Well, it sure has been a while since I have had time to write a blog. So much has been happening, sometimes it just seems difficult to find the time to share what really is happening on the homestead. This past week, we butchered sheep. We had some that we just did not need to hay over the winter so it was time for their next purpose. The one thing that I don't know how to do yet is "tan a hide" where I end up with a soft leather. As I watched those beautiful hides go to waste with such lovely fleece, it reignited in me the great desire to not let ANYTHING go to waste! So I will learn how to utilize these hides before we butcher next spring!
Now the question is...where do I begin to look? I know...GOOGLE! Or YouTube. Yes, that is indeed where I will start. But I also plan on speaking with a friend of mine that is a taxidermist. Surely, he will be able to teach me how to take care of a hide other than salting it or using brains. Not that I have anything against either of those methods; its just that the salting method makes for a VERY stiff hide. And I would rather use something other than brains to tan a hide. That is just being honest! So there you have it...a new adventure.
