[Semiomniscient]

My father and I are looking to reviving my grandfather's old habit of making full-mask and fur sporrans. So I just thought I'd look online to see what was being sold on the market right now. Something I've noticed is that most (I would venture to say 85%) of the websites I visited selling full-mask sporrans ALL have the SAME pictures for the sporrans they offer. And they are ALL with the beady glass eyes that, to me, are awfully creepy. Are all these advertisement photos from the same supplier? Or are these Internet companies simply using photos that they've no right to use?

I've seen similar things with other accessories and models of Highland attire... but it's easier to remember the faces of the full mask sporrans.

I might mention that those full-mask sporrans I'd seen that were original works and photographs were those full-masks that were overly taxidermied and although, well-done, would definitely not be my choice to wear.

I'm interested to hear your comments and whether you might have information on the photos used by shops and suppliers.

[Santa Kona]

Don't know about the photographs but if you are looking to make one youself...Look on Ebay just for skins.

[Tobus]

I'd be interested in seeing your work if you've already made some of these sporrans you intend to sell.

I have a fox hide (with the head and the creepy glass eyes you dislike) that I intend to make into two sporrans. One a full-mask sporran and the other a plain fur sporran with cantle.

Would you be interested in making them if I supply the hide? I had intended to do them myself but (1) I've never made these types of sporrans before and (2) if I'm honest, I have way too many projects on my plate already.

[Semiomniscient]

Originally Posted by Santa Kona

Don't know about the photographs but if you are looking to make one youself...Look on Ebay just for skins.

We're looking at fur suppliers right now, but I'll check out ebay. I think we'd want a consistent supply though.

[ForresterModern]

There are really only two major manufacturers of full mask sporrans, other than the individual artisan like our own Turpin. L&M and Craigie both make various animal full and partial mask sporrans in fairly accurate detail, but in many people's minds a bit too realistic, often giving the effect of a wild animal attacking out of one's kilt apron. To each his own, but I personally like the partial mask, without the open jaws snarling, but will the full head relatively realistic but slightly flattened so as not to protrude too much from one's pelvic area. It just simply garner's too much attention to that part of one's anatomy and away form the kilt and remainder of one's outfit.

My full mask white fox is shown in post 16 of this other currently active sporran thread:

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...992/index.html

[Semiomniscient]

Originally Posted by Tobus

I'd be interested in seeing your work if you've already made some of these sporrans you intend to sell.

I have a fox hide (with the head and the creepy glass eyes you dislike) that I intend to make into two sporrans. One a full-mask sporran and the other a plain fur sporran with cantle.

Would you be interested in making them if I supply the hide? I had intended to do them myself but (1) I've never made these types of sporrans before and (2) if I'm honest, I have way too many projects on my plate already.

It was my grandfather that had the experience in making them. My grandmother was an integral part of that on-going project and she'll give us advice. But my grandfather is no longer with us, but may have left us patterns and some left over supplies.

So right now, I can't agree to make anybody anything. We intend to sell some and give some as gifts (as well as make some for ourselves) but we'll need some practice first.

[MacLowlife]

Semi-O, The first thing I figured out when I began pondering this is what Tobus seems to have hit on- there is a disproportionate fur to mask ratio in the average pelt. That is, you could make three or four mask sporrans if you could only find that three or four headed fox. If you will poke around on eBay, you will find fox and bobcat masks offered separately and relatively cheaply. It might be worth looking at some of them, though I have already figured out that not every mask makes a decent sporran. And this might be verging into DIY territory, but it seems to me the neatest trick is to display the animal's head over its back fur, which is done by cutting off the head and reattaching it backwards. This may not be the traditional method, but it seems to make good sense to me.

If you can produce a decent mask sporran and sell it for under $300, I expect you will need a large supply indeed.

[MacBean]

Originally Posted by MacLowlife

which is done by cutting off the head and reattaching it backwards.

Oh my!

[Chas]

Originally Posted by MacLowlife

And this might be verging into DIY territory, but it seems to me the neatest trick is to display the animal's head over its back fur, which is done by cutting off the head and reattaching it backwards. This may not be the traditional method, but it seems to make good sense to me.

It is my understanding that, that is the way it is done. The best markings are on the back - the belly fur is usually quite bland.

Regards

Chas

[bricekolob]

I just finished making my first full mask skunk sporran (I will post pictures later tonight). I also researched on the internet. Most of the pictures you see on all the Celtic wear websites is from L&M. If you go to L&M's website, you will see the pictures there.