Small Mammal
Taxidermy Classes
by wildlife artist Amy Ritchie Carter
Learn the secrets to high-quality small mammal taxidermy with...
Small mammals: Bobcats. Foxes. Coyotes.
These beautiful animals are becoming more and more
popular in the world of taxidermy. Their beauty,
attitude and versatility make them a fun and
rewarding taxidermy project. However, so many
times these animals are not done justice. Their unique
details and expressions can make them a more
difficult project to conquer than many other species,
often turning the mount into a disappointing caricature
of what they once were.
What is the key to getting "the look" with
these animals?

Look around and you will see that only a small
number of taxidermists have achieved the ability to
put lifelike expression into their small game mounts.
For those who do, there are even fewer who will
reveal their secrets.

Now, after much demand, world renowned
small game taxidermist Amy Ritchie Carter
is offering one-on-one classes to teach
you
how to improve your small mammals!
Whether you're a seasoned taxidermist who
wants to take your work to the next level, or an
amateur taxidermist just wanting to learn the
basics, there is a class for you. Amy will
discuss your current level of knowledge, your
goals and what you hope to learn, and tailor a
class schedule specifically geared towards
your needs.
About the instructor ..
Amy became interested in taxidermy in her early
teens and started her own taxidermy business by
the age of 1
5. Nearly 20 years later, she now
runs
Amy's Animal Art Taxidermy in North
Carolina, specializing in mammals only. By
specializing in one area of taxidermy, she is able
to put more time and focus into studying and
perfecting the art. Amy has won many awards at
taxidermy shows since 2002, including three
Breakthrough "Best of Show", two UTA
Artisans, dozens of people's choice and Best of
Category awards, and a 2nd place in the
Master's division at the 2015 World
Championships. Amy has judged, as well as
given dozens of seminars, at various taxidermy
shows.
What can I expect to receive from a class
and do I choose a 2 day, or 3 day class?

These are some of the things you will learn in a class,
with some areas being eliminated or expanded upon
depending on your knowledge level and areas that need
improvement:
What is the cost of a class?

Class fees are $350/day (8 hrs/ day). Most goals can be
accomplished in a 2-3 day time frame. A typical class for
an intermediate/advanced taxidermist will encompass two
days ($7
00/total) while a novice taxidermist needing to
learn all aspects of taxidermy will find a full 3-day
($
1050/total) class to be necessary to fully cover all
topics. For those wanting to mount multiple animals,
extended classes (1 week+) are available on special
request.

What IS included:

*One on one taxidermy training for the preparation and
mounting of one small animal

*Use of all necessary taxidermy tools and materials (to
include - fleshing machine, airbrush, knives, scalpels,
needles, thread, clay, hide paste, etc.)

*Lunch and beverages are included.


*
Lodging is included! Stay in the cozy apartment located
right inside the shop. Eliminates the need for expensive
hotel stays, and you get to stay on site and work on your
animals as long as needed.


What IS NOT included:

*Specimen (these are available at an additional cost, or
you may supply your own)
*Taxidermy form (mannikin)
*Glass eyes
*Travel expenses to and from Amy's Animal Art studio
*Dinner
Where is Amy's Animal Art located?

Located in the small town of Olin, North Carolina, you will enjoy the peacefulness and
beauty of the farmlands and countryside. Just 15 minutes north of Statesville, which is
the crossroads of I-77 and I-40. Slightly over one hour north of Charlotte, NC and one
hour west of Greensboro, NC. The preferred airports to fly in to are Charlotte, NC
(CLT) and Greensboro, NC (GSO). Both are similar in distance from airport to the
studio; check with your airline to see which offers the best rate.
What animals are available to work on in the class?

These classes are geared towards learning techniques of bobcat, fox or coyote.
You are welcome to bring your own animal if you desire, but it is highly encouraged
to bring an animal with a quality hide. It is hard to produce a high quality finished
product when starting with substandard hides, especially in the learning stages.

Amy's Animal Art has a variety of animals in stock. All animals will be wet tanned
and ready to be prepped and mounted. It is advised, if you are wanting to learn all
aspects (skinning- fleshing -turning - prepping- mounting) in a 2-3 day class, to
bring a RAW pelt to practice your skinning, fleshing, and turning with, and to bring
or purchase a secondary TANNED hide that you can mount.
Olin, North Carolina
7
04-437-7696
How do I schedule a class?

If you'd like to schedule a class, or perhaps just chat and learn more to see if this is
right for you, the best way is to simply call Amy at
704-437-7696.

Email inquiries can also be sent to AmyCarter@Amystaxidermy.com

Once a date is selected, your spot is held on a 50% nonrefundable deposit. The
remainder of the amount is due before work begins on the first day of class.
Amy's Animal Art Taxidermy Classes
Taxidermist Amy Ritchie Carter
704-437-7696
AmysTaxidermy.com
or
Visit Amy's Animal Art on Facebook
Skinning and fleshing
Turning the ears/lips/nose and preparing the hide for tanning
Proper preparation and thinning of a tanned hide
How to create beautiful bondo ears for both commercial and competition work
Preparation of the mannikin for mounting
Minor alterations of mannikin pose if desired
How to set your eyes and create claywork that gives
dynamic expression!
How to shape a real skin nose
Learn the anatomy and proper positioning of canine/feline toes
How to properly groom your mount - the key to a fluffy mount that looks "alive"!
Finish work of your final mount
This is a typical outline of a 3-day class. The first day is based upon learning the skills of
measuring, skinning, turning, fleshing and tanning a fresh animal hide. If you already know
these skills, then you can choose the 2-day class and begin with a tanned hide. However, if
you are new to skinning and preparing hides, the 3-day class is highly recommended.
Past Students