be there Monday! Washed, not de-barbed. Otherwise ready to use. Have fun!
Hawkdancer
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Thanks Jerry. Really appreciated. Can I send you something in return?
GlisGlis, thanks for the info. I'll surely check it out.
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Wait 'til you get them, maybe a couple of broadheads. Got some Sitka ordered from Wayne, and some POC to get ready for hunting season!
Jerry
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Jerry, I got the quills in the mail. I appreciate them and the instruction pages you sent. Now, I guess I have to start messing with the quills. I have some scraps of brain tanned to practice with. Can you suggest a place to get the thread and needles or they just any sewing thread and needles?
You asked for broadheads. Any particular style? I have Zwicky grizzleys, Grizzleys and Wensel Woodsman(3 blade) and some trade points.
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What do you do with the quill tips when you cut them off. Is there a safe way to discard them?
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Probably wrap them in a paper towel and stick them into a freezer bag and into the trash, or just bury them in the garden, maybe with the flintknapping chips. I think some trade points would work, I need to learn to wrap them on to a shaft. I am partial to Zwickey's, though! My first set of arrows had Zwicky broadheads, they are hiding somewhere in my plunder >:D!
Hawkdancer
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Jerry, I'll send you a couple of each to pay with. :OK
Thanks again.
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Thanks!! I have been brainstorming my cresting pattern and personal markings for arrows. Also have to figure out how to set up and use my chronograph.
Jerry
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What do you do with the quill tips when you cut them off
they could be used as fertiliser if you have time enough to let them break apart
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I have critters getting into my compost pile and don't want the quill tips getting into them.
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Here are my first two attempts at quillwork. I think I have the technique but not quite got it down pat yet. As you can see I need lots more practice.
(https://i.imgur.com/Hvlc3lz.jpg)
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it looks very promising. keep practicing but they alredy looks good
Have you tried dyeing the quills?
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I haven't tried dying yet but plan to soon. That will add more interest to my test runs.
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Looking good for starters! Rit dye works well.
Hawkdancer
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Thanks Jerry. I'll get some Rit when I go to town...and mail your broadheads. ;D