I grew up with a father who hunted and fished. He also became a taxidermist while I was young, and I grew up surrounded by dead animals. Then I married a hunter as well. While I cannot understand the appeal myself - the animals are so beautiful out in the wild - I have found that the skulls make a great foundation for some of my mosaic beading work.
Using an air pen, I am able to lay a fine line of glue, then place the beads, either strung in lines - always removing the strings - or individually. I can also use mixed glass seed beads in a scattered pattern in larger areas.
Semi-precious stones, ceramic and glass tile and leather scraps - occasionally, even a found treasure - finds its way onto my skulls.
Many of my skulls are faux, resin skulls. I prefer to use them because, unlike natural skulls, they are perfectly shaped and balanced. Real skulls have the added challenge of lacking uniformity. I am willing to commission beaded skulls.
