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Introduction to Traditional Hide Tanning

hide tanning presentation and demonstrations

2 hr
45 Canadian dollars
Customer's Place

Service Description

"Brain tanning is more than just a method—it is a craft steeped in tradition and respect for the natural world. Through hands-on experience, students will not only learn practical skills but also develop a deeper connection to the materials and the cultural significance of the process." ** Group minimum of 10 paid in advance to book** Traditional Tanning is a broad process covering different techniques for small animals, large animals, rawhide and leathers. Each requiring different tools and skills and produce a line up of valuable materials that can be used in a vide variety of finished goods. Come spend a couple hours learning the traditional method of tanning large (hair on) hides such as beaver, sheep and deer; using animal brains (lecithin) and smoking. This hands on introductory session will guide you through each step in tanning a variety of hides and furs the way many of our ancestors did without the use of chemicals. WHAT IS TRADITIONAL BRAIN / SMOKE TANNING? Traditional tanning is when animal hides are preserved using a lecithin and smoke, leaving a durable and soft leather material that is water resistant and washable. They are preserved in a non toxic way using natural materials and elements.Traditionally tanned hides are completely washable, non toxic, and essentially a carbon neutral product that you can enjoy for decades. Discussion on Tanning processes, care and cleaning, along with tips on sewing and crafting with tanned furs will round out this the session. *Participants are working several hides at each stage in the tanning process throughout the session . This workshop is hands on experience with hides at each step in the process only, there will not be completed hides available to take home. Minors (under 15yrs) must be accompanied by a registered adult. Each day runs from 9:30am - aprox 4pm depending on the group progress. Please bring your own lunch and wear clothing you don't mind getting messy. This workshop will be indoors on day one and some outside work on the final day as we set the tan by smoking the hides.


Contact Details

prairieroseskills@gmail.com

& Wildfibre Organic Tannery tm Yellowhead County, AB, Canada


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