Hide Tanning Workshop:
From Fresh Hides to Supple Leather
Oct 7-8, 2017 in Worcester, VT
Learn the ancient art of turning fresh animal hides into soft leather. This alchemical process teaches us deep gratitude for our animal allies and the skilled craftspeople who are our ancestors. We will take time throughout the day to give thanks to the animals who have surrendered their skins for our workshop (all wild or lovingly raised). Kendall Roberts is an experienced tanner and skilled instructor, and she will make our learning collaborative and fun. This two-day workshop will give you the knowledge and skills to tan your own hides at home for years to come.
Here's some more information about the class:
- What: In this weekend class, Kendall will teach us all the skills of natural brain tanning, covering both buckskin and hair-on processes, working on demonstration hides to learn each skill (which may include deer, goats, sheep, ground hog and fox). You will leave this class with all the skills you need to tan hides at home!
- Who: This class is open to all genders.
- When: Oct 7-8, 2017. Class runs from 10am-5pm each day.
- Where: Hunter's Hollow in Worcester, VT (Directions Here)
- Cost: $295 per person
- Meals: Two hot lunches are provided
- Lodging: Free camping is available on-site, bring your own tent and sleeping bag
- What to bring: Work clothes that can get dirty and stinky, warm layers, rain layers, sturdy footwear, water bottle, snacks. Bring songs to sing and stories to share while we work the hides together. You are welcome to bring your own hides to work on as well: roadkill is an excellent source (you can freeze the raw hides until the workshop), or contact Stark Hollow Farm if you'd like to buy a raw icelandic sheepskin to work on ($50 each). You will probably not be able to finish a completely raw hide over the course of the weekend, but you can get it started and learn the other steps on the prepared demonstration hides.
How do I register? Fill out the Registration Form, submit online payment, and sign the waiver Here.
For more information about the instructors, scroll down below the photo gallery.
About the Instructors:
Kendall Roberts
Kendall is an artist, herbalist, hide-tanner, dancer, and early-educator living in Brattleboro, Vermont. She is the founder of Rising Sun Nursery where she provides mindful presence and care-giving to a small group of children between the ages of 1 and 3. She tanned her first hide in 2013 and in 2014 started seasonally apprenticing with her mentor, Mark. Each winter she looks forward to fleshing hides, eating bear foot soup, and doing strong physical labor in the frigid weather. Tanning hides connects her to a deeper feeling of being human and has been a journey in self-empowerment, spiritual growth, and humility.
Kendall Roberts
Kendall is an artist, herbalist, hide-tanner, dancer, and early-educator living in Brattleboro, Vermont. She is the founder of Rising Sun Nursery where she provides mindful presence and care-giving to a small group of children between the ages of 1 and 3. She tanned her first hide in 2013 and in 2014 started seasonally apprenticing with her mentor, Mark. Each winter she looks forward to fleshing hides, eating bear foot soup, and doing strong physical labor in the frigid weather. Tanning hides connects her to a deeper feeling of being human and has been a journey in self-empowerment, spiritual growth, and humility.
Maggie Ranen
Maggie is passionate about wilderness skills and nature connection. She is deeply driven by her commitment to being an active community member and strives to live in harmony with the land and the beings that dwell in it. Maggie works at at Wolftree programs and Leapfrog programs. Apart from nature education, Maggie co-runs Full Circle Landscaping and the Compost Collective.
