I did a little trade with a friend of mine I've been getting to know from Germany.
A quill worker that displays an attention to detail second to none.He said he was a little rusty doing these items since he had'nt quilled in about 10 years.I told him if that's your rusty version I'd like to see your stainless steel version....ha ha.
Someday I hope to display quillwork as nice as this.
It's actually quilled on a hide that was what they call german tanned.
That's a process of soaking rawhide in cod liver oil for a long period of time.A rather expensive type of tan,but the results are a very soft leather.
He naturally dyes all of his quills also.
I will send him something of like value soon.