Help snakeskin

[imaluma]

blech. So I hneed to mount stinky snakeskin to mat and shadowbox. It is rolled up (I tried to flatten, but it wants to hold it's rolled up shape). I don't think attach ez would hold it snug enough, and I don't think I could make them discreet enough on this anyway. I really want to just glue the darn thing but that freaks me aout a bit. What would be best to sew it with? Or any other ideas?

 

[Ylva]

I'm sure it's not the right answer; but I would glue it (after consulting with customer).
Is this the real skin, or shed skin?

If it is almost leather like, you might be able to sew it.

 

[Jim Miller]

Stinky? If this snake skin was not properly treated by a taxidermist, it could literally rot in the frame. Be sure to confirm the skin's condition with a taxidermist or leather conservator before you frame it, if in doubt.

Needle marks or other punctures would show, so using nylon tags or sewing it down might not be a good idea. Also, the snake skin can become more brittle over time, so attachment in small holes might tear out eventually.

I would tend to mount it using plenty of formed acrylic mounts, hook-shaped to hold the skin down by its edges. The acrylic mounts would have a larger profile than formed rod mounts made of brass or steel, and so would provide gentler support for the skin.

No adhesive in direct contact.

 

[imaluma]

it is an actual skin, and is quite leathery and pliable. Our customer did tell us that a taxidermist cleaned it so it should be good. Maybe I better call her and get that clarified. But a skin is a skin, right? I wouldn't think that properly tanned leather would turn brittle if it was in a frame. Shouldn't this hold up the same?

 

[j Paul]

Depending on the overall design, perhaps you could place some soft fabric loops across it here and there (think belt loops) Then to disquise the loops, you could place some "Fall colored silk leaves" over the loops and scatter a few here and there along with twigs to represent the ground litter.

 

[Det400]

You may try an contact the taxidermist and ask what you can and can't do to the skin. I worked with a guy that did this type of work on the side and I remember seeing a snake skin mounted on a board or a log of some kind, and I thought he had it taned like you do a hide, but don't quote me it's been years.

Al

 

[Rick Granick]

I framed one just like that recently. It had been rolled up for about 20 years, but was still pretty pliable, although a bit flaky.

I gently weighted it in place with small weights and stitched it in place with plenty of stitches (to spread out the force) using cotton thread. It worked out nicely, and the customer was thrilled.

I did tell him to expect a certain amount of flaking within the display, as it's the nature of the "beast".
Rick

 

[Luddite]

The Taxidermist "cleaned it" It isn`t tanned then, ewww.....What about a snake shaped piece of matboard or FC then wrap the skin aound that, laced gently on the back?.It should keep if not exposed to moisture which will cause decomp. ..L