I'm in the process of tanning several rabbit pelts for the first time. Hopefully, they will turn out okay! If not, well, I'll try again! Do any of you have any ideas about what to do with, or make from these pelts? I'm open to any ideas. Thanks!

-- Cheryl in KS (cherylmccoy@rocketmail.com), January 25, 2002

Answers

Well, I guess a lot depends on how "prime" the pelts are. Fryer pelts are seldom used for much else other than trims and novelties, while garments are made from prime adult pelts. There is, however, a fryer prime that may be used, but not as good as the adult pelts. Watch the underside of the pelt for any dark spots... means it's not "prime."

I used to make nice mittens from tanned pelts, but I had a large family, too.

-- Pat Lamar (fuzyfarm@3-cities.com), January 26, 2002.

I like to use the pelts to sit things on .I use them like little place matts.I have a office i display arrowheads i find on them.Was buying them for 3 bucks at a local flemarket but the guy hasnt been thwere in a year .I wonder if there is a place i could find some cheap pelts .Rod

-- Rod Surber (rjaysrabbitry@aol.com), January 28, 2002.

Rod... Tandy Leather Company carries the imported pelts... usually priced around $3.00 each. Also check with your craft warehouses... can often pick them up for as low as $2.50 each. If, however, you require large quantities, contact ME, as I have contacts for tanned rabbit pelts for as low as $0.85 each (in large quantities, only).

-- Pat Lamar (fuzyfarm@3-cities.com), January 28, 2002.

I have used rabbit pelts to make "stuffed rabbits" for my son who has loved them since he was a baby and adopted my rabbit ear muffs-which would also be another good use for them too. Just remember that sewing with rabbit pelt is time consuming because of slipage of material-so you need to sew slowly and patiently.

-- Jennifer (dandj1@salmoninternet.com), April 03, 2002.

Do you people have no morals? Talking about how "prime" a chunk of skin is....isn't that just a little bit sick to use an animals SKIN as mats? What makes you think that humans are so supreme to use another living creatures skin as decoration, to use as a hobby, or to even take from that being? Too bad theres not a market for ignorant human skin, then you'd know how these innocent creatures feel that are exploited by people like you.

-- Nicky (neighie10@yahoo.com), June 13, 2002.

Just wondering what kind of leather the skins woukd make?

-- Ozark Hal (butch13280@aol.com), October 10, 2002.