Submitted by Garrett on 9/28/99. ( ) 164.165.234.2
Mr. Bellucci,
I found your process of filling squirrel toes very informative. I do have a few questions for you if you do not mind. First of all, are you leaving the meat and tissue in the toe? If so, what do you do to keep if from decaying, or is that why you use the polytranspar fin backing cream? I have never used this product so I do not know what it is capable of. If the cream does not have any preservative solutions, why couldn't other products be used or can they? My last question relates to the tanning process. Do you have a method of applying salt, pickle solutions or tanning products into the toes? I am researching the entire process before I begin. I really appreciate your suggestions and anyone else who would like to give their input. Thank you. Sorry no E-mail.
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This response submitted by John Bellucci on 9/30/99. ( ArtistExpr@aol.com ) 152.202.214.76
As far as preserving the toes on a squirrel mount is concerned, the answer to your first question is -- yes -- I do leave the tendon and the scant amount of muscle tissue on the toe bones.
The preservation comes during the salting/pickling/and tanning stages of the work. That is the way the toes get any preservation. My tanning choice is Lutan-F. As this is an "immersion tan", or "bath", the tanning agent can't help but get to the toes!
The fin backing cream has no preservative qualities at all. It is simply a wonderful product that I have been able to adapt to the needs of plumping up the toes of very small game, be they mammal or bird!
Also, you will find the feet and toes start out on the plump side due to their immersion in the various baths, so injecting them nice and full is a snap! Hope this sheds some more light on this subject. Thanks for your question.
Best to you ... John B.
This response submitted by Garrett on 9/30/99. ( ) 164.165.234.2
Thank you very much. I really appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions. This is a great forum. Keep up the great work.
Garrett
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