Lodge Style: Faux Bearskin Rug

Apply black paint to the bear gums and around the eyes. To create the illusion of a wet snout, apply clear glaze to the nose.

Trace a bearskin shape (see illustration) on the canvas with a pencil. Cut the fur and canvas along the tracing line, leaving plenty of fur at the top for the head.

Sew the backing canvas onto the fake fur.

Cover the ear inserts with fake fur. Glue ears and eyes onto the head mold.

Glue the wooden base of the head to the canvas backing and cover the head mold in fur. Glue the fur on, cutting slits for the ears and eyes. Cut around the snout and glue fur around the mouth.

Trim the fur around the snout and mouth.

Nuzzle with your faux arctic artifact, then use a comb to tidy the fur you’ve mussed up.

Note: Although this project is not nearly as messy as skinning a real bear, it’s a good idea to have a vacuum on hand, especially when you start trimming. Even fake fur sheds.