Method 1

Materials

1. Raw hide scraps
2. Water
3. Heating source for boiling
4. Strainer
5. Metal sheet
6. Storage container

Directions

1. Cut rawhide into tiny pieces.
2. Cook it gently in water until the mixture thickens.
3. Strain the mixture.
4. Pour the mixture onto a metal sheet and alow to dry.
5. Flake off into chunks.
6. Pound larger chunks down to a convenient size and store.

Method 2

Materials

1. 4 ounces of vellum or rawhide scraps (the purer the better)
2. 2 pints of distilled water
3. Small enamel pot
4. Piece of loosely woven cloth, such grocery store style "cheese cloth" (which is not actual cheese cloth).
5. Bowl
6. Plastic wrap

Directions

1. Bring the water to a boil.
2. Reduce heat to a simmer and add the vellum/raw hide scraps. (Don't let the water boil once the vellum/raw hide is added. This will reduce the effectiveness of the resulting glue.)
3. Allow to simmer for one and a half hours. (About half of the water should evaporate).
4. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly.
5. Strain through the "cheese cloth" into the bowl.
6. Let the glue sit overnight at room temperature in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. During this time it should congeal into a jelly.
7. Turn the bowl upside down and remove the jelly onto a piece of plastic wrap.
8. Slice the jelly into ¼ inch pieces and allow to dry for several days away from sunlight.
9. To use, warm a slice or two of the dried glue in a bit of water. Don't let it boil.