Hide tanning is nature magic! To tan a hide we take the skin from trees (bark) and introduce it to the skin of animals and then wear it on our skin! What alchemy it is to take a stinky deer hide and transform it into a soft, supple, suede piece of leather!
In this 4 day class, students will transform a deer hide into a piece of soft, supple suede leather. Each student will take home their own “buckskin” as well as the knowledge and physical understanding of what it takes to preserve animal skins.
Please note that hide tanning deer skins is a very physically demanding practice and requires persistence and some strength. Luke will happily help you with your process but he cannot do all the work for you.
TOPICS COVERED:
History and Context of hide tanning
Chemistry of leather
Theory of bark tanning
Tannins from our local ecosystem
Fur on tanning
wet vs. dry scraping techniques
Magik and Alchemy
Logistics:
Location: Barnardsville NC (about 30 minutes North of Asheville) The exact class location will be emailed to you after tickets are purchased
Hours: Students are welcome to arrive on Thursday, April 30th at 9am. We will promptly start class at 12 noon on Thursday. We will be done by noon on Sunday the 2nd.
Camping: Students are welcome to camp at our 20 acre site for Friday and Saturday night. Students are responsible for their own camping gear. If you do not wish to camp, there are several rentals and hotels in both Barnardsville and nearby Weaverville. Car camping is welcome.
On site accomodations: Refrigeration and a propane burner kitchen will be provided for students. No showers will be provided.
Food: Students are responsible for their own food for this class.
Tuition:
Early bird ticket: $475 (Before March 1st)
Regular ticket: $575 (After March 1st)
both tickets includes on site camping.
Please bring: camping gear (tents, sleeping bags, cutlery rain gear etc), water, journal, a sharp knife, food for yourself
What not to bring: Please leave your firearms, alcohol, drugs, bad attitudes and dogs at home
Ages 14+ are welcome.
Questions or Concerns? Email Luke at HolisticSurvivalSchool@gmail.com