Gifts of the Deer

​​September 5th-7th and October 4th-5th 2025

 

9:00am-4:00PM (or when finished)

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Dryden, NY - location upon registration

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​Overview: 

The process of turning animal skins into usable cloth or leather is a universal earth living skill, very likely in all of our ancestral lineages in some form.  Regionally adapted methods of tanning hides, using the earth-based resources provided, have been a part of human existence for thousands of years! More recently evident in history, indigenous cultures all across the world still use/used the entire animal when processing them, turning raw hides into usable cloth.  The warm, soft, durable and water resistant buckskin being a highly valued resource for clothing, structures, vessels, shoes etc.  

 

Tanning hides in old, natural, from the Earth ways using smoke, bark, brains, eggs, soap, salt, oil and minerals is having a slow revival. Over the last two centuries, much of the specific land-based nuance of tanning hides regionally has been lost due to the invention of chromium and harsh chemical tanning has dominated tanneries all over the world, having huge environmental impacts. 

 

Ready to partake in the revival of learning to create a durable, reliable textile that breaks down into the Earth when its usability is complete?

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Details:

In this 4-day smoke tanning workshop, we will be transforming

local white-tailed deer hides into buckskin using the smoke tanning method.

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Participants will partake in:

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• bucking 

• fleshing & graining - wet scraping method 

•  prepping the hide for applying fat emulsion 

•  framing & dry scraping 

•  rehydrating & softening the hide

•  smoking a hide

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Each participant will work on their own deer hide from fleshing to smoking their hide. 

The effort, dedication and care put into working and tending your hide will reflect the finished product.

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A workshop pace, a full-on physically active day, can be tough for some individuals.

If you have an interest in hide tanning but cannot commit to the pace of these long days,

please check out the private mentorship opportunities. 

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In addition to processing the hides we will discuss methods for storage and preservation of fresh hides,

creating your own at-home hide step up, and what to do with your hide post smoking.

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Dates and flow of the program:
 

Friday September 5th - intro, historical and practical overview of the hide tanning process, flesh & grain hides, acidify

Saturday September 6th — framing hides for dry scraping, opening hides & applying fat emulsion
Sunday September 7th — dry scraping, de-framing

Saturday October 4th— applying fat emulsion, wringing & stretching 

Sunday October 5th-- final stretching to soften hides, smoking

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Come join us for an informative, gratifying & connective weekend

of honoring the gifts of our local white-tailed deer!

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Disclaimer: Hide tanning is physically (and often emotionally) enduring, hard and smelly work! This skill requires patience, persistence, and self-care. We will be working in a deeply heart-centered, intentional and held way, where Danielle will pass along my personal rituals around animal processing.  Her intention is to make sure everyone feels comfortable and informed as this process is for your learning.   Taking a break to stretch and move your body, root yourself in the Earth, and step away is always welcome.  The deer hides provided were all sourced from local hunters. 

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$450-550 slide scale per participant (trade/barter options available). 

$100 non-refundable deposit due upon registration. Deposit goes towards the full cost of the program. 

Remaining payment due first day of program.

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In honor of reciprocity and the converging lineages of ancestral earth living skills, a portion of the proceeds of my workshops are donated to local BIPOC led organizations dedicated to reconciliation and repatriation efforts. 

 

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