Only a few generations ago, our ancestors relied on hides as a primary source of rugged clothing for the outdoors. Many hide products remain the ultimate in functionality in cold weather, outperforming even the latest high-tech synthetic clothing. In this class, participants work through the entire hide tanning process, from fresh hide to beautiful tanned buckskin. We then turn this beautiful leather into a pair of comfy, functional and extremely warm mitts!

Various hide and fur tanning techniques will be covered, as well as patterns, sewing techniques, beading patterns and artwork for the finished product.

When done traditionally, leather is warm, rugged, breathable and contains no chemicals whatsoever. If left in your garden, it will biodegrade and actually make the garden healthier. There is nothing more sustainable or "green"! There are few clothing items that have so little environmental impact associated with them than handmade hide items harvested in a sustainable manner.