What can I do with porcupine quills?
Uses of Porcupine Quillwork Quills were folded, twisted, wrapped, plaited and sewn using a wide range of techniques to decorate articles of clothing, bags, knife sheaths, baskets, wooden handles and pipe stems. This quillwork has been and continues to be used to decorate the basketry of various Native American tribes.
How do you clean porcupine quills?
To clean the plucked quills, remove any fur or detritus, and then soak the quills in hot soapy water, rinse, and repeat until the quills are a nice bright white color. This should remove the oils from the quill, and make dying them much easier.
Is a porcupine quill hollow?
The quills vary in length with the longest ones on the back and the shortest ones on the face. Because they are hollow, quills actually help porcupines float, making them unex- pectedly good swimmers. Typically, porcupines are docile animals, but when they feel threatened they will raise their quills in self-defense.
What do Native Americans use porcupine quills for?
Before European traders introduced glass beads, indigenous communities across North America used brightly colored porcupine quills for decorating surfaces of clothing and utilitarian objects.
How do you prepare porcupine quills for beading?
The first step is always to clean the quills by simmering them in hot water and then wiping them clean. Match them up in size and colors for your project, and cut off the sharp tips on both ends. Until they are cut, handle the quills with care. They are sharp!
How do you know what size lampshade to buy?
The shade should be twice as wide as the lamp base, and one third of the total height of the lamp. So for a 6-inch lamp base, the shade should be at least 12 inches wide. And if the total height of the lamp (including the bulb and harp) is 24 inches, the shade should be 8 inches tall.
How do you strengthen porcupine quills?
A touch of glue on the knots will harden them. The quills may not be hollow. You might need to use a jewelry pliers to carefully push the needle and pull the thread through the core of the quill.
Should porcupines be out during the day?
Habits. Porcupines are nocturnal, which means they are active during the night and sleep during the day. During the night, they forage for food. New World porcupines spend their time in the trees, while Old World porcupines stay on the ground.
Can porcupines roll into a ball?
When threatened, the porcupine will roll into a ball and fluff up its quills. There is a common misconception that porcupines can eject quills when threatened. Although they do not have this ability, the animal can dislodge and scatter loose quills simply by shaking its body.