Deer Hide Tanning Workshop
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE:
All students must read, agree, and sign our 2024 Liability Waiver prior to arriving on site.
Course Description
Over 3 full days this course will focus on tanning deer skins 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), alkalining for ground substance removal, 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!
Course Gear List
REQUIRED ITEMS:
- Weather Appropriate Clothing
- Food & Water
- 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 that Lunch and Dinner for the 2nd day of the course should be
something easy, as the second day can be long, depending on the moods of the
weather gods!
HIGHLY SUGGESTED ITEMS:
- Leather Work Gloves
- General Camping Essentials
- Tent / Hammock / Tarp
- Sleeping Bag
- Camp Chair
- Paper & Pen
- Head Light & Extra Batteries
- Snacks
Additional Course Information
Be sure to check out to FAQ Section on our site HERE.
Primitive camping on-site is included with this class but not required. The class will be conducted at our Basecamp which is a short walk from the parking area. The Restroom (Porta potty) is located about 100 yards from the class area. Food and drinks are not included! We have additional Mountain House Meals available for sale in our Outpost. Potable water is available on the property.
WHEN YOU ARRIVE:
Our Address: 1150 Carruth Rd Watkinsville, GA 30677
SEE MAP
Look for the signs directing you to the second driveway on your right next to the large barn and blue dumpster. Pull in past the Welcome Sign and park at the entrance of the trail straight ahead.
Grab your gear and follow the signs to Basecamp located about 200 yards down the main trail beyond the red gate. This is where the majority of class instruction will be throughout the weekend.
Set up camp anywhere to the right (west) side of the main trail surrounding Basecamp. We suggest setting up further away from the main fire pit if you prefer to not hear possible late night fireside conversations.
Refund policy
No refunds are available if you cancel any in-person event within 30 days of the event date.