DIY semi-mask sporran

[turpin]

I've been busy making this sporran out of a skunk pelt I bought recently. Here are some pics of some of the steps. I got so engrossed that I missed shooting the gusset-sewing process. I call it a semi-mask because it's not taxidemy quality and doesn't have eyes or a mouth, per se.

Here is the pelt. I sewed the eye and earholes shut. You need to soak the pelt and sew it wet to do this. I dried it with a hair dryer to fluff the fur.


Some of the pieces cut out


The pelt pieces glued to medium-stiff leather. I lined the inside with black felt and used a three-inch piece of soft leather for the gusset. What with sewing the edges onto the front and back the gusset width is actually about 1.75". I punched holes in the front and back pieces and "felt" for them through the gusset leather. The rings are riveted to the leather back and pulled out through slits in the pelt.


Here's how the finished product looks on a SWK saffron. The head is filled with wood putty and has enough weight to hold the sporran closed.


And on my Gordon Modern.




The sporran is really roomy, and with the felt lining it's comfy to feel around in for loose change. It's no Craigie Original, but then it only cost me about $60 total for materials, and about 5 hours to actually assemble. (I spent a lot of running miles designing and building it in my head.)

Does this look like it's worthy of formal wear?

[cavscout]

I think the shape size and attention to detail look great. I'm not sure about using it for formal wear without the eyes done. My monitor doesn't show a lot of the detail of the face so it's hard to say definitely. Basing on the shots at a distance though, it looks very good. Nice Job!

[Freelander Sporrano]

Turpin you inspire me. I have several Badger plets and some Deer lying around maybe I do a private project.

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

Looks good to me, and I doubt anybody would have a problem with it for formal wear, especially if you let them know you made it yourself.

[Big Dave]

Very cool.

[chasem]

looks fantastic!

[turpin]

Turpin you inspire me. I have several Badger plets and some Deer lying around maybe I do a private project.

Thanks David. Coming from you I take that as great encouragment. Since this was my first attempt at a sporran, if you do make yours I'd love to see a bit of the process, as long as you're not giving away any trade secrets.

[keepoffgrass]

Wow! Awesome! I really want a skunk sporran. Im gunna have to give this project a try

[ozmeath]

Heya Turpin a job well done there! How did you attain the pelt? I enjoyed the process as I made a sporran a while ago (http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=17283) and will eventually make one up in a pelt of sorts. Can the tail be cut and spread to do the sides or another project?
As for formal use I'd say it'd be fairly contemporary but you'd get away with it. :rolleyes:
Do you have an event in mind?
Erin.

[switchblade5984]

looks great!

and about perfect for size!