This course is a wonderful hands-on opportunity to produce your own sheepskin rug. It is very gratifying work and folks leave feeling very satisfied with their efforts.

Hide tanning is a very old skill. Humans have been tending to the skins of animals as a necessary part of their survival for a very long time. There are various methods to transform a skin and none of these need to be toxic. The industrial revolution, in its desire to be efficient, predictable and cheap, took hide tanning out of the “backyard” and created a very toxic industry. We will be returning to the roots of hide tanning which employs either emulsified fats, bark tannin liquors or naturally occurring mineral salts.

Currently, there are over 40 000 sheepskins being thrown away annually in Ontario alone. There are very few tanners and tanneries left. Therefore, it seems imperative to continue to share this old craft, to interrupt this waste stream, while creating an incredible product.

Over the course of the weekend you will learn about the intricacies of natural tanning within a fun and supportive group  environment. Sheepskins are an excellent addition to any sitting situation. They are luxurious and soft and have many uses (therapeutic, sleeping, seat covers, clothing, rug, fire-side, etc)

You may also wish to do the longer version of this course. The 4-Day Deeper Dive course covers both sheepskin tanning and deer hide tanning. Click HERE for details.

Keep an eye out for supplementary classes in the fall: Home butchery, Blacksmithing (making hide tanning tools), Rawhide for drums and Sewing with buckskin.

$320.00 (all materials included)

Garden fresh lunches, snacks & coffee included throughout the course. All dietary needs accommodated.

CALL TO REGISTER – (613) 200 6232

EMAIL TO REGISTER – danielleprophet@trentu.ca