FAQs
Below are the most common beaded skull art FAQs we receive.
There are really no limits. Any type of wildlife from deer and antelope to bison, long horn steer and bear. Elk, coyote, game cats such as leopard and caracal are all doable. Even unusual species like alligator, baboon or even ostrich skulls make extremely interesting and beautiful beaded skull art center pieces. As long as they are taken or purchased legally, any wildlife skull can be commissioned as a beaded skull art piece.
I sell directly to my commission clients and customers. Therefore there are no gallery or other commissions added to my prices. Galleries can charge up to 50% commission which is added to the price you pay for your beaded skull art piece.
All skulls are carefully wrapped with tissue paper and thin protective foam to protect the beaded surface. Then the shipping company wraps the skull in and surrounds it in the shipping box with bubble wrap.
How your skull will be shipped depends on your State Fish and Wildlife laws as this artwork may fall under their “animal parts” category.
I do not ship my skulls outside of the Continental USA. Doing so would involve acquiring USFWS permits and going through a freight broker and customs.
However, I could ship to a taxidermists within the Continental US if you have one that would ship it for you.
Per a lengthy discussions with the Michigan DNR, whitetail doe skulls can not be bought or sold. Although no reason could be found for this, that is the law. That said, there are no laws prohibiting the owner of a whitetail doe skull from having me beading that skull for them on a commission basis.
Although I begin with a focal point I still envision the piece as a whole. However sometimes it is a challenge to carry through with that initial idea. It is not my design that is important but rather the inspiration of the individual skull. So there are times I must step back and allow the piece to evolve as it will, making adjustments that suit the skull.
I saw a beaded skull art piece at a Safari Club International (SCI) art gallery booth with my husband and son, Brian. I was entranced! Considering that I love being creative, Brian gave me the skulls of a whitetail deer and a bear he’d taken in order for me to “practice” beading them. I learned an incredible amount from working with those two skulls. I have been completely impassioned with this form of art ever since.
Have a question not answered in this beaded skull art FAQs?
If you have a question that has not been addressed here please feel free to submit it to me in the comments section below.
Untamed Elegance Gallery
In every piece Leesa strives to convey the honor and respect she has for these wondrous wild animals. In a way they live a “second life” displaying their beauty and untamed nature.
What type glue do you use to ensure those beads stay on the skull?
I use E-6000.
What kind of clay do you use to even out surface of skull, and how do you get the clay to not crack and fall off the head?
Great question. I use an air dry clay. I usually work small areas at a time, filling holes/rough areas and smoothing the clay onto the skull. Larger areas take longer as the clay needs time to dry. I’ve not had any problem with cracking. The clay drys hard and really becomes part of the skull. Once it is dry nothing can separate it from the skull. Thanks for commenting.
Beautiful work! I love it! What do you use as a sealant?
I normally use a clear gloss latex paint though it can depend on the type, color and shape of the beads being used.
Beautiful work of art. I would love to try this on some Longhorn skulls. How did you learn to do this? Have you done any classes online?
Thank you for the compliment. I love crafts of all kinds. Years ago I saw a beaded skull piece with our middle son. We both loved it! Believing in my creativity, he gave me a couple of his skulls to practice on. No, I have never done any online classes. Completely self taught. I did look up some things readily available on the internet as far as glue and beading techniques. But this is an art you find your own feel for. There are several skull beaders I admire. However I, like them have established my own techniques to this art. Best of luck in your beading ventures. Would love to see your first creative piece.