About NaturePunk Creations
NaturePunk Creations is a licensed fur-dealer and taxidermy arts business founded in 2007, and is run exclusively by Sarah "NaturePunk" Bartell.
Her upbringing on the fringes of wild places in the Pacific Northwest meant that Bartell often found bones, skulls, claws, and teeth from and array of local fauna while exploring, and in order to study these treasures more intimately, Bartell began teaching herself the arts of taxidermy and bone cleaning while still in high school. She continued honing her skills as she attended Southern Oregon University, placing her major in Environmental Sciences, with a minor in Fine Arts. Bartell sought a career in wildlife conservation, but was forced to drop out after being struck by a drunk driver.
Following the crash, Bartell strove to further-expand her business, and in doing so, began sharing her process and adventures in taxidermy through her Tumblr Blog to gain exposure. Her works have now been featured in an array of performing arts shows, have made waves on social media, and can even be found in Hollywood films.
Bartell's passion for wildlife and the natural world presented deep concerns over the origins of the wildlife materials utilized in her body of work, and encouraged Bartell to become a self-described "vulture" - collecting remains from animals that were already long-dead, or utilizing parts that would otherwise go to waste - as opposed to seeking out alternatives that come from indiscriminate sources.
"It's easy to forget our connections to the natural world," Bartell states. "People don't bother to ask where their meat, leather, or fur comes from. To many, it's just a product, which has always existed in its present form."
In striving to understand the disconnect, Bartell went on to teach herself skinning and tanning, and learned how to hunt her own meat, to provide for herself and her canine companions during lean times. "I found that having these skills actually gave me a much better clarity in regards to the space I occupy within modern society. People admonish hunters and call them cruel and savage, while they themselves wear leather shoes, or enjoy a steak dinner." Bartell ads that fur and leather, as well as bone and antler, are biodegradable, all-natural, renewable resources, and that obtaining them has a far lesser impact on the environment than the creation of synthetic alternatives.
"Even so," Bartell warns, "Not all animal products come from ethical sources. Ethics vary from person to person, and what some folks consider acceptable may strike a bad chord with others." As a result, Bartell makes it clear where her products come from: "All of the wildlife materials I use in my creations are either sourced from roadkill; or secondhand sources such as fellow artists, auctions houses, estate sales, and antique stores. I also support subsistence hunting, and culling programs aimed at eradicating problematic invasive species," she says.
Bartell's insight into the subjects of hunting and animal welfare have made her a pioneer in the growing industry of ethically-sourced wildlife arts and crafts, giving rise to a new wave of fellow Vultures and even vegan taxidermists. "By utilizing recycled or ethically-sourced remains, I'm ensuring that no animals were needlessly killed for the sake of the artwork I produce," Bartell explains. "I fully believe that no part of any creature should go to waste if a purpose can be found for it, but I do not support trophy hunters or fur farms by buying byproducts like bones, skulls, furs, or claws directly from them."
Aside from her work as as a taxidermist and pelt handler, Bartell also has extensive wilderness survival training, is a published wildlife and adventure photographer, and runs a nonprofit animal rescue organization.
Her upbringing on the fringes of wild places in the Pacific Northwest meant that Bartell often found bones, skulls, claws, and teeth from and array of local fauna while exploring, and in order to study these treasures more intimately, Bartell began teaching herself the arts of taxidermy and bone cleaning while still in high school. She continued honing her skills as she attended Southern Oregon University, placing her major in Environmental Sciences, with a minor in Fine Arts. Bartell sought a career in wildlife conservation, but was forced to drop out after being struck by a drunk driver.
Following the crash, Bartell strove to further-expand her business, and in doing so, began sharing her process and adventures in taxidermy through her Tumblr Blog to gain exposure. Her works have now been featured in an array of performing arts shows, have made waves on social media, and can even be found in Hollywood films.
Bartell's passion for wildlife and the natural world presented deep concerns over the origins of the wildlife materials utilized in her body of work, and encouraged Bartell to become a self-described "vulture" - collecting remains from animals that were already long-dead, or utilizing parts that would otherwise go to waste - as opposed to seeking out alternatives that come from indiscriminate sources.
"It's easy to forget our connections to the natural world," Bartell states. "People don't bother to ask where their meat, leather, or fur comes from. To many, it's just a product, which has always existed in its present form."
In striving to understand the disconnect, Bartell went on to teach herself skinning and tanning, and learned how to hunt her own meat, to provide for herself and her canine companions during lean times. "I found that having these skills actually gave me a much better clarity in regards to the space I occupy within modern society. People admonish hunters and call them cruel and savage, while they themselves wear leather shoes, or enjoy a steak dinner." Bartell ads that fur and leather, as well as bone and antler, are biodegradable, all-natural, renewable resources, and that obtaining them has a far lesser impact on the environment than the creation of synthetic alternatives.
"Even so," Bartell warns, "Not all animal products come from ethical sources. Ethics vary from person to person, and what some folks consider acceptable may strike a bad chord with others." As a result, Bartell makes it clear where her products come from: "All of the wildlife materials I use in my creations are either sourced from roadkill; or secondhand sources such as fellow artists, auctions houses, estate sales, and antique stores. I also support subsistence hunting, and culling programs aimed at eradicating problematic invasive species," she says.
