I carved the bone pawprint almost all the way through, then drilled several "leak" holes where the silver could not only seep through and avoid some of the expansion/contraction problems but also hold the silver in place. The back is not pretty. The bone did crack after I had worn it for a couple years but the silver held it together and a bit of minor glueing has kept it in one piece so far.

I also used a low grade silver. Not pure by any means. Melted at a lower temperature and gives a textured pawpad appearance rather than a shiny one.

Wonderful work!

Thank you very much. My spirit was very much into this project. It was more than an art piece to me. I am glad to see that this comes out.

It really does show. I love the little details, like the way you attached the cording to the bone, and the raised silver pawpads are so well done. This is defintely a piece I'd love to see in person! :)

Oooh I want one! :D

Raccoon paws are rather delicate but I have some bone blanks here and an image of a copper coon paw on a tear shaped bone lozenge just appeared in my head. If you are serious, email me at uncleoakie[at]gmail.com and we can talk about the project.

I would love to buy one but I'm in England at the moment and without a credit card. :3

Very nicely done ^^ I even know who braided that for you :D

It was a rather talented artist who goes by the handle Silverfox1392. He might be interesting in knowing that I found out how to do the 7 and 8 strand leather braid he was looking at a few days ago.

I have the urge to touch it to feel the texture of that paw!

It looks beautifully done - even moreso because it's so simple. I love simple designs.