Stains

[banoch]

I've read a lot using the search function, trying not to make any of you have to repeat this stuff over and over, but I can't find out which type of stain to use under TBlll for applying some snake skins. I saw where Pappy says he uses perm marker. I have some alchohol(aneline) dyes in the form of furniture touch-up markers. So, do you use oil based stains or something else?? Also, I noticed the only one build-along I saw mentioned soaking the skins before appication. Is this common practise or an optional step as well? I'm sure I didn't read every one of them but I think I read enough to get an overview but still have these q's I know ya'll can answer.   

[Justin Snyder]

Short answers:
I like alcohol based leather dye. I think a lot of others do also.
Yes snakeskins have to be soaked until they are soft and plyable before applying.

Long answers:
Read Gordon's Hazelnut bow buildalong, he discusses both of these issues in detail.  http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,4815.0.html
Search for Rit Dye, and applying snakeskins.

[banoch]

Thanks Justin. I read the Hazelnut buildalong which is one of the few places that showed the soaking of the skins. I take it that oil based stains would cause adhesion problems?