Tanning with Tannins: using vegetation to tan skins, with Nicholas WazeeGale

In this program we will learn all the necessary steps to take a fresh deerskin from the animal to a finished sheet of grain-on leather. We will use a technique that leverages tannin-rich plant materials to do the chemical process that turns raw hides into in easily softened leather. Skinning, fleshing, dehairing, neutralizing, cooking bark and leaf and tanning in the bath, and finishing will be covered. Processing fresh hides to finished leather spans many days, so we will have skins in various stages to enable participants get hands-on experience at each step. No one skin will be finished during this class; the focus will be on learning the process (there will not be any finished leather for students to take home). This will be a full day of learning and experiencing this involved but transformative process.

Date: Saturday, December 14
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Lunch will be provided.
Ages: 12+
Location: Viola, WI

Sliding Scale Course Fee Guidelines

Supporter Level Ticket: $135
If you move through the world with financial ease and the means to fulfill many of your wants as well as your needs – you are able to eat out when you want, abundantly meet your needs through employment or can comfortably not work, have access to family wealth, own property, etc. – consider paying at this level, which will help us ensure the long term sustainability of our programs while keeping our offerings accessible to those with access to fewer resources.

Sustainer Level Ticket: $110
If you are able to meet your needs with relative ease while budgeting your educational and entertainment spending – for instance, you are able to take classes and eat out occasionally as long as you are mindful – consider paying at this level, which will help sustain the work of the Folk School at a modest level.

Supported Level Ticket: $85
If you struggle to fund your basic needs and have limited access to resources in your family and community, or if you would not be able to access this offering without a discounted payment option, consider paying at this level. We value your presence and contributions to our community and do not want any economic circumstances to be a barrier to attendance!