When we say “natural materials,” the mind leaps immediately to wood, stone, leather, natural fibers. But there are lots of interesting and more “exotic” materials from the natural world that we don’t tend to think of, right away, and digging these up and showing them off is one of the things I’m most looking forward to in this month’s theme. To kick things off, here’s a sampler of some of my personal favorite unusual natural materials from our archives, arranged in highly unscientific how-much-does-Sean-like-it order. There’s cool stuff here made from antler, acorns, fish scales, insect parts—even shark’s teeth! Enjoy!

#10

How-To: Mount a Knife Blade in an Antler Without Glue

#9

Make a Survival Hand Vise

#8

Plastic From Fish Scales

#7

How-To: Classic Leather Water Bottle

#6

How-To: Scrimshaw

#5

Brilliant Red Dye Made From Insects

#4

Beetle Shell Ceiling

#3

Bamboo Bike Studio Expanding

#2

How-To: Make Traditional Hawaiian Shark-Tooth Weapons

#1

Jonathan Wolfe’s Puzzle Acorns