Smoke Tanned Fur Bearer
Embark on a transformative 3-day experience to learn the ancient skill of HAIR ON- brain/smoke tanning-the oldest hide tanning method in the world found on every continent.
This immersive, hands-on workshop will guide you through the entire process of creating a soft, durable, and beautifully supple Rabbit, Beaver, Coyote or Fox. (Course availability depends on Furs Available)
We will explore various tanning methods and their applications while gaining a deep understanding of the differences between Brain tanning, Bark tanning and Rawhide. This embodied practice not only connects us to a pan cultural ancient skill but also fosters a meaningful connection to using our hands, the animals we honor and deeper understanding of our place in the web of life.
By the end of the workshop, you will take home your own finished garment—a versatile and durable material that can be used as a rug, blanket, altar cloth, or even made into clothing, bags, and more.
Cost: Ranging from $150-$425 depending on fur being tanned.
We off a 10% buddy discount, So bring a friend!
Location: Choose species and dates at checkout
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.
This day will consist of scraping and removing any fat or remaining flesh from the hide, washing the wool, removing membrane and preparing hide for next day. We will also have an in depth discussion about the different types of tanning and their applications. The rest of the day will be on your own time.
Day One:
Fleshing, Racking, Membrane removal
What to expect...
Day Two:
Braining & Softening
We begin the process of applying more fat to the hides, by the afternoon all hides will be mechanically worked until soft, velvety and dry.(this process is a committed period of time until the hide is fully dried). We will help each other finish softening as every hide is different and some may finish faster than others.
Day Three:
Smoking & Departure
We will complete the process of tanning by smoking the hides, finalizing the alchemy we have been partaking in these last few days. Smoking is the last step to transform the hide to last for a lifetime.
NOTE: For smaller hides the format may be condensed into a shorter timeline. See sign up portal for selection of dates for your consideration.
We will camp together and wake together.
We will feast around the fire in the evenings and share food through out the day.
Together we will co create a container to step away from our modern life and reconnect with deeper parts of our innate wildness.
Camping spaces will be provided on site.
How to make use of future hides that come into your life.
You'll learn...
The complete HAIR ON brain tanning process, from raw hide to finished brain tanned fur.
Different tanning methods and their uses, including the distinctions between Braintan, Buckskin, Rawhide, and Bark tanning.
This is a physically demanding skill, will require long days, and will be mostly in the sun. This course condenses a process that can be done over multiple days into three days for education purposes and to ensure people will finish their hides to high quality with mentorship.
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.
Please consider...
