Bone Beads
How to soften animal bones for art project.?
I am wanting to bend some small animal bones I bought at an antique store to create some small bead type items. Does anyone know how I could soften the bones so they are pliable? I have heard that vinegar will do it but I have also heard that vinegar will dissolve the bone so I'm confused with how to do this.
Thanks!
The first answer is good, but I will add that both of the things you say are true - bone will dissolve in mild acids, which is what vinegar is (acetic acid), but soften the bone is the process of breaking down the hard parts of it so the softer parts will flex but still hold shape. You just have to take it out to check it along the way. However, just outside my knowledge is a question: Does making them flexible require relatively fresh bones so there is cartilage like material left in them and with antique bones will the only thin left be stuff that dissolves. You may have to test on one of the less useful small old bones to see.