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Brain Tanning 101 – Payson, Arizona (April 10–14, 2025)
Brain Tanning 101
Turn raw hides into soft, durable buckskin using the traditional art of brain tanning.
In this 4-day hands-on course, you’ll learn every step of the process — from scraping and dressing to softening and smoking — using only natural materials and old-world methods. No modern chemicals, no shortcuts. Just real hide work, done the way it’s been practiced for thousands of years.
This workshop is open to all skill levels and is an excellent introduction to traditional tanning for anyone interested in primitive skills, rewilding, or self-reliance. Whether you’re a beginner or refining your technique, you’ll leave with the confidence and experience to tan your own hides at home.
Skills You’ll Learn
Hide preservation and preparation
Wet scraping hides clean
Fat dressing and hand-softening
Smoking hides to preserve softness
Troubleshooting, maintenance, and hide care
Understanding hide fiber and structure
Course Details
Dates: April 10–14, 2025
Location: Payson, Arizona
Duration: 4 Days
Cost: $500
Lodging: Primitive camping
Skill Level: Open to all — no experience required
What to Bring:
Camping gear
Outdoor clothing suitable for all weather conditions, (rain, heat, cold)
Water bottle
Notebook and pen (optional for notes)
Sharp knife
Food
Brain Tanning 101
Turn raw hides into soft, durable buckskin using the traditional art of brain tanning.
In this 4-day hands-on course, you’ll learn every step of the process — from scraping and dressing to softening and smoking — using only natural materials and old-world methods. No modern chemicals, no shortcuts. Just real hide work, done the way it’s been practiced for thousands of years.
This workshop is open to all skill levels and is an excellent introduction to traditional tanning for anyone interested in primitive skills, rewilding, or self-reliance. Whether you’re a beginner or refining your technique, you’ll leave with the confidence and experience to tan your own hides at home.
Skills You’ll Learn
Hide preservation and preparation
Wet scraping hides clean
Fat dressing and hand-softening
Smoking hides to preserve softness
Troubleshooting, maintenance, and hide care
Understanding hide fiber and structure
Course Details
Dates: April 10–14, 2025
Location: Payson, Arizona
Duration: 4 Days
Cost: $500
Lodging: Primitive camping
Skill Level: Open to all — no experience required
What to Bring:
Camping gear
Outdoor clothing suitable for all weather conditions, (rain, heat, cold)
Water bottle
Notebook and pen (optional for notes)
Sharp knife
Food
