First, thank you very much Katherine! I am a humble costume designer that has great respect for the materials and animals whose hides I work with.I also try hard to keep prices as reasonable as possible, unfortunately most of the materials are very pricey to start with. The positive is that the materials are also very durable and will last for many many wearings.

I am also a Farm raised gal who understands the reality of animal production and the importance of humane treatment.I have 4 adult goats that are retired milkers, they are companion animals that know their names, know who I am and will live here as long as they exist. That being said, I also know that goats are used throughout the world for meat, milk and their hides. I would not criticize anyone else for choosing to do what they decide with their own animals, actually goats are a wonderful resource for many very poor populations.I would certainly hope the goats were always treated humanely and the reality is that most are, it is in the best interest of the producer for the animal to be happy and healthy as long as possible.

One of the best things about living in this country and something that I hope we never see change is the ability to express ourselves and disagree with one another. It is indeed a privilege and no one should feel bad or upset if there is a discussion on these or other topics.

I understand where you are coming from as the owner of pet snakes, I am sure you love and care for them and would not want anything bad to happen to them, I also understand your dismay at someone who uses animals like them for any purpose.

It is not my intent to cause any animal discomfort or harm, snakes skins aside, it is absolutely wasteful and disrespectful to not use cow hides or other animal produced for meat. The deer hides from my supplier are also farm raised, it is their purpose and I do not have any moral objections to this. They are a renewable resource and if that sounds harsh or unsympathetic it is just reality.
The snake skins are VERY expensive and VERY beautiful, I probably will not use many, I have the rest of the current skin and one other in my possession, we'll see how it goes. I of course do not want to add to anyone's distress, I just reserve the right to use my own judgment.

Take care, and thanks to those who understand and support the Etsy artists!