Making Leather Wallets

Humans have been using animal skins to create versatile fabric for hundreds of thousands of years. Buckskin, traditionally, was a term used to describe hair- and grain-free handmade leather or suede.  "Buck" refers to the process of using lye or wood-ash to loosen the animal's fur and hair; buckskin does not necessarily have to be made using the hide of a male deer.  Humans have been using animal skins to create versatile fabric for hundreds of thousands of years. "Tanning" refers to the process of using tannins, usually derived from various plant materials, to process animal hides into leather (generally this is specified as "vegetable tanning.") Most commercially-processed leathers are vegetable-tanned.

Study a basic overview of the intensive process required to turn animal skins into leather, and learn techniques required to sew with leather. We'll use a a mix of brain-tanned deerskin buckskins and commercially-tanned leathers to craft wallets, pouches or change purses. $35 for Portland residents / $45 for non-residents includes all required tools, materials, and tuition.

Space in this class is limited. Preregistration, along with a paid deposit, is required to reserve a spot in the class. Deposits may be fully refunded in the event of a cancellation a week or more before the class, if the space is filled. Refunds for last-minute cancellations are unfortunately not available. Please plan accordingly. Contact Rewild Maine at (207) 449-7738 or rewildmaine@gmail.com if you have any questions.

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 available for paid classes on an as-needed basis and nobody will ever be turned away for lack of funds. All donations are tax-deductible.