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Learn the Skills & Techniques

I have been tanning skins using traditional technologies for over twenty five years. I hold a Master of Arts in Experimental Archaeology and a PhD dealing with the ‘Microscopic Analysis of Prehistoric Tanning Technologies’ from the University of Exeter.

 

My main areas of expertise are:

 

  • Prehistoric tannage technologies

  • Animal processing

  • Using primary by products such as bone, sinew, internal organs, fur, horn and antler

I have taught various groups ranging from bush crafters to University students for over ten years, drawing on my extensive personal experience to provide a broad understanding of the processes of:

  • Fat tanning

  • Vegetable tanning

  • Alum tawing

  • Rawhide production

  • Animal processing

 

My instruction includes a diverse range of information, from skin morphology to helpful hints in dealing with the numerous and frustrating problems often encountered when first learning to tan, and often long after!
 

In addition to my main area of expertise in tanning technologies and animal processing, I also teach and demonstrate a wide range of traditional living skills including:

 

  • Patterning and clothing construction

  • Use of plant and animal fibres

  • Constructing and using traditional hunting tools

  • Basic flint knapping, stone tool construction and use

  • Shelter construction and use

  • Friction fire lighting

  • Basketry

  • Clay processing, pottery manufacture and firing


I am also open to suggestions for other courses to suit your needs.

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Upcoming Courses

  • 07 Apr, 09:00 – 09 Apr, 17:00
    Vledder, Dorpsstraat 13, 8381 AM Vledder, Netherlands
    This course is designed to teach you how to pattern and tailor bespoke/custom leather clothing of your own design!
  • 15 Apr, 09:00 GMT-7 – 16 Apr, 17:00 GMT-7
    San Francisco Bay Area, San Francisco Bay Area, CA, USA
    Learn the ancient skill of fur tanning in 2 days using natural, non-toxic and easily available materials! Taught by Theresa Emmerich Kamper, Doctor of Experimental Archaeology and specialist in prehistoric tanning techniques.
  • 22 Apr, 09:00 – 23 Apr, 16:00
    Watkinsville, 1150 Carruth Rd, Watkinsville, GA 30677, USA
    Learn the ancient skill of fur tanning in 2 days using natural, non-toxic and easily available materials! Taught by Theresa Emmerich Kamper, Doctor of Experimental Archaeology and specialist in prehistoric tanning techniques.
  • 26 Apr, 09:00 – 30 Apr, 17:00
    Rutherfordton, NC, Rutherfordton, NC, USA
    Learn the ancient skills of skin and fur tanning over 5 information packed days using natural, non-toxic and easily available materials! Taught by Theresa Emmerich Kamper, Doctor of Experimental Archaeology and specialist in prehistoric tanning techniques.
  • 05 May, 10:00 – 07 May, 17:00
    New Tripoli, PA, New Tripoli, PA 18066, USA
    Have you ever wondered how our ancestors prepared, transformed and preserved an animal to waste as little as possible? This course will introduce you to just that process! You will be introduced to what parts are useful for what, and how to preserve those parts until they can be used.
  • 13 May, 09:00 – 14 May, 17:00
    In Situ Polyculture Commons, Saxtons River, VT 05154, USA
    Learn to make parchment from waste skins and everything you will need to produce beautiful works of art using only foraged materials. Join leather specialist Dr Theresa Kamper, and natural materials artist Caroline Ross (@foundandground) for this dive into ancient European art and craft.
  • 19 May, 09:00 – 21 May, 17:00
    Gastonia, 1500 E Garrison Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28054, USA
    Learn the ancient skill of fur tanning over 2 information packed using natural, non-toxic and easily available materials! Taught by by specialist Dr. Theresa Emmerich Kamper. Or choose to learn the Old World skills of pigments and inks from foraged materials, Taught by specialist Caroline Ross.
  • 07 Jul, 10:00 – 09 Jul, 17:00
    Hällekis, Anhalten 1, 533 94 Hällekis, Sweden
    Learn the ancient skill of skin tanning over 3 information packed days using natural, non-toxic and easily available materials! Taught by Theresa Emmerich Kamper, Doctor of Experimental Archaeology and specialist in prehistoric tanning techniques.
  • 13 Jul, 10:00 – 17 Jul, 17:00
    Beaune, 21200 Beaune, France
    Learn how to Fat Tan skins using natural, non-toxic and easily available materials, how to produce prehistoric thread types and sew a bag using techniques specific to Buckskin. Taught by Theresa Emmerich Kamper, Doctor of Experimental Archaeology and specialist in prehistoric tanning techniques.
  • 22 Jul, 09:00 – 23 Jul, 16:00
    Saint-Barthélémy-Grozon, La Veyrie, 07270 Saint-Barthélémy-Grozon, France
    Registration OPENS SOON: Learn the ancient skill of fur tanning over 2 information packed using natural, non-toxic and easily available materials! Taught by Theresa Emmerich Kamper, Doctor of Experimental Archaeology and specialist in prehistoric tanning techniques.
  • 17 Aug, 09:00 – 23 Aug, 16:00
    Coffs Harbour, Coffs Harbour NSW, Australia
    A unique course where you will learn to use as much of an animal as possible, fat tan hair off skins and enjoy a day of making and using basic stone tools. Taught by experimental archaeologist and prehistoric tanning specialist Dr. Theresa Emmerich Kamper.
  • 28 Aug, 09:00 – 03 Sept, 17:00
    Flowerdale, Flowerdale VIC 3717, Australia
    A unique course where you will learn to use as much of an animal as possible, fat tan hair off skins and enjoy a day of making and using basic stone tools. Taught by experimental archaeologist and prehistoric tanning specialist Dr. Theresa Emmerich Kamper.
  • 29 Sept, 10:00 – 01 Oct, 16:00
    Location is TBD
    COMING SOON TO IRELAND! Learn the ancient skill of Brain Tanning Deer Skin over 3 information packed days using natural, non-toxic and easily available materials! Taught by Theresa Emmerich Kamper, Doctor of Experimental Archaeology and specialist in prehistoric tanning techniques.
  • 14 Oct, 10:00 – 16 Oct, 17:00
    Krokkleiva, Åsaveien 38, 3531 Krokkleiva, Norway
    Have you ever wondered how our ancestors prepared, transformed and preserved an animal to waste as little as possible? This course will introduce you to just that process! You will be introduced to what parts are useful for what, and how to preserve those parts until they can be used.
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