Hide Tanning 101: Brain Tanning and Bark Tanning

Transform raw hides into soft, durable leather using traditional brain tanning and bark tanning methods.
In this 3-day intensive, you’ll work hands-on through every step of hide tanning — scraping, dressing, softening, and smoking hides with no modern chemicals. You’ll also gain an introduction to bark tanning using natural tree barks.

This course is one focused segment of the full 14-day Montana Earthskills Intensive, offered here as a stand-alone experience.

Skills You’ll Learn

• Hide preservation

• Hide uses

• Wet scraping hides clean

• Brain dressing and hand-softening

• Setting hides on frames and stretching

• Smoking hides

• Bark tanning basics: bark collection, tanning solutions, finishing leather

• Troubleshooting and caring for tanned hides

Course Logistics

• Dates: October 1 – 3, 2025

• Duration: 3 Days

• Location: Green University LLC, Montana

• Cost: $400

• Meals: Dinners provided (bring your own breakfast and lunch)

• Lodging: Primitive camping (tent or wikiup available)

• Gear to Bring:

  • Scraping knife (if owned; loaners available)

  • Camping gear

  • Rugged outdoor clothing

  • Water bottle

• Skill Level: Open to all — no experience needed