Projects for Backskins with hair on

[2wfstlhunting]

I am looking for some advise and ideas.  I have about 4 pieces of hair on backskins from nyala, eland,gemsbok,and kudu.  I need to finally do something with these things or just get rid of them.  I plan to get a pillow or 2 made, will have at least one quiver made, but am interested in what else I might do.  I have seen a beautiful set of chairs that had the backs upholstered with animal skins but probably don't have enough for that.  There is probably enough for a bag or 2, but I am wondering whether doing that with skins that have hair on them is just an invitation to a mess, with the hair wearing off, getting dirty quickly, or shedding on your clothes.

Any pictures, web sites, ideas, experiences, or comments appreciated.

Steve

[Hot Hap]

ttt

[stabow]

You can always tie some flies.....stabow

[Ray_G]

Steve,

I have no photos, but some people I used to know who went to Africa every year had some table covers and small throw rugs made from excess hides.  The table covers were round, made from pie shape wedges.  They looked good under lamps on end tables or you could shape them different for a coffee table.  They would also look cool on a side table with an antler and other stuff on display.

[2wfstlhunting]

Ray
Thanks for the ideas.  Those are new ones for me.

Steve

[bushytail]

Moccasins might be a good idea.Finger tabs,armguard,arrow rest material,bow quiver hood cover,possibles bag.

[Looper]

How big are the pieces? You might be able to incorporate some of into a really cool back quiver.  Post some pics for us and it might give us some inspiration.

[2wfstlhunting]

They are big enough for a quiver, and I DO intend to make at least one into a quiver.  The problem with pieces of a skin is that the pattern may be best off center, and the mane, which of course IS on center, may not be the look that you want.  Might mean piecing it together or cutting out the middle and losing the edges.  Either way, a quiver is a definate.  I use a glove, and an arm guard would be nice but it wouldn't take too long before there was a bare stripe down the middle where the hair was zipped off.  A possibles bag was,in fact,the other thing that I was seriously thinking about. However I don't know whether a skin with the hair on will get dirty too fast, or ends up with the hair just breaking off and being a mess.  

Does anyone know a leathercrafter who makes nice bags?

Steve