Bartell's insight into the subjects of hunting and animal welfare have made her a pioneer in the growing industry of ethically-sourced wildlife arts and crafts, giving rise to a new wave of fellow Vultures and even vegan taxidermists. "By utilizing recycled or ethically-sourced remains, I'm ensuring that no animals were needlessly killed for the sake of the artwork I produce," Bartell explains. "I fully believe that no part of any creature should go to waste if a purpose can be found for it, but I do not support trophy hunters or fur farms by buying byproducts like bones, skulls, furs, or claws directly from them."
Aside from her work as as a taxidermist and pelt handler, Bartell also has extensive wilderness survival training, is a published wildlife and adventure photographer, and runs a nonprofit animal rescue organization.
Made to Order: Pure Copper Ring - Hammered Finish
$20.00
Hand-hammed and made to size, these rings are fashioned from 100% pure copper, and are not coated, specifically for the purpose of allowing the copper to do its work. In theory, the microminerals of copper absorbed through the skin during wear are stronger than minerals taken in supplement form, because they go directly to the bloodstream and they bypass the liver. In addition, there are reports that a low constant dosage of these microminerals in the blood provides immediate and long-term benefits for the tissues and joints of the wearer.
Copper has long been utilized by those with joint problems and arthritis to help alleviate swelling and reduce pain.
Please note that some people do have skin allergies to copper, while for others, skin contact with copper can be greatly beneficial, even if it can turn one's skin temporarily green. The solution to this problem is to simply wash it frequently.
Copper has long been utilized by those with joint problems and arthritis to help alleviate swelling and reduce pain.
Please note that some people do have skin allergies to copper, while for others, skin contact with copper can be greatly beneficial, even if it can turn one's skin temporarily green. The solution to this problem is to simply wash it frequently.
Recycled Coyote Fur Tail
$25.00
Professionally tanned and lush with thick fur, these North American coyote tails vary slightly in length and coloration due to their organic nature. They are recycled from tanneries which process furs for coats, so are a byproduct which may otherwise go to waste.
Typical length is about 12" - 14", and colors range from tawny brown to burnt umber. Most have a stark black tip. Due to the natural variance of fur products, the actual tail you receive may look slightly different from the one pictured, though we do our best to match the photos to our current inventory so you have a good idea as to what you're going to get!
Clasp at the top of each tail is a lobster claw fashion, making it easy to clip on to all your favorite gear!
Recycled Fur Raccoon Tail
$15.00
Professionally tanned and lush with thick fur, these raccoon tails vary slightly in length and coloration due to their organic nature. They are recycled from tanneries which process furs for coats, so are a byproduct which may otherwise be thrown to waste. These tails look wonderful worn on your belt loops, used as a key chain, attached to a handbag or backpack, or simply hung on the wall for a bit of rustic flare.
Typical length is about 10" - 14", and colors range from dark brown and black to tawny. Photos show an example of just one tail. Due to the natural variance of fur products, the actual tail you receive may look slightly different from the one pictured, though we do our best to match the photos to our current inventory so you have a good idea as to what you're going to get!
Clasp at the top of each tail is a lobster claw fashion, making it easy to clip on to all your favorite gear!
Typical length is about 10" - 14", and colors range from dark brown and black to tawny. Photos show an example of just one tail. Due to the natural variance of fur products, the actual tail you receive may look slightly different from the one pictured, though we do our best to match the photos to our current inventory so you have a good idea as to what you're going to get!
Clasp at the top of each tail is a lobster claw fashion, making it easy to clip on to all your favorite gear!
Cute Recycled Stubby Fur Tail
$5.00 - $20.00
We're very impressed with the quality of these tails. They are recycled from tanneries which process furs for garments. They're full, fluffy, and have good, thick leather. Unfortunately, not all tails make the cut when it comes to length, color, etc. These are the little outcasts; cute bitty things that are fun to wear around, but which have only a ball chain punched through the leather. This does not make them as strong or durable as the other tails I offer, but the price tag is a reflection of this matter.
You will receive one little floof like those in the pictures. There are fox, coyote, and occasionally tanuki.
These tails look wonderful worn on your belt loops, used as a key chain, attached to a handbag, or simply hung on the wall for a bit of rustic flare. Carry Fox with you for guidance and a renewed sense of adventure!
FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY: Buy four tails, get the 5th tail free!
You will receive one little floof like those in the pictures. There are fox, coyote, and occasionally tanuki.
These tails look wonderful worn on your belt loops, used as a key chain, attached to a handbag, or simply hung on the wall for a bit of rustic flare. Carry Fox with you for guidance and a renewed sense of adventure!
FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY: Buy four tails, get the 5th tail free!
Straight Run - Recycled Fur Tails (No Color Choice)
$15.00 - $40.00
We work with a lot of tails, and sometimes, it's kind of fun to just pick one out at random and admire its uniqueness. These tails are all the same grade and quality, but vary so much in their appearance that listing them individually is time-consuming and tedious. If you're an adventurous soul, and would like to leave decision up to fate, this is a great option at a very reasonable price!
Photo poses an example of what you can expect from NaturePunk's Straight Run Tails. We have a mix of silver, red, and cross fox, as well as blue and indigo fox, along with a couple of Arctics, tanuki tails, and coyote tails.
Now for a limited time, buy three tails for $40.00!
Now for a limited time, buy three tails for $40.00!
Inspired by the WildUnique accessories and curiosities for educational use, personal collections, and crafts.
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