Bark Tan Sheep Skin
Embark on a transformative 2.5-day experience to learn about the intricacies of Bark tanning while tanning your own sheep skin.
This immersive, hands-on workshop will guide you through the entire process of turning a fresh, raw hide into soft, durable, and clean/machine washable sheep skin rug for years to come.
We will explore various tanning methods and their applications while gaining a deep understanding of the differences between buckskin, rawhide, and bark tanning. This embodied practice not only connects us to an age old skill but also fosters a meaningful connection to using our hands, the animals we honour, and deeper understanding of our place in the web of life.
By the end of the workshop, you will take home your own finished skin—a versatile and durable material that can be used as a throw, blanket, altar cloth, or even made into clothing, bags, and more.
Cost: $375-425 CAD
Location: Salt Spring Island, August 1-4
Once your registration fee is paid, you’ll receive a welcome packet with detailed course information and an online overview to support your tanning journey after the course.
AM will consist of fleshing the hide, washing, and tannin preparation. Also an in depth show and tell/discussion around bark tanning/other types will take place around lunch.
PM will be preparing hide to later stages of tanning.
What to expect...
Day Three: Sun Aug 3
Racking, Scudding and Fine Finishing
We will complete the process of tanning and finishing the hide into its final state. In depth discussions and question periods will be had through out.
Depending on weather, the work shop could be complete this day but more then likely a half day on Monday will be needed for hides to dry to completion.
Day One: Aug 1
Arrival in Pm
Set up Camp
Day Two: Sat Aug 2
Fleshing, Washing, Tannin Preparation, Hide talk
Day four: Departure Aug 4, Around 12-1pm
Hides will be removed from frames and sent home with participants.
You'll learn...
One methodology of Bark tanning methods for hair on tanning.
Different tanning methods and their uses, including the distinction between buckskin, rawhide, and bark tanning. We will also discuss other tannin sources, how to source your own, safe storage/preserving of hides
This is a physically demanding skill, and this method is one of the less labor intensive methods.
This course condenses a process that can be done over multiple days into two days for education purposes and to ensure people will finish their hides to high quality with mentorship.
Though with our curriculum and layout of the course the days should be relatively easeful. These skills are no rush they take time.
You will need to bring your own knife to work with.
Every student will take home a hide.
All raw course materials and tools are provided for the course with option to purchase tools at 10% discount from our supply to further your hide tanning journey past this course.