I'll probably have to give up on this idea

[Randy F]

Those look great!! Very cool idea. I have an idea with no clue if it will work or not so some experiments may be at hand. Some parts grow and live off of the proteins within that keep them healthy from the host...hair and nails come to mind on us...but antlers I have no clue. It could be due to the long term evaporation of proteins left within the antlers after they fell off. If that is the cause then you could try speeding up the process by dehydration till the colors have changed then burning designs after they’re done. Maybe try a low controlled temp for a few days and see if the dehydration causes the fading color change before you burn them? Kinda curious now I may try dehydrating a set too now

Thank you for the compliment and the thought put into your reply.
I hadn't really considered the dehydration process so much. Valid point. I had been picking the pieces by shape and size but I will include older pieces that are dryer as well and see if there is a difference. I'll let you know in a couple of years. LOL Unfortunately it takes that long to begin to notice.