Do-it -yourself tanning

[Greatoutdoors]

Okay since a couple of people were interested I went searching for how to tan a hide. I found a website with incredibly easy instructions Looks like you really just need a deer, pickling salt, and a knife. Here's the link: How to Tan a Hide

[outdoorchick]

That's pretty neat Greatoutdoors. Thanks for taking the time to look that up for us. Isn't the animal hide what the Indians used to make clothing?

[Grandpa]

I just returned from an outdoor learning experience. They had a lady there doing a primitive cooking exhibition (no pots, pans or foil). Her dinner was delicous, but thats not why I mentioned her. She also was wearing a deer skin tunic over her regular clothes that she had tanned herself. She said she used the old method of scraping, brains etc. She also said this tunic was just her work dress, she also had full deer skin dress clothes, moccasins, etc that she had tanned. Also, her knife scabbards etc. were all hand made.

I wish I knew how to write a book so I could be a ghost writer for this lady. She has so much knowledge and skill that the rest of us are starving for right now.

[3ofusnow]

That is awesome! I would love to talk to her, and I am sure you are right that she has lots of knowledge to share with the rest of us.

[Tubby]

Thanks for that link! I would love to tan the next deer hide I get. It would be awesome to go through the whole process on your own hide. I have been wanting to get my wife to make me a deerskin jacket and this may be the way I can get the deer hide!

[limbs]

There are somethings I can do, and some things I can not do. I have tried and tried to tan hides before and I always screw it up. I don't know why it is so hard for me!

[Grandpa]

Originally Posted by limbs

There are somethings I can do, and some things I can not do. I have tried and tried to tan hides before and I always screw it up. I don't know why it is so hard for me!

Limbs, after reading (and printing) the link provided by Great Outdoors, I followed several other links as well. And one thing I learned is this is not an exact science. One link flat out said that the best way was to learn by watching someone else. There are many variables along the way that only experience can get you through with success. I wouldn't worry about past failures, just keep trying and try to pinpoint what went right or wrong along the way.

[outdoorchick]

I read through the links too and found a couple of others as well. I figure it is worth giving it a try. You won't know if you can do it or not if you don't make an attempt at it. Nothing ventured nothing gained.