Vegatable Tanning - Sheepskins

Cozy cabin interior with fire, kettle, and a woman reading peacefully.

£255

A two day Sheepskin Tanning Workshop – Frame, Scrape & Veg Tan Your Own Hide

-Step into the world of traditional craftsmanship and learn the ancient art of sheepskin tanning. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll transform a raw sheepskin into a beautifully tanned hide using a time-honored, natural method.

You will learn how to:

🪵 Using a tanning frame – stretch and secure your hide for efficient working

🔪 Scrape and prepare the skin

🌿 Vegetable tan using natural ingredients – create a soft, sheepskin without using harsh chemicals

By the end of the workshop, you’ll take home a sheepskin you’ve tanned yourself—a unique piece steeped in history and skill. Whether you’re passionate about traditional crafts, sustainable materials, or simply love working with your hands, this workshop is a deeply connecting and rewarding experience.

Immerse yourself in this age-old craft and walk away with not just a beautifully tanned sheepskin, but the knowledge to do it again.

For the past 19 years, Ffion has been immersed in the study and practice of natural materials and traditional crafts. As part of an alternative life and workstyle, she has long incorporated the preparation of roadkill and other unused animal hides—honouring these materials by turning them into something lasting and useful. Her latest mission is to rekindle the ancestral knowledge of tanning, encouraging others to reclaim this lost skill and preserve hides through hands-on learning.

Close-up of burning firewood with bright flames outdoors.

If you have any questions about the course content please get in touch, we look forward to seeing you at the workshop.

Workshop Info

Workshop outline:

Provided on the workshop:

Workshop outline:

Join us for a weekend of sheepskin tanning at our tanning workshop! On Saturday, we'll start at 9am and finish at 5pm, with dinner provided by us at 7pm. On Sunday, we’ll again begin at 9am and wrap up by 5pm. Please remember to bring your own packed lunch to keep you energized as you explore traditional crafts.

Accommodation:

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Off-grid fully immersive accommodation for your sheepskin tanning experience

£-recommended donation

Please call to find out more about this setup. In my opinion, it’s the best accommodation available, but you'll have to make your own mind up on that. Feel free to call to find out more about the traditional crafts and the tanning workshop.

Ffion Harris-07832027396

Other accommodation options available:

- The Derby Arms

- Moss Howe Farm Campsite

- CARA’s luxurious space in the Lake District - Houses for Rent in Witherslack, England, United Kingdom - Airbnb

Accommodation will need to be booked in advance by you as it is separate from the price of the workshop;

This campsite is at the same location as the workshop and will be ideal for your stay during the tanning workshop: https://mosshowefarm.co.uk/

Provided on the workshop:

Tuition for the sheepskin tanning workshop includes all the tools needed for the process. You'll also receive one evening meal on Saturday evening, along with hot and soft drinks and biscuits. The space to tan is provided, allowing you to immerse yourself in traditional crafts.

To bring:

Provided on the workshop:

When preparing for a day at the sheepskin tanning workshop, be sure to pack lunch in a small backpack. Bring along a notepad, pencils, and rubber for jotting down notes about traditional crafts. Don't forget to include thin working gloves, a water bottle, a torch with spare batteries, and a small first aid kit that has plasters and any personal medication. A wash kit with a towel and biodegradable soap is essential, as well as utensils like a knife, fork, and spoon. Lastly, pack a mug, bowl, and plate for your meals.

Clothing:

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When attending the sheepskin tanning workshop, it's important to wear outdoor clothing and plenty of layers, even in the summer, to adapt to all types of weather—from cold to hot, and wet to dry. Please ensure you wear walking boots for protection both in the workshop and while exploring the surrounding area. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit for optional swimming in the nearby area or for a sauna at the Damson Dene, if it is open, as part of your experience with traditional crafts.

Vegatable Tanning - Sheepskins

£255

If you have any questions about the course content please get in touch, we look forward to seeing you at the workshop.

Sheepskin Tanning Workshop

Workshop Info

Workshop outline:

Provided on the workshop:

Workshop outline:

Accommodation:

Provided on the workshop:

Workshop outline:

Provided on the workshop:

Provided on the workshop:

Provided on the workshop:

To bring:

To bring:

Provided on the workshop:

Clothing:

To bring:

Clothing:

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