Ideas: Stuffed animals from bear rug? Who does it?

[MOTH228]

I have heard of making pillows from your pets, but anyone know where I can get stuffed animals made from an old bear rug. The claws are falling off and it cannot be fixed for a client. I am giving her this option.  I don't believe I can get paw parts and sew them together.  It was hanging over a fire place for 15-22 years. Dry rot too severe. this may not even work.

Thanks
Frank
MemoriesoftheHunt@msn.com

[Mary Krueger (rugmaking)]

If it is dry rotted then I would say no, it cannot be made into a stuffed animal. A dry rotted skin will perforate on the sewing line (not hold a stitch). I have made teddy bears from old mink coats but the skin was a soft and supple garment tan.

You may consider making pillows. You would need to vulcanize the leather on the pre-cut pillow pieces. They would need to be hand sewn as the vulcanizing compound would pull a machine out of timing. I would recommend a leather back. You would need to be specific with the client, that the pillows were suitable for "decoration only".

Kind regards,
Mary