Bear Rug, Felt Edge or Leather Bound Edge?

[Theringworm]

I have to make a decision on how I want my black bear rug finished. I know for sure I want his mouth closed. The question is how do I want the edges finished. I don’t like the look of the ripple felt edge. I know they can also do a flat felt edge but have never seen a picture of that. From what I have heard/seen I am leaning towards a sewn leather edge.

Anyone have any pics of how your edges were finished, more particularly in a flat felt or leathered edge style since there are way less photos of that online. Any pros/cons to doing one or the other? I know if you do leather they say to absolutely make sure it’s sewn and not glued. Beyond that I haven’t heard any other words of wisdom. Curious if you have any opinions. Thanks

 

[Jgriff]

I went with the ripple edge but don't remember having much of a choice back in late 1990's. I don't have a good place to display him anymore, so he is stored in a chest, but this is what the felt looked like. I'm not sure what leather would look like, but it might be nice. Should definitely lay flatter than felt.

 

[WCB]

I personally the felt edging looks like crap. I would do whatever edging/packing I see the least and makes the rug look like there is no back if possible. This is just a stock photo I found on the internet but is a good example of what I'm talking about.

 

[Firestone]

My lion with scalloped felt laid flat

 

[Theringworm]

Thanks for the feedback. I have decided to go with a sewn black leather edge. The felt just doesn’t do it for me.

 

[Graeme]

I'd like to see a picture of that when you get it back. Black leather sounds like it would disappear nicely and you won't notice much.

 

[5 shot group]

Following for a picture of the finished product

 

[Theringworm]

I’ll updated whenever it gets done. No idea how long this process will be,

 

[Docpk]

I went with the ruffled felt edge in black but I agree if I had to do it over I would go with a backing that you couldn’t see. I have a wolf rug done that way.

 

[Theringworm]

Alright, finally got my bear rug back. I went with the leather bound edges. I personally think it looks great. I am not a fan of the felt look. This turned out better than I had hoped. Now to find somewhere to display it (time to build a new house).

 

[MuleyFever]

I always thought felt looked cheap. I like the leather better.

 

[jb338]

Alright, finally got my bear rug back. I went with the leather bound edges. I personally think it looks great. I am not a fan of the felt look. This turned out better than I had hoped. Now to find somewhere to display it (time to build a new house).

congrats on the bear. Thats one of the nicest rugs I have seen. can I ask who did the work. thanks john

 

[Theringworm]

congrats on the bear. Thats one of the nicest rugs I have seen. can I ask who did the work. thanks john

Thanks. I had Dewey’s Wildlife Studio in Cody, WY do it. I know they send it out some where to be done but do not know where that is. They took care of all of it though so just send it to them.

 

[jb338]

Thanks for the info. have a hunt planned for next fall. if lucky I'll be doing that style. really impressed! can I ask what it cost?