Natural tanning is an act of natural chemistry. Understanding that magic is fun, interesting and makes you a much better tanner or tanning teacher. We’ll mix hands-on experiments, experiences and slide presentations to learn with both mind and senses. We’ll explore the value of common tests: the jello test, the heat shrink test, and the goldbeater skin test. What are tannins versus pseudo tannins, tanning versus dressing, hide glue versus hide mucus, brain tanning versus fat tanning versus cod oil tanning? How and why to do combination tanning such as tannin plus alum, alum plus smoke, smoke plus tannin. We’ll explore the importance of pH, the swelling curve and all the crazy ways it affects everything, right down to how much you’ll need to work softening your brain tan. Also on the docket-- collagen, elastin, keratin, & skin structure, myths and incorrect stuff! Come ready to play and learn. Open to students ages 14+.

This course is part of Hide Week 2026. Plan to arrive early for the Tanner’s Conference Day on Friday, May 15, which features demonstrations, speakers, and community gatherings offered as a benefit to students enrolled in Hide Week coursework. Full schedule available online in winter 2026.