Over the course of this three day class, you will learn how to turn a raw deer hide into buckskin using a natural tanning method called combo-tanning. Combo-tanning involves aspects of both traditional fat-tanning (brain-tanning) and bark-tanning and thus is a great jumping-off point for all types of tanning! Buckskin is a soft, but strong, suede-like material and is perfect for garments, bags, shoes, and more. You will leave class with your own finished buckskin and the knowledge and resources to make more.
What is hide tanning
History + various cultural traditions of tanning in North America and beyond
How to source + store deer hides
How to remove flesh and membrane from a hide
What tools you need
How to dress, wring, and soften a buckskin
The difference between smoke-tanning + bark-tanning
How to find tannins in your area and how to make a tannin tea
The difference between fur-on pelts, leather, rawhide, and buckskin
Basic hide sewing techniques
How to start and tend fire (always a useful skill for hide tanning)
And much more!
We will come together on a beautiful piece of land in Weaverville, North Carolina (traditional Cherokee land). The land is owned by my dear friends Tyler + Allie and is home to a couple families, a few pet bunnies, and lots of spicebush and tulip poplar!
Primitive camping for $15/ night is available as a separate add-on. You will receive the details to book your accommodations via email after you sign up. There are also two simple indoor spaces that will be available to book at an additional cost. All accommodation fees will be paid directly to the land owners. Asheville and Weaverville have many Airbnbs and hotels as well, if you would rather not stay on sight.
This class is for women, AFAB, and non-binary folks. If you’re not sure if you belong in this class, you probably do, but email Callan to make sure.
Food will not be provided as a part of this class. Whether or not you are camping, you will need to bring your own food. More details on our primitive kitchen set up will be shared via email after signing up.
This is a physically demanding class. You will be standing and using your arms A LOT. As an instructor, I love finding creative ways to accommodate people’s differing bodies and abilities; please just reach out before signing up if you have questions about your ability to take this class.
BIPOC scholarships are available as a separate ticket on the workshops page.
For sliding scale and work-trade options please email Callan: callanshore@gmail.com
Refund Policy: Due to the nature of this class, refunds will not be issued after March 15th.
Over the course of this three day class, you will learn how to turn a raw deer hide into buckskin using a natural tanning method called combo-tanning. Combo-tanning involves aspects of both traditional fat-tanning (brain-tanning) and bark-tanning and thus is a great jumping-off point for all types of tanning! Buckskin is a soft, but strong, suede-like material and is perfect for garments, bags, shoes, and more. You will leave class with your own finished buckskin and the knowledge and resources to make more.
What is hide tanning
History + various cultural traditions of tanning in North America and beyond
How to source + store deer hides
How to remove flesh and membrane from a hide
What tools you need
How to dress, wring, and soften a buckskin
The difference between smoke-tanning + bark-tanning
How to find tannins in your area and how to make a tannin tea
The difference between fur-on pelts, leather, rawhide, and buckskin
Basic hide sewing techniques
How to start and tend fire (always a useful skill for hide tanning)
And much more!
We will come together on a beautiful piece of land in Weaverville, North Carolina (traditional Cherokee land). The land is owned by my dear friends Tyler + Allie and is home to a couple families, a few pet bunnies, and lots of spicebush and tulip poplar!
Primitive camping for $15/ night is available as a separate add-on. You will receive the details to book your accommodations via email after you sign up. There are also two simple indoor spaces that will be available to book at an additional cost. All accommodation fees will be paid directly to the land owners. Asheville and Weaverville have many Airbnbs and hotels as well, if you would rather not stay on sight.
This class is for women, AFAB, and non-binary folks. If you’re not sure if you belong in this class, you probably do, but email Callan to make sure.
Food will not be provided as a part of this class. Whether or not you are camping, you will need to bring your own food. More details on our primitive kitchen set up will be shared via email after signing up.
This is a physically demanding class. You will be standing and using your arms A LOT. As an instructor, I love finding creative ways to accommodate people’s differing bodies and abilities; please just reach out before signing up if you have questions about your ability to take this class.
BIPOC scholarships are available as a separate ticket on the workshops page.
For sliding scale and work-trade options please email Callan: callanshore@gmail.com
Refund Policy: Due to the nature of this class, refunds will not be issued after March 15th.
