Hide-Tanning Course

As a group we will be processing a deer skin so it will be transformed to soft leather suitable for making clothes, blankets and other items from. If properly processed, this leather can actually be machine washed and water-resistant.
We will go through the entire process, starting with removing the hair and epidermal layer, "fleshing" and degraining and finishing with the brain treatment, stretching and smoking of the hide. You will be able to take your own share of the completed hide with you to make items from or simply to keep as a reminder.
We will serve you lunch in the form of bread, butter, ham, cheese, jams and other spreads. Fresh fruit will also be available throughout the day. We will make sure there are plenty of hot and cold drinks available for you throughout the day. In the evening we will cook a healthy and filling meal over the fire.
The course is taught from our specialized course-site where there is plenty of shelter to work in if the weather is bad or near Ballynahinch co Down. We will have to spend some time outdoors preparing the hide. The site is about 10 minutes walk away from the car-park, and there may be some muddy areas on the trail to the camp.
This course does not require you to have a lot of equipment available, but below is a list:

Required:
¥ Sharp knife (2" to 5" blade preferably non-folding but if itÕs a folding knife it has to be lockable!) If you do not have a knife, we would suggest you borrow one from us during the course rather then purchase one as we can explain different knife-types and their benefits to you during the course. This knife must be easy to clean thoroughly ¥ Plate, drinking-mug, spreading knife
¥ Old but warm clothing
¥ Appropriate shoes
¥ gloves (Washing-up gloves or several sets of latex gloves)
¥ Notebook and different colour pens
¥ Sleeping bag and mat
¥ Poncho, tarpaulin or tent (There are sleeping spaces available, but bringing your own gives you more options)

Recommended:

¥ Camera
¥ Some snack food (IE: travel-mix, dried fruits, chocolate)