Juniper, I just skinned it a close as possible then fleshed an tacked out till dry. When i got ready to put on bow I soaked in water an did alot of shaping. My handle is bulbulous so had todo alot of stretching an shaping. I sewed mine in the front but if i did it again i would punch holes an lace . Keep it pretty close fit it won't shrink alot. Oh I did use glue also. Once it dryed it was like hard shoe leather. Trapping it was the fun part the rest is all work. Good Luck Later Bob