Snakeskin Help Needed

[budd4766]

I'm making a sporran for a friend of mine and he asked that I incorporate part of a copperhead skin that he had tanned himself. I have no idea how he tanned it, or what he used on it, but it's oily now....not to the touch, but it does leave residue wherever it's been sitting.

I've never worked with snakeskin before.

1. What do I need to do to the skin to prep it?

2. I'm thinking I need to back it with some veg tan to make it stiffer, should I stain the veg tan first (I'm thinking saddle tan color right now)?

3. Any other tips/tricks you care to pass along that might help?

I don't have a lot of skin to play with, it wasn't a large snake, so trial and error is out. And I'm certainly not going to go hunting for a new skin if you know what I mean!

Thanks for any advice!

[Luke Hatley]

Mix some glycrin & achol 50-50 wash the skin in that, lay it out flat to dry ,then glue veg tan leather to the skin. you'll be fine.....