sKUlls

If you’ve been wanting to learn how to safely and effectively process and preserve animal skulls to become stunning, long-lasting works of natural art/decor, this guidebook is for you!

This printable, 18-page guidebook includes step-by-step instructions and equipment recommendations, along with colored photos and video links showing you my preferred, start-to-finish process of processing skulls: a combination of natural decomposition, water maceration, and hand finishing work.

I first took an interest in skulls and bones as a young bike punk with a mostly useless visual art degree, scavenging roadkill while bicycling across the US and South America. Those first attempts were rough but encouraging; as I developed my skills I felt inundated by endless internet options and conflicting information. I experimented with many different processes, equipment, and materials, and honed tricks from my own successes and failures along the way.

I honed this method for use on my sheep farm (this guide also covers horn preservation in depth); this guide is best suited for large animal skulls, but the principles can be applied to just about any type of skull.

You’ll receive a link to a printable, digital download.

Adult Icelandic ram skull with variegated horns. All skulls come from members of the flock who became food for Whatcom County families, and are processed with care in an effort to make reverent use of the animal that gave their life. All skulls are naturally cleaned by myself, with no harsh chemicals.

Icelandic ram skull with solid black horns. All skulls come from members of the flock who became food for Whatcom County families, and are processed with care in an effort to make reverent use of the animal that gave their life. All skulls are naturally cleaned by myself, with no harsh chemicals.

Icelandic ewe skull with solid black horns. All skulls come from members of the flock who became food for Whatcom County families, and are processed with care in an effort to make reverent use of the animal that gave their life. All skulls are naturally cleaned by myself, with no harsh chemicals.

Icelandic ram skull with variegated horns. All skulls come from members of the flock who became food for Whatcom County families. All skulls are naturally cleaned by myself, with no harsh chemicals.