I just won a 62" ruby red snakskin on ****. I thought it would look really good on my bow, then I thought if I ever wanted to hunt turkeys with it I shouldn't use red. Any thoughts? Also, I have never done this, but I really like the ones I see on here. I really wanted to go with real skin too.
I haven't found a way to dye the skins themselves but I have dyed the wood or sinew before I apply the skins. You can really make the skin colors pop out if you dye with light colors before applying them. Sounds like you have a problem if you are wanting to dye the actual skin though. Show some pics of the skin. I have a bunch of snake skins. Maybe I'll trade you for something more camo in appearance. CK
Was the skin dried or tanned...makes a difference as to how you go about working it...post some pics and ask questions before you proceed...chances are its been done/tried.
Here are some pics. of the skins
(http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e90/bigpawbengals/redsnakeskin2.jpg)
(http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e90/bigpawbengals/redsnakeskin1.jpg)
Here is the description....
Flawless real snakeskin. Paper thin for covering shoes, belts, books, crafts, or other leather. Not meant for garments unless it is backed. Not sure what kind of snake this is but it has a black scale pattern. I have other skins of this type that vary in the black scale pattern but all are same color red from same dye lot. Pattern varies only. This skin measures 62" x 5" Wide
(http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e90/bigpawbengals/240px-P-3C_Orion.jpg)
(http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e90/bigpawbengals/RNZAF_Orion.jpg)
Sorry, couldn't resist. This is what I work on.
Not sure if the skins are tanned or dried, it says that it is very thin. I was wanting a copperhead or diamondback ideally, but I can't find one, and I need a long one. Any thoughts?
ttt
the skin is now leather due to the tanning...most of us use air dried skins. I've tried to use glycerin tanned skins with some success, but never tried leather tanned skins...sorry.
Wheweeeee! Now that is one red skin! I don't think I have a bow that would accept that without a fight. :D As Bob said, it's leather now and I only use air dried skins. Good luck with the project. CK
You can dye snake skins. Jerry Brumm from Great Northern has dyed them before. He did the ones on a buddies Ghost with a diluted orange I think. It really brought out the pattern. He also did the ones on my Fireball with Red and they look cool. He uses the feather dye that they sell. If you give him a call I am sure he will tell you how he does it.
Jack
Whoa Nelly! P3s?
My friend used to be an ordie, worked on those rascals. Way cool!
Killdeer