Sheepskin Hide Tanning | Aug 2-5, 2024
A four-day hands-on course making sheepskin rugs through natural hide tanning.
We are tanning in the Mineral-tan method, using minerals x fat to preserve + [literally] transform hides into textiles. You are provided a fresh hide from local family farms to tan over the weekend and you take home your creation at the end.
Come prepared to work hard, sink into hide time, and be on the land + out of your usual rhythms.
Your hand-tanned material can be used as a rug at home, outdoor blanket, or for warm clothing.
Dates: Friday, August 2 to Monday, August 5, 2024
Location: WSANEC Peninsula, North Saanich, BC
*To pay in 3 installments instead of one, email us at hello[at]fernandroe.com
Details Below
A four-day hands-on course making sheepskin rugs through natural hide tanning.
We are tanning in the Mineral-tan method, using minerals x fat to preserve + [literally] transform hides into textiles. You are provided a fresh hide from local family farms to tan over the weekend and you take home your creation at the end.
Come prepared to work hard, sink into hide time, and be on the land + out of your usual rhythms.
Your hand-tanned material can be used as a rug at home, outdoor blanket, or for warm clothing.
Dates: Friday, August 2 to Monday, August 5, 2024
Location: WSANEC Peninsula, North Saanich, BC
*To pay in 3 installments instead of one, email us at hello[at]fernandroe.com
Details Below
A four-day hands-on course making sheepskin rugs through natural hide tanning.
We are tanning in the Mineral-tan method, using minerals x fat to preserve + [literally] transform hides into textiles. You are provided a fresh hide from local family farms to tan over the weekend and you take home your creation at the end.
Come prepared to work hard, sink into hide time, and be on the land + out of your usual rhythms.
Your hand-tanned material can be used as a rug at home, outdoor blanket, or for warm clothing.
Dates: Friday, August 2 to Monday, August 5, 2024
Location: WSANEC Peninsula, North Saanich, BC
*To pay in 3 installments instead of one, email us at hello[at]fernandroe.com
Details Below
DETAILS
Mineral Tanning is the natural hide tanning method that emerged with shepherding and sheep tending, and it continues to be the most valued method for sheepskin rugs, even during our era of mass “chem-tanning.” Mineral-tanning creates a bright, white leather that is super plush, while the wool keep its natural colour.
You’ll work alongside other new tanners, of varying skill levels and ability. This is an easy method for beginners, amateur tanners, and farmers aiming to add holism to their animal tending practice - or anyone who wants thier very own handmade sheepskin rug to adorn your self + home.
Schedule
Day 1: 1pm to 3/4pm - Scraping + framing
Day 2: 11am to 3/4pm - Softening
Day 3: 11am to 3/4pm: Softening + polishing
Day 4: 11am to 3/4pm: Combing finished sheepskin rugs
Venue
We are excited to host you at our studio on the WSANEC peninsula! This is where we make our own tanned hides. The ocean is a few blocks away; the land has several old Oak meadows and places to relax after tanning; we are close to the Panorama Rec Centre (with sauna and hot tub) and some great island cafes like the Fickle Fig.
For those coming from off island: You are invited to camp for $24 CAD/night. A shared indoor washroom with shower is available for all campers + there is water and power to the camping meadow. We also have a studio loft above the horse barn for $140 CAD/night.
What to bring
Camping chair
Meals and drinks
Sunscreen and everything to keep cool
Clothes for all weather
A personal knife (we like the brand Mora)
Campers: bring everything you need for cookware, cooking, and to stay warm and dry while camping.
Once you sign up, you will receive an automatic confirmation email. A welcome email from Fern + Roe will be sent a week prior to the course with more details + the address and directions to the farm. If you don’t receive a welcome email from us, your email provider likely blocked it. Add “hello [at] fernandroe.com to your safe list now to prevent this!
