Black Wolf Taxidermy-Style Headdress WIP

I finally got a wolf for a customer sent to me all the way from Texas. It was a wet tanned wolf so I was worried that it wouldn’t fare too well in transit, but when it got here this morning, all was well: The hide wasn’t slipping, the leather had a LOT of stretch to it, and it was far more beautiful in person than in the photos the seller originally provided.

Though I didn’t plan to mount it yesterday, I did so anyhow. Something about it just seemed right - even pleasant. I think that maybe the smell of the hide (wet tanned pelts smell different than dry-tanned ones) reminded me of wilderness survival training, and the nostalgia was most enjoyable.

It was a VERY well-handled hide, so I didn’t need to do any prep work myself aside from a bit of fleshing near the snout, and thinning down the nose a bit. It’s been a long while since I’ve had a pelt that didn’t give me any trouble, and it felt like a breeze to work with.

Everything fell into place without a hitch, and this is quickly turning out to be on my favorite creations yet. I’ll photograph it tomorrow when the sun’s out!

If only every pelt that I worked with was this nice, my job would be a lot easier. Yet, turning damaged and forgotten skins into works of functional art is one of the most rewarding part of doing what I do, so I guess I don’t really mind in the long run.

NOTE: This wolf was legally killed in the State of Alaska, where populations are still strong and stable. If you don't like it, don't look.