TRADITIONAL HIDE TANNING Zine Booklet: How to Naturally Tan Pelts with Oil, Soap, and Smoke

"TRADITIONAL HIDE TANNING: Natural Fur Tanning Using Soap, Oil, and Smoke"
by Rachel Koski Nielsen, illustrated by David Nielsen


A brief but functional how-to guide to get the beginner started with tanning hair-on hides, or help the intermediate tanner refine their process. Smoke & fat, or "brain tanning", is the main topic, with the prescribed emulsified fat made from soap, water, and oil. A method for large hides and small furs alike.

Hand-drawn pen illustrations accompany my instructions and recommendations.

Zine / small booklet.

Stab binding done by hand with linen thread. Copied on 67 pound ivory vellum bristol.


About the author: I've been dabbling in natural fur tanning since 2010. I have experience using soap, oil, egg yolk, alum, and smoke to transform raw pelts into tanned leather hides. As of this publication in late 2021, I'm tanning unwanted sheepskins and deer hides, and doing some custom tanning work for hunters, as well as keeping my eye out for furry friends on the roadside. I'm far from an expert in this ancestral craft and continue to learn as I go.

Digital download now available.