From Fleece to Family Feast: Tanning Max the Shetland Sheep

Max, a Shetland sheep, was a character. Let's just say his stunning, long fleece came at a price – a serious attitude problem! For the past few months, to keep things manageable (and his owners safe!), Max enjoyed a luxurious penned life. This meant minimal vegetable matter in his gorgeous wool, a huge plus for processing. And, as a bonus, Max provided a substantial amount of meat, enough to feed their family of five for a good six months! Talk about farm-to-table!

Now, what to do with that magnificent fleece? We chose NuTan, a reliable and easy-to-use tanning product, to transform Max's wool into a beautiful, usable sheepskin. NuTan is a great option for home tanners, especially for those new to the process. It's readily available and comes with clear instructions, making it less intimidating than some other tanning methods.

The process itself was surprisingly straightforward. Following the NuTan instructions carefully, we were able to transform Max's raw fleece into a soft, supple sheepskin. The lack of vegetable matter in his wool definitely made the cleaning and preparation stages much easier. The result? A gorgeous, natural-colored sheepskin that will be a cherished reminder of Max's contribution to our family.

And Max's story doesn't end there. His skull is currently buried, undergoing nature's slow and beautiful decomposition process. Once it's clean and ready, it will be used for bone art, giving Max's story yet another chapter. From fleece to feast to future art, Max's legacy lives on!

Tips for using NuTan:

• Read the instructions carefully: This is crucial for success.
• Prepare your fleece thoroughly: Flesh well, remove as much dirt and debris as possible before you begin.
• Be patient: Tanning takes time, so don't rush the process.
• Wear gloves: Protect your hands from the tanning solution.
• Follow safety precautions: Work in a well-ventilated area.

If you're considering tanning a sheepskin at home, NuTan is a great place to start. With a little patience and attention to detail, you can create a beautiful and lasting keepsake from your own sheep. We sell NuTan in our homesteading store. Check it out here!