Smoke-tanned Buckskin | Feb 15-17, 2025
This is a three-day | in-person | hands-on course.
You receive a fresh hide salvaged from waste during hunting season, learn to tan it yourself, and take home your transformed creation at the end: the soft + supple cloth textile known as Smoke-tanned Buckskin.
Our natural tanning method is Smoke-tanning, also known as brain-tanning. Smoke-tanning is the most ancient method of hide tanning in the world: Hide. Fat. Smoke. Combined together, these ingredients transform a skin into fabric, and it is forever changed.
Buckskin is the product of this method, a velvety soft material similar to linen, but as strong as leather. Your buckskin cloth can be used at home as a throw, blanket, alter cloth, adornment; it can be turned into clothing, tote bags, purses. It is a material that will last a lifetime.
Schedule: 11am to 4-5pm each day
Location: North Saanich, W̱SÁNEĆ Peninsula
Cost: $425 CAD + GST. Payable online or by E-transfer.
Click “learn more” to register in 1 or 3 payments. You’ll be asked to create an account first.
Scroll for more details
-
Your Hide Camp Details Here
The natural tanning Process
Smoke-tanning is our method.
Hand-softening is our technique.
Fat x smoke is our tanning agent.
Your hand-tanned, quality buckskin cloth is the result.
Day One: meet at the studio at 11am + choose your fresh deer skin. Wet-scrape the hide to remove layers of skin. This is hard work + wet day. We provide waterproof aprons. Wear outdoor shoes + layers for all weather.
Day Two: in the morning, apply fat to the hides, with the traditional; ingredient of animal brain. We source pork brain from foodgrade suppliers. In the afternoon, start softening. We spend the whole day softening our hides from wet —> dry.
Day Three: smoke your hide. This is the ultimate moment of the tanning process, when the hide becomes truly “tanned” through the natural chemical reaction of smoke + fat. Your buckskin turns from a bright white to a golden colour.
Staying on the land
Available February 14-18, 2025
You are welcome to stay on the land during the hide tanning course (affectionately known as a “hide camp”).
We have unlimited camping spots available in a secluded meadow + The Loft guest suite above the horse barn.
Spending down time with your new tanning cohort makes the weekend take on a whole different dimension. It’s a true retreating out of time and into an immersion of nature, community, and ancestral reverance.
-
BOOK THE LOFT HERE
A handbuilt suite in the old hay loft of the farm barn. Watch the horses, goats, and sheep from your balcony.
Amenities:
- kitchenette
- double bed + pull-out sofa
- dining area
- composting toilet
- clawfoot bathtub
-
BOOK CAMPING HERE
For $24 CAD/night per person, stay in the meadow along with other participants of the hide course.Amenities:
- electrical outlet for charging phones
- water
- indoor bathroom with sink, toilet, and shower
- indoor fridge + food storage
How to Make the Most of your Hide Camp
Get lots of sleep
Leave your routines behind
Show up on time
Be okay being a beginner
Work hard, rest well
Bring a notebook if you’re a note-taker, a camera if you’re a photo-taker
Visit the farm animals and the garden
Wander the beautiful WSANEC Peninsula, visit the ocean, spend time in our amazing local community
What to Wear
Clothes for all weather
Outdoor or waterproof shoes/sandals
What to Bring
Camp chair or blanket
Water
Lunch and snacks
Personal knife (we like Mora brand, for ex)
Smoke-tanning Gallery
Check out each step in the smoke-tanning process below by clicking the arrows left or right!
