The other evening I attempted to make a few wooden whisks based on Thompson's translation of the De Clarea manuscript fragment. I used apple branches cut that day for my flexible wood, and their was three that bent without breaking. I did tie the bent end down while the wood dried. After letting them sit for a few days, I untied the wood and two of the whisks look to be useable, while the third splintered a bit around the curve. I might be able to trim it up some.
 |
| One bent wooden whisk |
 |
| Copy of the drawing from De Clarea (about middle right side of the paper) |
|
|
I've also picked up a sea sponge and working on getting a scrap piece of wool cloth. Once I get the cloth, I'm planning on making glair using the various tools and compare the results myself. The Author of De Clarea says glair made using the whisk is the best while the pressed (wool cloth or sponge) is brittle and not good. Should make for an interesting afternoon or evening.
