I'd like to make a sporran

[ccga3359]

could anybody point me to a place where I could possibly purchase a skunk pelt of good quality but which I, being a Poor, Starving Liberal Arts Student, could afford without fasting for a week? Naturally, any helpful pointers with regards to construction of the sporran would be greatly appreciated.

Have you tried looking on the side of the road? Aside from that ebay. for about $15 plus shipping.

[way2fractious]

Panache brings up a point that is not mentioned much - full mask sporrans are often larger than the regular sized leather/fur sporrans. Merely gluing the pelt on a smaller sporran would produce practical and aesthetic problems. The heads and pelts of good sized skunks, badgers, foxes, etc., need a larger "canvas" on which to work their artistry.





It is not terribly difficult to construct the larger sporran body and stitch the pelt on, and stitch the head onto the sporran flap. No other adornments - cantles, tassles - are needed except a couple glass eyes or small hematite beads (since skunks eyes are black.)

[Coemgen]

Danke, everybody!

I had not particularly considered that a mask sporran would be larger than a typically sized one; I need, then, to get some leather. If I recall what I have read, rather stiff leather for the back and front, with rather supple leather for the sides?

[ccga3359]

If I may Turpin's Thorfinn sporrans are quite reasonably priced. perhaps he could supply you with materials if not the sporran it'sself.

[McFarkus]

If I may Turpin's Thorfinn sporrans are quite reasonably priced. perhaps he could supply you with materials if not the sporran it'sself.

He's on this forum as Turpin. You could send him a PM.

[ChromeScholar]

Kevin,

I applaud you for your desire to build a full mask sporran. A most ambitious project. You mention that you wish to take a a pelt and glue it it a simple leather sporran you already have.

From what I have seen, structurally, full mask sporrans have a different shape from the standard three tassle type sporrans. Gluing a pelt to one is going to be a bit off looking at best.

If I may offer an alternative.

At most large craft stores one can purchase a rabbit pelt for well under $10.

I imagine that you could easily find a relatively large celtic button for under $4
(Either at the craft store or your local sewing supply / fabric store).

Now instead of trying to make a full mask sporran I suggest you make a semi-dress sporran.

Carefully remove the tassles.

Cut out the pelt to the shape of the front of the leather sporran with cutouts for the snap and the tassle holes.

Glue the pelt to to the front of the sporran.

Re-attach the tassles.

File, saw, or clip off the button back of your celtic button.

Glue it on to cover the front snap of the leather flap.

voila'

A leather and fur semi dress sporran

This will give you a chance to play with fur and leather and figure out what you are comfortable with, without breaking the bank, and with a good chance of a nice end product.

Just my two cents

Cheers

You know, I've been trying to figure out where to come up with a dress sporran before November. This might just be a viable alternative to laying out a bunch of money I don't have.

[Alan H]

Kevin,

I applaud you for your desire to build a full mask sporran. A most ambitious project. You mention that you wish to take a a pelt and glue it it a simple leather sporran you already have.

From what I have seen, structurally, full mask sporrans have a different shape from the standard three tassle type sporrans. Gluing a pelt to one is going to be a bit off looking at best.

If I may offer an alternative.

At most large craft stores one can purchase a rabbit pelt for well under $10.

I imagine that you could easily find a relatively large celtic button for under $4
(Either at the craft store or your local sewing supply / fabric store).

Now instead of trying to make a full mask sporran I suggest you make a semi-dress sporran.

Carefully remove the tassles.

Cut out the pelt to the shape of the front of the leather sporran with cutouts for the snap and the tassle holes.

Glue the pelt to to the front of the sporran.

Re-attach the tassles.

File, saw, or clip off the button back of your celtic button.

Glue it on to cover the front snap of the leather flap.

voila'

A leather and fur semi dress sporran

This will give you a chance to play with fur and leather and figure out what you are comfortable with, without breaking the bank, and with a good chance of a nice end product.

Just my two cents

Cheers

Jamie

I'd just like to say that I second Jamie's suggestions... Tandy leather sells rabbit skins at moderate prices, and they're on-line.

[canawler]

If you have a Gander Mountain store (outdoor supplies, hunting, fishing, etc.) nearby, check them out. My local store carries all kinds of full face pelts and most are only in the $20 - $30 range.