Scrimshaw is the art of engraving or carving images into whale bone or ivory harkening back to 18th century whalers. Luckily today we can use similar techniques to ornament ordinary plastic drawer pulls, knobs, and even switchplates. An awl or needle is used to scratch the image into the plastic surface, a Sharpie marker covers the surface and penetrates the scratch marks, and the excess ink is removed with rubbing alcohol. Look for nautical imagery such as period text for monograms, illustrations of ropework or sea creatures, or a compass rose. For more authentic hardware, experiment with knobs made from the eco-friendly ivory substitute the tagua nut. -Natalie
