From: LaughingEgg-AT-webtv.net (Steve Weber)
Date: Fri, 15 Jan 1999 00:09:23 -0800 (PST)
Subject: PUPT: Vent mouth leather...


Hi Chris and all,

   In point of fact, 'split doe skin" has long been the quintessencial
leather for covering the "join" on a vent figure's mouth. This is what
Frank Marshall used on his figures.

The best source for 'split doe skin' is from vintage ladies opera
gloves...that's where Frank Marshall always got his leather from.  They
can still be found in antique and ecclectic second hand stores.

If you can't locate 'split doe skin'  try and find the thinnest and
softest leather possible. The edges are 'feathered' out with fine
sandpaper to create a 'blending edge'  To keep the leather supple give
it a thorough rubbing with 'mink oil" before you attach and paint it.

As far a painting the leather....you can utilize
'leather dye' which is completely flexible and available in both
transparent and opaque formulations.     OR... you can use what many of
the old school figure makers used....artists oil paint thinned out with
some boiled linseed oil.      Either way, remember to saturate the
leather with a good rubbing of mink oil first.

                              Peace,

                          Steve Weber
               The Laughing Egg Studio

      



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