/cgl/ - Cosplay & EGL

Any tips for working with fur? And ideas what to do with them that would fit both medieval, fantasy and post-apoc costumes besides headdresses and throwing a pelt over the shoulders?

My fur collection is piling up. Most of the leather is very thin and stretchy so I'm worried about them tearing when I'd like them to last as long as I can make them. Its fur and leather so it'll degrade but I don't want to ruin more expensive furs like wolves and bears immediately. I don't have the heart to cut up a $400-900 wolf pelt to begin with but I'm waiting on some damaged-when-caught/skinned wolf pelts I snagged for $40-50 to get back from tanning. Most of my furs are left overs from fur companies, B/C grade, taken off old coats, etc since I don't like to spend a lot of money on something I'm going to rip apart. The leather is still good as new on them, though. Also have some icelandic sheep hides. Thick leather but they're heavy as fuck so I can't imagine I could do much besides trims.

Has anyone tanned themselves? I'm curious if there's a different way from the usual to tan a pelt for these kinds of costumes even if it's just not fleshing or shaving it down as much. Sorry if I've actually posted this before. If I did I was drunk and never returned.