Raccoon and Chipmunk Repair

Damage: The chipmunk in the raccoons mouth had been separated from the mount by mice in the vicinity and was only attached by the cotton stuffing. The piece was covered in mouse droppings and required an overall cleaning from two layers of scaffolding. 

Repair: The original stuffing was replaced inside the chipmunk and then adhered back into place. Ace bandages were used to keep the chipmunk in place while the adhesive set.

Taxidermy Shrew Project

Damage: Deceased by natural causes, required preservation for training purposes.
Repair: The shrew was cut open, skin removed from interior and salted, the cape (pelt with head attached) was then washed and treated. A half body mould was made from clay and wire for the cape to fit on and shaped for this project. The incision seam was then closed. Simultaneously the skull was removed from the body, scraped clean of meat, bleached with hydrogen peroxide multiple times to remove excess meat, cartilage, and organs from inside the skull. Finally the skull was polished for display.

Rabbit Skull Bleaching

Damage: The skull was found in the wild and likely passed away from natural causes. It was covered in decay, tissue matter inside the skull, and was yellowing with age.
Repair: The skull was cleaned using mechanical methods and then given a bath in hydrogen peroxide for further cleaning and to aid in the removal of the tissue matter.

Duel Antler Mount Refurnish

Damage: The original state of the mounts were loose on the plaque and the textile was an older green velvet that required replacement, additionally the antlers needed to be cleaned and polished.
Repair: Original textile was removed from the plaster molding to find that they were cracked and unstable. The cracks were filled as well as around the back of the mould for stability. The new textile was applied by creating a draped pattern and adhering it to the plaster mould. A faux binding was then added as decorative accent.  The antlers were cleaned and polished and then the wood was refinished to create a sleek design.