Ed said:

Does any one have another idea for a piece of faux-ivory 1” X 6” X 3/8”

END SNIP

Ed, still catching up from earlier in the year.  As to ivory etc., how about the
portion of a pair of antlers where it comes out of the head?  It is white, very
dense, very carvable, and one could get about the right sized piece if one
looked around.  I may have one the right size, but even if I don't, I'd be glad
to send you a chunk as a sample.  As it happens, I bought an industrial trash
can full of deer and elk antlers for about $50 at a garage sale about 5 years
ago and am using them to make sconces and a chandelier for the new quarters I am
finishing slowly at my north woods property (or so  runs the plan).
Alternatively, a length of antler could be shaped.  It really is a lot like
ivory.

If you'd like to try a chunk, send your postal address privately ad I'll get
some off to you.

Cheers!

J