In this one day workshop, we'll learn how to use bark (or vegetable) tanning – a traditional, organic technique – to transform raw sheep hides into beautiful, durable, washable sheepskins. Students are also invited to additionally purchase an at home tanning kit We will cover the science and history of tanning techniques, then get hands-on and work with hides in every step of the process from salting and fleshing, to preparing tanning solutions, to the washing, brushing, and styling of finished sheepskins.

Bark tanning a single hide takes 10+ days with multiple steps. This workshop shortcuts all the waiting time by providing example hides that began tanning days and weeks before class. We'll see and feel how a raw hide transforms from skin into leather, all in the course of a day. Students can then opt to take a salted hide home with them, along with all the specialty supplies and instructions needed to tan it at home.

Space is limited, with registration open through 4/26. Send an $80 deposit by Venmo to @ash-k-m to reserve a spot, and reach out to Ash Kerby-Miller at ashkminvt@gmail.com with any questions.