Artificial Mask Sporrans

**imbrius** · 4th March 19, 12:09 PM

I love the look of full mask sporrans but I don't like the idea of killing a fuzzy critter to put its head on a bag. I'm not a vegan or even vegetarian but I'm also not a huge fan of real fur stuff, either. I do have/wear leather, as that tends to be a byproduct of the meat industry in the U.S. (I have a funny story from when I worked in a slaughterhouse and noticed the hides being loaded into bins and thought to myself "Oh! Those cows are already empty!").

At any rate, I know there are artists who can make things like this and I was thinking that it might be possible to use the same techniques to create a mask sporran from artificial fur and craft components. If done with skill, I think it could look grand.

That said, making a GOOD mask sporran is relatively difficult even when working with traditional materials, so would introducing non-animal inputs increase the likelihood of ending up with something ugly?

**ShaunMaxwell** · 4th March 19, 12:29 PM

Originally Posted by imbrius

That said, making a GOOD mask sporran is relatively difficult even when working with traditional materials, so would introducing non-animal inputs increase the likelihood of ending up with something ugly?

I'm a fan of mask sporrans and have a couple. That said, I'm afraid that in all likelihood, you'd end up with something ugly or silly. If it turns out looking realistic, the PETA types will likely be upset at the sight of it, and if not, it's likely to look either cartoonish or ghastly.

I suspect you'd be better off saving the money for a sporran of some type that you'd get some wear from.

I'll be curious to see how this turns out, if you pursue it.

Cheers,

SM

**Singlemalt** · 4th March 19, 12:43 PM

You would not have to kill a raccoon to get a mask. I. am sure there are there thousands of them killed on the road in Wisconsin every year. I have no idea how these full mask sporrans are made but I suspect getting the coon is the easiest part.

**ShaunMaxwell** · 4th March 19, 12:57 PM

You might check out https://www.katemacphersonsporrans.co.uk/

She often uses roadkill, etc., to make her sporrans, which are very nice.

She says:

"All the skins used for making my sporrans are ethically sourced, and are either left over from the game and farming industries, road kill, have died a natural death or are reused materials from old stoles and bags."

SM

**Highland Logan** · 4th March 19, 01:12 PM

Originally Posted by ShaunMaxwell

I'm a fan of mask sporrans and have a couple. That said, I'm afraid that in all likelihood, you'd end up with something ugly or silly. If it turns out looking realistic, the PETA types will likely be upset at the sight of it, and if not, it's likely to look either cartoonish or ghastly.

I suspect you'd be better off saving the money for a sporran of some type that you'd get some wear from.

I'll be curious to see how this turns out, if you pursue it.

Cheers,

SM

Seconded. Take a look at Kate MacPherson sporrans. She does traditional European badger full masks. All are killed non-hunting, ie., road kill, etc.

I have 2 full-mask sporrans; L&M Highland Outfitters, North American badger and musquash (muskrat). They are a product of the fur trade, which I have no issue supporting. Regardless to what many environmentalists will admit to, the fur trade is very important, as many of the animals hunted, would throw the balance of nature off, if population numbers were not controlled. So not guilt free for everyone, but fact and backed by much science, research and evidence.

The full-mask sporran can in theory take you from t-shirt to white tie. It is considered the most versatile sporran you can own. I don't believe a muppet on a chain will look good, but a poorly made full-mask can look just as bad.

Best of luck in your 'hunt'.

Frank