Hide Tanning - Drum making Workshops

Upcoming Dates: No upcoming classes. Contact us to schedule a group class.

Costs: $135 for Drum Making Workshop and Full Tanning Workshop, $60 for Hide Tanning Workshop

Length of Time: 10am - 3pm.

Class Description

Honoring the animal that has been hunted was very important to all native cultures. Nothing is wasted, that way the animal is honored. This class will teach you how to turn a deer hide into Buckskin for clothing and crafts and also to preserve pelts from various animals.

Topics covered:

• obtaining a hide
• skinning
• wet scrape verses dry scrape
• making rawhide
• making buckskin
• brain tanning
• waterproofing by smoking
• how to make articles of clothing from your finished product
• what you can make out of rawhide *Drum Making if this is your option*

You will not be able to complete a project of your own during the day class but you can get a hands on, working with hides in various stages. This will give you a feel for you to go home and do it yourself. Great for the Boy Scout Leatherwork Merit Badge (scout & group rate discount will apply).

The Drum Making Workshop is an extension of the intro class. A second class work period will be needed (chosen at your convince). You will process a deer hide into rawhide and then make a 14" Hoop Drum.

The Full Blown Hide Tanning Workshop will take three class work periods. Begin with the basic tanning class if you can then two other work periods will need to be scheduled. You will go through each step in the Hide Tanning Process with your very own deer hide. All tools will be available for you to use along with the guidance and coaching you will need to complete the process. It is a commitment, a lot of work but to me it is one of the most rewarding creation I have ever attempted. Deerskin to Buckskins!!!

Class begins on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. The first class will last until 3 pm. The second and third classes will be workshop form, i.e. depending on how fast you work each stage will determine how long it will take. It's the camaraderie of doing it together that will make it fun. Bring your own lunch.

Parent/Child teams will be accommodated. A 12 year old could complete the project with the desire and determination. Sorry to say that it is not an easy task but a very rewarding one.

Note: This Class meets some requirements for the Boy Scout Leatherwork Merit Badge.

We have a swimming pond and outdoor showers, so bring provisions to enjoy.

NOTE : All classes have a minimum number of registrants to make or sorry to say it will be cancelled. So bring your friends and tell everyone you know. Some classes are listed but are not currently on the schedule for the upcoming year. If your group has an interest we can schedule a date for you.

Large Family Rates are available.

Scout and other large groups of 12 or more are eligible for a group discount, contact us for more information.