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How Do I Dry a Snakeskin?

Snakeskins can often be found in the wild and already dried, but you may come across a freshly shed skin that you can dry yourself. Dried snakeskins can be used put on display on a wall or in a glass jar, so you want to make sure that you dry them properly so that they will last in a state of preservation. You may also want to recondition a dried snakeskin and use it to make clothing or accessories.

Things You'll Need

Knife
Wood board
Pins or staples
Salt

Instructions

- 1
  Remove excess membrane or tissue from the surface of the snakeskin using a knife. The skin is very thin so do not put too much pressure on its surface when you are clearing it with the knife.
- 2
  Lay out the snakeskin on a wood board with the flesh-side of the skin facing up. Make the snakeskin as flat as possible on the board, and pin or staple the edges of the snakeskin in place.
- 3
  Spread a thin layer of salt over the flattened snakeskin to help it dry more quickly and to create a preservative for the snakeskin. Allow the snakeskin to sit on the board for at least two days and out of direct sunlight to let it fully dry.

Animals & Science