rattle snake skin...partially done?

[CarrerasCat]

Several years ago, a frriend of mine showed me how to skin a rattle snake for the first time. After skinning, we mounted the skin on a board and applied generous amounts of salt. Unfortunatly, my good friend passed away since, and I'm not sure what the next step is. The color is still beautiful and the skin is quite stiff. What is the next step to make the skin subltle...I'm afraid to do anything with it as is, in fear that it may crack or tear. Thanks for any help...