Tanning with Tannins Two Day Workshop || with Nicholas WazeeGale

This method of tanning, frequently called bark or vegetable tanning, is an ancient method that was prevalently used in the northern parts of Europe and Asia. It creates a strong and long-lasting tan that is relatively dense in nature but can also yield softer, lighter leathers.
Using deerskin and tannin-rich plants like sumac from our environment here in the Driftless, we will have hands-on experience with all steps of the process. Emphasis will be on tanning hair-off skins but we will also cover in some detail how to use this method on hair-on skins, like sheepskins and pelts. Some of our second day will be spent harvesting sumac and maybe bark, and students will take home enough fresh sumac leaf for tanning a first skin (if they have cargo room!).
No single skin will go through all steps in this workshop, instead skins will have been prepped at all crucial stages for hands-on experience building, and students will leave with a comprehensive understanding of this method (but not with finished leather).
Date: Saturday and Sunday, August 22-23, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM each day
Lunch will be provided.
Ages: 12+
Materials fee: $70
Location: La Farge, WI
Instructions: Dress for weather, messiness, and covering up legs and arms from parsnip with sumac harvesting. Come to class with note-taking equipment as needed, there are many formulas and processes to keep straight.
Sliding Scale Course Fee Guidelines (not including Materials Fees)
Supporter Level Ticket: $250
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: $200
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: $150