Making Leather / Hide Tanning (FREE!)

Animal skins, when properly prepared, provide a strong material that may be used to fashion clothing, containers, cordage, and more. Humans worldwide have been using animal skins as fabric for thousands of years, if not more. Learn to process animal hides into strong leather, which can be used to make durable clothing, shoes, bags and other items that, if properly cared for, will last for several lifetimes. 

We'll be scraping, cleaning, wringing, dressing, hand- and frame-softening, and smoking. Everyone can work a hide at various stages in the process. If you are only able to attend one day, or part of a day, you will be able to garner a basic overview of the process, and practice the pertinent skills. If you want to just stop by, and see what's going on for a while, to get a sense of it, without getting too involved, that's fine! Come by any time. You can come for free. Please contact us to let us know you'll be stopping by.

If you want to learn the entire process, and leave with a piece of finished buckskin leather, you'll need to commit to all three days of the workshop. Campsites with outhouse are available. We are asking for campers to provide their own food and cooking means for the weekend. Please give a call on the phone if you have any questions about this workshop. 

Hide tanning is hard, messy work! Wear your warmer dirties (rubber boots are nice), and be prepared to use your whole body.

Rewild Maine is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization. We depend on donations from the community to offer free classes and workshops and we are grateful for your support. Scholarships are always available for paid classes on an as-needed basis and nobody will ever be turned away for lack of funds. If you need financial assistance, please contact us. Donations for free programs will always be graciously accepted. All donations are tax-deductible.