Upcoming Courses

From February to October it’s our hide teaching season. We re-route hundreds of hides each year back to our local fibresheds and into the hands of natural tanners. In every course, you are provided with an animal hide, learn to tan it naturally, and take home your textile to last a lifetime.

What to expect in a hide tanning course: you’ll arrive on the grounds with a roaring fire and/or morning beverages waiting for you. Group size is between 5-15 people: small enough that you get personalized instruction, large enough that you’ll meet some rad folks to tan alongside with. Youth and kiddos are welcome at no extra cost to share a hide with their grown-up.

On Day 1, you choose a prepared but un-tanned hide + begin the first steps of tanning: scraping. On Day 2, you’ll soften your hide as it dries (the long day). On Days 3-4 you’ll put the final touches to your textile. Hide tanning requires effort and commitment. In return it offers much: connection to the land + our bodies, a meditative flow, skill- and strength-building, and the incredible satisfaction of making a handmade material.

What to wear: wear work clothes and dress for all weather. In rainy months, wear waterproof shoes/work boots. We’ll provide you a waterproof apron for the messy parts.

What to bring: a beverage container, water bottle, snacks/meals, a camping chair or blanket, and a personal knife for trimming your hide to your liking. Feel free to take photographs (with other participants’ consent) + a notepad for your own notes.

Sponsored spots: we offer a limited number of discounted spots for Indigenous folks in financial need. Contact us here to enquire.