It was the cape that my buddy caped out and salted and then froze.. There was some slippage behind the ears, but that was pretty much the only spot.. I dont know whats gonna happen though.. Anyways. I had watched Three videos and let me tell you, Nothing compares to HAND ON practice. I split the lips the best i could, Not sure if i did it all the way or not. I got the ears turned, split one spot. Turned the nose, I think i did that ok.. But not sure. and the Eyes..I think i did those ok too.. No holes on them. There were a couple small holes on the lips, but I'll get better. I salted the hell out of it in hopes it will help.. Will salt again tomorrow night and then let it dry until I'm ready to rehydrate and tan.
Any suggestions on splitting lips and nose and eyes and turning the ears?
I think i'm gonna buy a pre tanned cape with all the eyes, lips, nose and ears and all split and turned so i know exactly what its supposed to look like..
Any suggs where to get a cape like that from?
Thanks
Brad
Measurements on this cape were 7 1/4 by 18 1/2.
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You need to tell your buddy not to salt the cape and then freeze it. Putting a salted skin in the freezer is a no no in my book. Salt will not freeze and 9 times out of 10 they will slip in one place or another. Tell him to keep it cool or just freeze it without the salt. Put out a post that you are looking for a tanned cape in the wanted side of the forum.
Your observation about "hands on" is right on the money and can't be replaced. It's like playing pinochle. Watching may help you understand it, but you'll never learn to play until the cards are in your hands.
I don't know if it's wise to rush into buying a tanned hide. Who's to say it's done right. You'll get the feel of what YOU want as you go. The standard you need is one where if, when you roll the hide between your thumb and forefinger, does it "roll" or "feel" thick? If either, then you need to flesh some more. You'll likely cut your fingers a few times before you get the feel of the scalpel and let the sense of touch be your eyes. This ain't rocket science. If WE can do it, YOU can do it. Good luck.