Imitation turtle/dyed horn sclaes

[karlej]

I've been on the look out for something to imitate turtle or dyed horn scales. These 2 are the closest I've come. The Manattan Sheffield is a polyester called Tortuga East and I think it's the closest I've come. The Geneva is done in Tortuga West and is a close second but is more yellow and the spots are darker. Both are sold in sheets by Masecraft. The polyester is like working with acrylic but maybe not quite as soft. The frustrating thing I found with the polyester is the occasional pin hole that would show up during the final polishing. I threw one set of scales out in disgust. I did find that a little epoxy mixed with some colored pigment would hide the flaws.
I struggle taking pictures in the evening. I'll try some in the morning and see if they are any better. Anyway I thought I'd share with anyone looking to try and replace those bug eaten dyed horn scales the Sheffield makers were so fond of.
If any have found other alternatives short of dyeing your own horn I'd love hear and see.