Preparing the Hide: From the Woods to the Workshop
Sourcing the Hide
The first step is, of course, acquiring a squirrel pelt. Where you obtain the hide depends on your context and local regulations. Hunting or trapping, if legal in your area and ethically practiced, can provide a direct source. Always respect wildlife and the laws that govern their harvest. Ensure you have the necessary permits and licenses. Alternatively, you might consider purchasing squirrel hides from a reputable fur supplier. This option offers a more accessible route, especially if you’re primarily interested in the crafting aspects.
Skinning the Squirrel
Proper skinning is essential for a good tanning result. A careless job can easily damage the hide, leading to holes or tears, making it difficult to work with. It’s important to work carefully and methodically.
- Carefully position the squirrel and begin by making a cut down the inside of each leg, from the foot to the belly.
- Then, make a cut along the belly, connecting the leg cuts.
- Gently peel the skin away from the carcass, using a sharp knife to separate the skin from the muscle and connecting tissue.
- Take your time, and be patient. A dull knife is a hindrance; a sharp knife will make the job much easier and safer.
- When you reach the tail, carefully cut around it, leaving the tail attached to the hide if desired.
- Continue peeling the skin over the body, separating it from the carcass with your knife, paying close attention to areas where the skin is tightly adhered.
- If the squirrel has been shot, watch out for damage from bullet holes or tears. You can sew any small holes with needle and thread.
Fleshing and Scraping the Hide
Once the skin is off the squirrel, you must remove any remaining bits of flesh, fat, and membrane. This process, known as fleshing, is vital to prevent decay and allow the tanning agents to penetrate the hide properly.
- The tools you’ll need here are a fleshing knife, a beam (a curved piece of wood or metal), and a sturdy work surface.
- Stretch the hide over the beam, fur side down.
- Using the fleshing knife, scrape away all traces of flesh and fat. Apply firm but controlled pressure, working in the direction of the hair.
- This can be a labor-intensive process, but the more thoroughly you flesh the hide, the better the final result.
- When the fleshing is complete, you can then scrape the hide to remove any remaining bits of membrane or tissue from the underside.
- Thorough scraping also helps thin the hide, making it more flexible after tanning.
The Crucial Step: Preserving the Hide
The Importance of Preservation
The most important aspect is preventing decay. Squirrel hides, like all organic materials, are susceptible to putrefaction, especially when exposed to heat and humidity. The process of *how to cure squirrel hide* is all about halting that process, and it involves more than one method.
Brain Tanning: A Timeless Method
Brain tanning is the oldest and most natural method of tanning. It relies on the fats and oils present in the animal’s brain to tan the hide. It is a labor-intensive process, but the results – soft, supple, and highly water-resistant leather – are well worth the effort.
- The core ingredient is, of course, the squirrel’s own brains. If the squirrel is large enough you can harvest its brain. Otherwise, deer, beef, or lamb brains can be used, and can often be purchased in many areas.
- Once you have the brains, you’ll start with soaking the hide. The hide needs to be completely rehydrated after being dried, and this process removes any remaining impurities. Soak the fleshed and scraped hide in clean, cool water for a few hours or overnight.
- Next, prepare the brain solution. Remove the brains from the skull. Soak and then work the brains, mashed and broken down with some water until it is a milky consistency.
- Now, apply the brain solution liberally to the hide, working it into the fibers thoroughly. Work the solution across the entire hide, both sides.
- After soaking, allow the hide to dry.
- As the hide dries, it will begin to stiffen. At this stage, it’s time to work the hide. This involves physically manipulating the hide to break down the fibers and soften it. You can use a variety of methods, such as pulling the hide over a rounded edge or stretching it by hand.
- A critical step in brain tanning is smoking the hide. Smoking imparts additional water resistance, suppleness, and an appealing aroma. Build a small smoky fire using damp wood, and suspend the hide over the smoke, turning it frequently, to avoid burning it. This can take hours, depending on the thickness of the hide and the desired level of smoking.
Commercial Tanning Solutions: A Modern Approach
This is another pathway to *how to cure squirrel hide*. These methods rely on readily available chemicals and are generally faster and more predictable than brain tanning. Common commercial methods include alum tanning and vegetable tanning.
- You will need alum, salt, and a suitable container for pickling and tanning. A non-reactive container like a plastic bucket is ideal.
- Pickling the hide is usually the first step. This involves soaking the hide in a solution of water, salt, and an acid like alum. The pickling process removes any remaining impurities and opens up the hide’s fibers to allow the tanning agents to penetrate.
- Rinsing the hide in water after pickling is critical before adding the tannin.
- Once the hide has been properly prepped, you can apply the tanning solution. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific chemicals you are using, as the concentration and duration of the tanning process will vary.
- After tanning, the hide needs to be neutralized and washed to remove any remaining chemicals.
- Finally, the hide needs to be oiled and worked.
Vegetable Tanning: Working With Nature
*How to cure squirrel hide* can also mean using the tanning power of nature by using bark. This method is traditional and is slower than the commercial option, but produces exceptionally strong and durable leather. Oak, hemlock, and mimosa bark are excellent choices.
- Harvest or purchase tree bark and boil to extract the tannin.
- Once the hide has been properly prepped, submerge it in the bark tanning solution. The longer the soaking time, the more thoroughly the hide will tan.
- The time it takes can vary depending on the strength of the solution and the thickness of the hide. Expect this process to take weeks or even months.
- Once the tanning is complete, the hide needs to be oiled and worked.
Finishing Touches: Bringing the Hide to Life
Softening the Hide
Softening is critical to turning a stiff, brittle hide into a supple, workable piece of leather. The process breaks down the fibers and imparts flexibility.
- The most common method is to work the hide, which involves pulling, stretching, and rubbing it vigorously.
- You can also use a softening tool, such as a wooden beam.
- Work the hide methodically, ensuring that all areas are softened evenly.
Oiling the Hide
Oiling is a vital process for adding suppleness and protecting the hide from drying out. Oiling also helps with water resistance.
- Neatsfoot oil, mink oil, or other natural oils are excellent choices.
- Apply the oil generously to both sides of the hide, working it in thoroughly.
- Allow the oil to penetrate the fibers completely.
Final Preparations: Assessing, Using, and Maintaining Your Work
Assessing the Tanned Hide
The final test of your work is the quality of the resulting leather.
- Run your hands across the hide and feel for suppleness. It should be soft and pliable, not stiff or brittle.
- Visually inspect the hide. The color should be even, and there should be no signs of damage or uneven tanning.
- A well-tanned hide will bend easily without cracking.
Potential Uses of the Tanned Squirrel Hide
Squirrel hide, when properly tanned, is a surprisingly versatile material.
- Craft projects are endless. Pouches, gloves, and smaller items are perfect for squirrel leather, since the hides are not particularly large.
- The hide can be used for decorative elements, creating one-of-a-kind items that reflect your skills and connection to nature.
Care, Cleaning and Long-term Storage
Your hard work will need care and attention in order to ensure that it will remain in good condition.
- Use a damp cloth to spot-clean any dirt or debris.
- Ensure that the hide is stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
- Periodic oiling will help maintain the leather’s suppleness and durability.
Conclusion
Learning *how to cure squirrel hide* is a rewarding journey that connects you with the skills of the past and the satisfaction of creating something beautiful and functional from natural resources. Experiment with the different tanning methods, refining your skills with each hide. The most important step is simply beginning. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – they are part of the learning process. Embrace the challenge, enjoy the process, and savor the satisfaction of transforming a humble squirrel hide into a cherished piece of craftsmanship.
Do you have any questions or experiences to share? Feel free to comment and tell us about your adventures!
