REDISCOVER THE ANCIENT WAYS
HIDE TANNING TOOLS
So many people are now looking for ways to be self sufficient, self governing, self-reliant. With that change comes the re-emergence of the old ancestral skills needed to be a smallholder, diversify your farm, to live off grid, home school our kids, keep alive traditional crafst, find land to support our dreams and create regenerative farms and communities.
I have been tanning hides traditionally, using all methods of fat, brain, smoke and bark, for nearly 10 years and in that short time the interest and engagement of such an ancient skills has really rocketed. I find this so encouraging, so i wanted to find more ways to help others learn the process of turning raw flesh into soft leather and to keep this craft from dying out.
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So i asked Nathan, a traditional blacksmith who lives on the beautiful Islands of Orkney, to craft some hide tanning tools, based on the design i gave him from my experience of tanning tools that work well and he came up with some exceptional quality pieces, using his unique craftmanship to offer you tools that will last, with care, a lifetime of tanning. True heir looms to be passed onto the next generation. The tools will be accompainied by my written word of the practical knowldge in how to use these tools and tan hides.
REMEMBERING
So many people are looking for ways to be self sufficient, self governing, raise their own food and honour their animals by-products after death. With that change comes the re-emergence of the old ways and skills needed to be self reliant, to live off grid, home school our kids, find land to support our dreams. Clothe our homes and selves but also to create businesses that allow us to live off the land.
Hide tanning used to be big business throughout history but now there are very few tanneries left and any that do still run, have long wait times and are tanned using harsh chemicals. I have been tanning hides for nearly 10 years and in that short time the interest and engagement of such an ancient skills has really rocketed. I find this so encouraging! I teach people how to tan hides, sheepskin, deer and small mammal through workshops and retreats but here i have a created a set of tools and instructions to get you started from the comfort of your own home.
REIGNITING
This offering consists of several options to get you tanning hides. wether you're a seasoned pro looking for some high quality long lasting tools to invest in and add to your collection, or you are a total beginner, looking to start your venture into hide tanning at home. Maybe you have your own flock of sheep you'd like to start selling the sheepskins from, or you buy in hides and make leather for personal use. The options here cover all bases.
I have added to the kit an exclusive hide tanning booklet, written by me, with basic instructions to get you tanning hides from scratch. There is also the option to just pre-order the tools individually.
MEET THE MAKER
Nathan is a self taught craftsman living at 59 degrees north, surrounded by the majestic and awe-inspiring Orkney archipelago. He and his family have embarked on the journey of building a small permaculture homestead together on a 5-acre haven.The passion for creation runs deep, and it finds its expression through diverse crafts. His commitment extends to learning and mastering various skills while sharing the knowledge gained with others. Working with metals, bone, leather, woods, Orkney Boreray horns and hides, stone, and with aspirations to delve into clay and glasswork, crafting is a profound love. The focus often gravitates towards Norse culture and history, with a deep connection to his North-heritage, inspiring the creation of authentic Viking-era jewelry, tools, and modern designs.All the creations are meticulously handcrafted, often using traditional hand tools, a testament to the dedication to craft items from raw materials.
