Road kill makes me twitch....

True to my word the documentation on the preservation of bones has been underway (& still is) for quite some time. My parents now think I am very strange, road kill makes me twitch and my boyfriends mother has a significant effect on how violent my writing becomes. I didnt want to include any pictures in todays post as I think maybe it could be one step too far, meaning I can still smell the bones when I look at an image and I feel a bit queasy. Thankfully I havnt poisoned any of the neigbours cats and remembered that the felines like to steal manky old pieces of bone to gnaw on so ive made a contraption from mesh so that the air can get to them but the moggies cant!
Now for the experimental bit.
So far i have set up three experiments on bone preservation, including the preservation on bone cartilage (keeping it attatched and flexible) and keeping the spine in tact. So without further a do (and unfortunately a dont) here it is.
Some of my newest models require some special preperation to ensure their bones stay intact.
The first issue is cleaning them. Once most of the flesh has been removed they must be boiled again in water & vinegar (or lemon juice for a sensitive nose) both of which are superb natural cleaners. They also seep into the bone and naturally harden the first top layer. Once they have been boiled for around two hours they can be removed from this smelly concoction, it is unfortunate to say that the liquid will be full of bone marrow jelly, Highly nutritious and good in soups but difficult to clean from the pan, so scrubbers at the ready!
The bones themselves must be placed into a container so they dont break and covered with bleach, prefferably oudourless because of the pungent smell it produces but generally any will do. For a few hours they can be left, then taken out and dried in open air.
Once brilliant white they are sufficiently dry, if using a spine the nerves should hold the columns together. This technique has been tested through many experiments, a lot of air freshner and with reference to the good ol' humble game of conkers.
Preserving Cartilage
As cartilage is often dissolved when bones are boiled, boiling is not an option. Instead they must be cleaned with cotton buds & bleach. Alternatively they can be dried out in a range of ways depending on how quickly you need them. Placing in a very hot oven for a few hours often does the trick, once removed (very carefully) the cartilage can be painted with clear nail varnish to seal in the soft bone.
If you want to take the risk of not drying the bones and just want to "seal out the smell" use some modelling glue to hold it in place and once dry cover with clear nail varnish (boots are sick of seeing me). Smooth if its for the outside but if clay is to be moulded to it, ensure the surface is slightly lumpy as clay wont stick to a flat smooth surface and tends to slide.

If you arn't traumatised enough by now i will upload some photographs in due course once my stomach has settled down.
Note: were driving home from mum and dads this afternoon over holme moss, ive got my clippers......