How to repair small holes on Coues ears? Art of Taxidermy. Deer Taxidermy.

[@faegrace7313]

Hi there! I have kind of an unrelated question, but was wondering how you store your projects when you are not working on them once they've been skinned and tanned. Do you need to stick them in the fridge so they don't dry out or does the tanning process prevent that? I will be starting a squirrel soon, but am not sure how to store it between working sessions. I will be following the instructions for the Ellezy Squirrel Kit, which I believe only uses Borax to preserve the hide. Thanks for any help!

[@ArtofTaxidermy]

Hi Fae... its ok,, you can take breaks.. When Im working on a project, If I have to leave for 10 min, I just bag the work, if I leave for a few hours, I bag and fridge.. if I have to leave for a day or two I bag and freeze.. then I fridge it to thaw. but again it depends what it is... If Im working on a large project that I know will take 5-6 hours to sew... I wont start till I can ensure my day will go without interruption...for a squirrel, its not hard to bag and fridge.. however keep in mind if you just want to borax it, it will be ok, but I guess you are limiting your options.. squirrel skins are thin, sometimes if you handle them too much, your hands warmth can cause slippage if you really take your time on it... If I were you I would do everything and get everything lined up before the break,, and after the break you put it together and sew it all up, so you dont have to leave in the middle of sewing.. once done sewing, you can bag and fridge for a couple of hours,, or freeze for next day.. but I wouldnt recommend leaving a mounted skin in the freezer for too long.. it would dehydrate.

[@faegrace7313]

@@ArtofTaxidermy Thank you! That is good to know, especially about the slippage. I will keep that in mind while working. I just want to really be able to take my time with it since it's all very new.

[@ArtofTaxidermy]

@@faegrace7313 you will be fine...give it a go.

[@petegonzalez9854]

Question? How long do you leave it stretching?

[@ArtofTaxidermy]

About 5-6 minutes.