BARK TANNING WEEKEND
RABBIT FUR, FISH SKIN AND LEATHER
****We currently don't have any dates set for this course but get in touch if you are interested***
During this weekend camp you'll learn ancient processes of using tree barks to tan and preserve skin into leather and furs.
You will leave with a full understanding of the process and how it applies to a range of different animal skins, setting you up with the knowledge and experience to start tanning projects at home.
It’s a jam-packed weekend!
We will cover
-
Harvesting, processing and boiling bark to make tanning solutions
-
Bark tanning rabbit skins with the fur
-
Skinning and filleting fish
-
Bark tanning small fish skins and larger salmon skins
-
Upscaling the process to talk about making leather from larger animals
You will leave this camp with-
-
A fluffy rabbit skin
-
A salmon skin
-
An understanding of how to make leather
-
A small pouch
The Schedule
Friday: Arrival from 4pm, dinner together, introduction and evening talk around the fire
Saturday: bark tanning rabbit skins and preparing bark solutions, starting sewing project
Sunday: bark tanning salmon skins, softening and learning about how to make leather, pack down camp, leave at 4pm
Camp life
Participants can make camp in the woods and meadow.
Bring a tent or tarp.
We have a covered camp fire and compost toilet facilities.
We invite people to fully immerse in camp life - going with the rhythms of the day, and the hides. Please do your best to leave screens and technology behind.
This course provides all tools, materials and an organic, hearty dinner every night.
Nr Machynlleth, Midwest Wales
The Cambrian wildwood is an ecological restoration site, with wild horses and a stunning view over to Snowdonia. A very special place to be camping.
www.cambrianwildwood.org
£200 (we have concessionary places available, just ask)
To book your place, email us for a booking form and deposit details
oakandsmoketannery@gmail.com
This camp runs back to back with a brain tanning course, 4th-8th September.
For the full hide camp experience, come to both!
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
This Hide Camp was a wonderful experience. It was a brilliant few days - fantastic food cooked over an open fire, lovely people, and so interesting learning about natural tanning from two highly knowledgeable tutors. Jessie and Jane explained everything with such patience and expertise - it was truly fascinating, and great inspiration on many levels. Thier kindness and sensitivity with people and the elements meant we learned a lot and really enjoyed all the processes involved. I feel very connected with the skins I worked on, and have become much more conscious of other materials around me, and where they come from. Highly recommended.
-Nikki Chambers, course participant 2018
I had no idea what to expect but the whole experience was mind changing. The tutoring in hide preparation was excellent, but the bonus was the introduction to a culture so removed the pressures of city life, away from the windows we look through every day, be it house windows or TV and computer screens. A true appreciation is gained of the work our ancestors had to do to turn hides into clothes.
- Phil Joyce, course participant 2016
This Hide Camp was a wonderful experience. It was a brilliant few days - fantastic food cooked over an open fire, lovely people, and so interesting learning about natural tanning from two highly knowledgeable tutors. Jessie and Jane explained everything with such patience and expertise - it was truly fascinating, and great inspiration on many levels. Thier kindness and sensitivity with people and the elements meant we learned a lot and really enjoyed all the processes involved. I feel very connected with the skins I worked on, and have become much more conscious of other materials around me, and where they come from. Highly recommended.
~ Anna Ricketts, course participant, 2018