Before the advent of modern tanning agents, humans were turning raw skin into usable leather products using very basic techniques and materials. Learn to produce incredibly soft, strong and durable leather from raw animal skin using one of humankind’s earliest tanning technologies! Utilising materials readily available in the surrounding environment we will walk through the steps of this transformation. Come learn the progression of this process from raw skin to beautiful, usable, finished leather or fur!    

Over 5 full days this course will focus on tanning deer skins and fox furs with a variety of fat tanning which uses Lecithin and oil* as the dressing agent. Whilst not for the squeamish the end product is worth the work! The class will cover removing the meat and fat (de-fleshing), removing the outer grain layer (de-graining for hair off tanning), applying the tanning agents (dressing), softening and smoking the skins.

In addition to enthusiastic instruction I provide comfortable, easy to use tools and detailed handouts covering the tanning process, as well as ethnographic anecdotes and a list of helpful literature for those who wish to further their own knowledge of tanning! So, please join me for a course sure to contain plenty of memorable moments, lots of practical information and, provided that you put in the work **, one that will see you heading home with a beautiful, unique and usable piece of traditionally tanned leather!   

* The use of brains or egg yolks as an alternative dressing agent will be covered.

** Please be aware that a reasonable amount of fitness is required for this course. I will provide instruction on good technique and timing with the skins, but you will need to be able to be on your feet and active for 6 to 8 hours per day

Any serious injuries need to be discussed with me prior to booking onto the course please!

Additional Information:

COST: $550.00 ($100 deposit required for registration) The remainder of the course fee is due on the first day of the course. You may pay via Paypal, Bank Transfer or Cash is always accepted!

If you wish to learn only Fur or only Deer they are available separately, at a rate of $260.00 for the Fur Tanning, or $330.00 for the Deer Skin Tanning

Cancelation policy: Deposit refunded up to 4 weeks before the course start date. After this the deposit is forfeit.

Duration: 5 days (Wed 26th April 9:00 am - Sunday 30th April ± 17:00 pm)

Group size: Min 6 - Max 12

Prerequisites: None

Catering: 

This course is self-catering so come prepared to cook for yourself please! 

I am many things, but a talented cook is not one of them.

Note: Lunch and dinner the first day of the Fox course and second day of the Deer course should be something easy, as these days can be a long one depending on the moods of the weather gods!

Accommodation:

There is plenty of room for camping and outdoor fires are permitted, and wood is available to collect. 

Camping will be the easiest (and the most fun) option for accommodation for the course! However, if you would prefer a bit more luxury a local hotels and BnBs are available in nearby towns. 

Location: Near Rutherfordton, North Carolina (Details on location given after registration)

Included: All course materials and coffee/tea

Not included: Off Site Accomodation, Meals