Smoke-tanned Buckskin | May 17-20

This is a four-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.

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: 10am to 3-4pm each day

After purchasing your spot, you’ll receive a confirmation email and then a follow up welcome email a week ahead of the course.

Your choice of hide!

Buckskin is the name of the textile. We can create it from Deer, Goat, Elk, Pronghorn Antelope, and many other animals. At check-out, you choose between Deer or Pronghorn Antelope.

A bit about the lesser-known, incredible Pronghorns: Pronghorn Antelope are the only members of Antilocapridae, a deeply ancient species unique to the prairies and Rocky Mountains. Historically, the small pronghorns followed the great Bison herds in massive migrations across the land. Today their range is scattered due to agriculture and urban development. They still herd together by the hundreds and can outrun any other land animal (including the cheetah, if they lived on the same continent). They are often seen sunning themselves on hillsides, blending into the wild grasses. Both males and females have true horns, which stay intact year round. The hides of Pronghorn are thin but incredibly strong; perfect for stitching, beading, and sewing.

Step into the transformative world of hide tanning and connect to your roots through craft.