This course is titled sheepskin tanning, but the methods used will work for goats, deer, rabbits, and other small game. Larger hides may require additional steps, not discussed in depth in this tutorial. However, when I do begin working on larger hides such as cows. I will add onto this course and you will ALSO gain access to that. No additional charge! It is a LIFETIME membership!
Course Curriculum
Welcome
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Before We Get Started
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Hide Tanning Steps
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after you enroll
- Step 1: Finding hides to tan
- Step 2: Salting/curing the hide (2:39)
- Step 3: (optional) Rehydrating the hide (1:50)
- Step 4: Fleshing the hide (3:01)
- Step 5: Wash hide and sew holes/tears (3:58)
- Step 6: Preparing & applying the brain or egg solution (New video added 11/10/21) (4:51)
- Step 7: Frame/Racking the hide (1:16)
- Step 8: Scraping/Softening/Stretching hide (updated 6/29/2021) (7:52)
- Step 9: Smoking the hide (added text 11/4/22) (1:44)
- Step 10: Final Wash (optional)
- Step 11: Oil and hand stretch (added new video 1/19/2021) (5:54)
- Brushing and Sheepskin Care (added 1/22/2021)
- Extra! Wool Slipping (1:12)
- Finished Leather (0:26)
- Bonus Video* Softening a hide after it dried completely on the frame (2:05)
Hi, I’m Bethany Cantwell. Farmer and shepherdess at Aurora Blue Farm
Utilizing every part of the animal, from nose to tail is important to me as a farmer. I learned to tan hides as another way to honor that animal
Finished leather has a soft, pliable canvas-like feel
Jacob sheepskin from my flock
Finn sheepskin on the frame and ready to be softened