Adult Workshops
Introduction to Hide Tanning: Buckskin
May 23rd-24th, 2026
Location: 4H Acres-- Ithaca, NY
In this 2 day introductory tanning workshop, we will be transforming local white-tailed deer hides into buckskin using the smoke tanning method.
Participants will partake in:
-
bucking a hide
-
fleshing & graining - wet scraping method
-
prepping the hide for applying fat emulsion
-
framing & dry scraping
-
rehydrating & stretching
-
smoking a hide
This workshop will be set up with different deer hides in the various stages of smoke tanning. These workstations will allow each participant to get valuable hands-on experience taking part in each step of this tanning method, without having to commit to working an entire deer hide on their own. Participants will leave the workshop with a small section of smoke tanned hide and with exposure and knowledge of smoke tanning to begin tanning on their own. As hide tanning is a lifelong skill, with lots of nuance and regionally adapted methods, what is covered this weekend will be an overview to inspire those curious about tanning to feel equipped to go further.
$250-350 - income based payment
Registration through Primitive Pursuits
Sheep Camp: Hide Tanning &
Introduction to Animal Processing Workshop
August 20th-23rd, 2026
Dryden, NY
In this 4-day sheepskin tanning workshop, we will be transforming a raw hide from a locally raised sheep into a naturally tanned sheepskin rug using a combination of mineral & smoke tanning.
Participants will be learn a general overview on tanning sheep hides, gain practice experience fleshing, framing, dry scraping, smoking, and soften the hides & combing the wool.
This workshop will include harvesting and processing a locally pasture-raised sheep, to feed workshop participants over the duration of the four days. Participants will have the option to learn about working with different parts of the sheep including the blood, sinew, intestines, brain, stomach, heart, liver, tongue, hide and bones.
Introduction to Hide Tanning: Buckskin
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October 10th-11th, 2026
Location: Buffalo, NY -exact location upon registration
In this 2 day introductory tanning workshop, we will be transforming local white-tailed deer hides into buckskin using the smoke tanning method.
Participants will partake in:
-
bucking a hide
-
fleshing & graining - wet scraping method
-
prepping the hide for applying fat emulsion
-
framing & dry scraping
-
rehydrating & stretching
-
smoking a hide
This workshop will be set up with different deer hides in the various stages of smoke tanning. These workstations will allow each participant to get valuable hands-on experience taking part in each step of this tanning method, without having to commit to working an entire deer hide on their own. Participants will leave the workshop with a small section of smoke tanned hide and with exposure and knowledge of smoke tanning to begin tanning on their own. As hide tanning is a lifelong skill, with lots of nuance and regionally adapted methods, what is covered this weekend will be an overview to inspire those curious about tanning to feel equipped to go further.
Private Mentorship
Interested in learning to tan hides, but can't commit to a multi-day (in a row) workshop?
Danielle offers custom private or small group hide tanning mentorship. where she takes you from raw hide to finished product. There will be at-home tanning work to be done in-between mentoring sessions.
This is an in-person, mentoring opportunity.
Dryden, New York