Description
“Basics of Bark Tan” is a prerequisite for this class. Link: Basics of Bark Tan
Learn how to get the results you really want!
Do you want your hide to come out ooshy gooshy soft? Super dense and firm? Or perhaps a soft and really flexible surface with a dense interior? The beauty of tanning with tannins is that you can make a wide variety of leathers using the same basic materials simply by varying the choices you make while you are tanning. In this class we’ll each start with two pieces of deerskin that are mirror images of one another (cut from opposite sides of the same skin). We’ll then take each piece on a completely different journey, making choices at each step that increase density and thickness for one piece, and that develops soft suppleness with the other. The end result will be two strikingly different leathers created from the same materials – deerskin and oak bark.
And we’ll discuss ways to combine these choices to get different results:
- super soft and stretchy
- soft and flexible but with very little stretch
- thick, not as dense, but with some stretch
- tight grained vs smooth flexible grain
- thick, dense, very little stretch
- thin, dense, very little stretch
Its really not very complicated, just choices you make along the way. Once you understand those choices and how they interact, you are not just able to tan a hide, but able to work with the hide to create a wide variety of leathers. Its this aspect of bark and veg tanning that makes it especially creative and interesting for me.
You’ll learn and experience:
- Why tanners say “Leather is made in the Beamhouse” How to alter liming and pre-tanning processes to alter results for any tanning method (alum, brain, or veg)
- Bating enzymes
- How to use pH and swelling to your advantage
- How to use tannin concentration, and time vs strength to get the results you seek
- How different types of hides impact these choices and results (deer, goat, sheep, cow, calf, etc).
This class is necessarily spread out over more shorter sessions to give us a chance to do the varying steps together, and we need a few additional materials in order to facilitate the different goals. As always, class time will be structured so that you can dive in as deep, or not, as you desire.
The materials kit is included in the class fee and contains everything you need that you might not have around the kitchen – two one square foot pieces of raw salted deerskin, 1 1/2 lb lime, bating enzyme (pancreatic enzyme on wood flour – don’t think we could get poo through customs), 4 oz wheat bran and 8 lbs oak bark. Materials aren’t that different than the ‘Basics’ class, its how we use them that makes all the difference. There is no additional materials kit option for this class but I would encourage you to consider getting a pH meter, a barkometer and Universal pH Indicator if you haven’t already. They aren’t absolutely necessary for the class but are very useful for getting consistent results. These will pop up as options when you checkout.
There is one time slot for this class starting in April: at 11 am pacific time (evening in Europe). All sessions will be recorded and available to re-watch.
Customs and shipping: declared values will only be the value of the materials kit, not the class cost. Materials kit fits in Large Flat Rate box for cost efficiency.
Participants will need to flesh and start liming their hides one week prior to the first class (instructions and support provided)
Monday April 6th
60 minutes: Secondary liming, deliming choices
Wednesday April 8th
60 minutes: pH and Density
Friday April 10th
60 minutes: Densely into the Tannin
Monday April 13th
60 minutes: Bating
Thursday April 16th
60 minutes: Bate to Drench
Monday April 20th
60 minutes: Drench to Tannin
Monday April 27th
60 minutes: Dressing & Drying
Thursday April 30th
60 minutes: Softening & Hot Stuff
Monday May 4th
60 minutes: Finishing
Soft vs Dense Bark Tanning - Zoom Class
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Verified ReviewThe Soft vs Dense class was a wealth of information to add to what I learned in the Basics of Barktan class. It was so fascinating to experience hands-on just how different you can get two pieces of the same deer hide to turn out. This class has given me so much to experiment with on my hides at home and has helped bring my skills to the next level.
Verified ReviewExcellent, well-organized classes with in-depth instruction. Matt walks you through every step of the tanning process and answers every question that comes up. He also does a great job of communicating anything you’ll need to do or prepare before upcoming class sessions. Even if you can’t attend live sessions, the recordings are good quality and very instructive. I’ve taken three classes and highly recommend them. 10/10 and I can’t wait to take more. The only thing I don’t like about them is that they end!!
Verified ReviewThis is the third class I’ve taken with Matt Richards. He’s such a great teacher. He takes the time to answer all and any questions pertaining to tanning. I’ve learned so much and have nothing but good things to say about his teaching methods. Thank you Matt for another great class.
Verified ReviewI cannot say enough good things about this course and all the other online courses I have taken from Matt! He's a living encyclopedia of bark tanning, with a great sense of humor! What an inspiration! Thank you sooooo much!
Verified ReviewMatt is an excellent teacher. He is patient, kind, funny, and makes learning how to tan so easy. The hands-on, step by step process, with continued access to all videos and notes makes this class perfect.
Verified ReviewThis class is easily accessible whether you can attend live or only view the recordings later. The video and audio are clear, and the instructions are easy to understand. This particular class, "Soft Vs Dense" is particularly interesting because it shows how different choices made during processing result in two very different types of leather. An excellent course for those new to tanning or experienced tanners looking to improve their skillsets.
Verified ReviewGreat class, sad for it to end. Matt is an incredible teacher who has so much knowledge and patience. Grateful for the opportunity to participate.
Verified ReviewTerrific, in-depth class. This class brings another dimension to bark tanning, demonstrating how to manipulate materials and techniques to achieve specific results. Everything is very well explained, great Q and As throughout the recorded classes, and great slides to refer to during the class and in the future.
Bark tanning on the next level. This class was a wonderful building block on top of the basic bark tanning class. I feel like I understand far more about bark tanning. I have more confidence in my abilities. Matt's class is well thought out, well organized and he is a patient teacher. If you are interested in learning tanning start with the bark tanning basics and work your way up to this class, you will not regret it
