DEER HIDE TANNING Classes

Advanced Survival Skill

***All Classes teach Reverance. Honoring the animal that had been hunted, was very important to all native cultures.

Everyone would start with the introductory class. You are welcome to camp over to continue with day two either making buckskins or a drum. Bring your own food to cook over a campfire.  

Introductory Hide Tanning Workshop

Lessons focused on two methods of Deer Hide Processing. Through “hands on” everyone will work together to learn the Wet scrape method with hides provided or "bring your own" to be able to take home the project. We will also prepare a hide for the dry scrape method, especially good for those with limited time to work on a project of this size. Instructions will be given on tanning and softening. We will also discuss how to preserve pelts from various animals.

You will not be able to complete a project of your own during the day workshop, but you get a hands-on experience working with hides in various stages. This will give you a feel so you can go home and do it yourself.

If you bring your own there will be preparation to do before class.  The instructions will be provided upon registration and full payment.

   Upcoming Dates: TBD

   Costs:  $75

   Length of Time: 10am - 3pm.

Great for the Boy Scout Leatherwork Merit Badge (Scout & group rate discount will apply).

Deer Skins to Buckskins

We will review the total process of turning the skin of an animal into something you can wear, skinning to smoking. Through “hands on” everyone will work together to learn the Wet Scrape method with hides provided or "bring your own" to be able to take home the project.  We will strech and frame a hide for the Dry Scrape Method. Brain tanning will set in overnight and then Sunday will be the final step in softening and waterproofing the hides.

All tools will be available for you to use along with the guidance and coaching you will need to complete the process. It is a commitment and a lot of work, but to me it is one of the most rewarding creations I have ever attempted. Deerskin to Buckskins!!! Ideas for how to make articles of clothing from your finished product will also be discussed.

If you bring your own there will be preparation to do before class.  The instructions will be provided upon registration and full payment. 

   Upcoming Dates: TBD

   Costs:  $175

   Length of Time:  Two days: Saturday 10am - 3pm / Sunday as long as it takes to complete.

Drum Making Workshop

You will go home with a deerskin Native American hoop drum that you make. Space is limited.

   Upcoming Dates: TBD

   Costs:  $200

   Length of Time:  Two days:  Saturday 10am - 3pm / Sunday as long as it takes. 

  • brain tanning

  • waterproofing by smoking

  • how to make articles of clothing from your finished product

  • what you can make out of rawhide *Drum Making if this is your option*

Parent/Child teams will be accommodated. A 12 year old could complete the project with desire and determination. It is not an easy task but a very rewarding one.

Space is Limited for 10. (We only have so many tools.)

NOTE : All classes have a minimum number of registrants to make or sorry to say it will be cancelled. So bring your friends and tell everyone you know.