Jerry Lyman
Buckhorn Crafts
Unique functional items from naturally
dropped elk, deer, and caribou antlers, including cribbage boards &
jewelry.
Contact Information:
Jerry Lyman
27733 Hansville Road NE
Kingston, WA 98346
360-297-7575
Email:
mitzer@centurytel.net
Artist Statement:
Jerry Lyman, the creator of Buckhorn
Crafts came to the area in 1964 with his wife Karen. In the early
1970's, Jerry began experimenting with antler art by making a
cribbage board for his father, after seeing an unusual cribbage
board on display in Canada.
Each spring, antlers are shed from deer, elk, moose and caribou.
This painless process enables the animals to grow larger, more
majestic antlers. Having always enjoyed the out-of-doors, Jerry
willingly scours the mountains to collect fallen antlers for his
unusual creations. Since his retirement, he spends even more time
collecting the antlers.
Jerry cuts, carves, drills and polishes the antler into many
creative items, including one-of-a-kind cribbage boards, jewelry and
buttons. The newest items added are fireplace and grilling tools.
Many of Jerry's creations are enhanced by pen and ink sketches done
by Karen.
Mother Natures Art
Mother Nature determines the beauty of these pieces of antler art.
Several factors affect the color and texture of antlers.
The first factor is the food and minerals available to the animals
during the six-month growth period. Good conditions result in larger
and more solid antlers.
The second factor depends on where the antlers were shed, and how
long they have been on the ground. In wet areas moss and algae
growing on them penetrate the antler providing the green and pink
colors that are sometimes found. In dry areas the color is bleached
from the antlers, weather checks appear and some take on the color
of the soil.
The third factor is if the animal sheds the antlers near a
squirrel's home, the critters will take advantage of the calcium and
leave chew marks. All of these factors contribute to the beautiful
colors and textures seen in the hand-crafted product.
By filing, sanding and polishing these pieces of antler, the beauty
provided by Mother Nature is richly enhanced. |
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