What to do with a snake skin?

[JS Sanders]

Finally my advanced degree in herpetology becomes useful.

Snakeskins are the easiest of all to tan, and vipers are the easiest of them.

Soak the skin in fresh water overnite to remove the salt. Spread it out and allow it to dry, until the fleshy side remains slightly moist.

Rub with glycerin bought at a pharmacy and let it soak in a few hours.

Wipe off any excess glycerin with a cloth.

Almost done.... gently pull the snakeskin in every direction, but do in small increments. Pull enough to make the fleshy side turn white - this is easy to observe. Lotsa scales will come off, but won't change anything.

Keep it up 'til the entire skin is done and let it rest overnight. Later you may see a few place that need an additional pulling. Then put it to good use.

Slainte,
steve