Description

Brain Tanning Course – The Ancient Art of Turning Hides into Buckskin

Before there were tanneries or chrome salts, there were people working by hand and instinct, transforming raw hides into supple, beautiful buckskin using only what nature provided. The process was slow, messy, and deeply rewarding. Smoke curled through campfire light as hides softened in skilled hands, the smell of wood and earth mixing with the rhythm of scraping and stretching. This was more than a craft, it was survival, clothing, and culture all in one.

Today, few people still practice this timeless tradition. In this 4-day hands-on class, you’ll step back into that ancient rhythm and learn to tan hides the old way, without chemicals or machines, just as our ancestors did.

Course Overview

Turn raw deer hides into soft, beautiful buckskin using the traditional art of brain tanning.

In this immersive course, you’ll work through every stage of the process from raw hide to finished leather using only natural materials and techniques that have stood the test of time. No modern chemicals, no shortcuts—just the real, old-world way of making leather.

You’ll learn to prepare, dress, soften, and smoke hides using emulsified fats and hand tools, gaining the knowledge and confidence to continue the craft on your own. This class focuses entirely on the brain tanning process, emphasizing practical skill, attention to detail, and a deep respect for the animal and the material.

Skills You’ll Learn

• Hide preservation and preparation

• Wet scraping hides clean

• Fat dressing and hand-softening techniques

• Smoking hides to preserve softness

• Traditional uses and care for tanned hides

What to Expect

Expect to get your hands dirty and your mind grounded in a process that connects you directly to the land and the animal. By the end of the four days, you’ll walk away with your own piece of buckskin and a skill that few people today still know how to do.