This course offers a unique opportunity to dive into traditional Scandinavian bark tanning methods with Swedish guest instructor Karl Karlsson. In this unique course, each student will work on tanning a beaver tail, beginning as a raw hide, and then learning the steps necessary to finish the project at home. Karl will teach several methods that date back to the early Middle Ages. As a group, the course will undertake a variety of other class projects that will cover pre-tanning methods and “old school” bark tanning techniques.

Required Tools

• Knife, 4” or smaller, stainless steel
• Rubber gloves
• Notepad
• Pencil

This course is part of Hide Week 2026. Plan to arrive a day 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.