Tanning fur-on skins is a traditional and effective way to procure material for warm winter clothing, rugs, and bedding. The work is involved and demanding of effort and know-how, but the garments are beautiful, durable, and well-suited to northern winters. In this day and a half program, we will flesh raccoon skins, prepare them with egg or brain, and stretch them as they dry. Students will likely have some finishing work to do beyond the class time, but will have sufficient knowledge of the process to complete their skins and many more. Tools, beam work, tanning larger hair-on skins, and smoking will all be covered to a degree in this class, some only in demonstration form. This process is fully applicable to various wild furbearers, domestic rabbits, sheep, and goats, and small deer.
Date: Saturday and Sunday, February 20-21, 2027
Time: Saturday 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Sunday 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Lunch will be provided on Saturday.
Ages: Adults only
Materials Fees: $30
Location: Viroqua, WI
Sliding Scale Course Fee Guidelines (not including Materials Fees)
Supporter Level Ticket: $225
If you move through the world with financial ease and the means to fulfill many of your wants as well as your needs – you are able to eat out when you want, abundantly meet your needs through employment or can comfortably not work, have access to family wealth, own property, etc. – consider paying at this level, which will help us ensure the long term sustainability of our programs while keeping our offerings accessible to those with access to fewer resources.
Sustainer Level Ticket: $185
If you are able to meet your needs with relative ease while budgeting your educational and entertainment spending – for instance, you are able to take classes and eat out occasionally as long as you are mindful – consider paying at this level, which will help sustain the work of the Folk School at a modest level.
Supported Level Ticket: $145
If you struggle to fund your basic needs and have limited access to resources in your family and community, or if you would not be able to access this offering without a discounted payment option, consider paying at this level. We value your presence and contributions to our community and do not want any economic circumstances to be a barrier to attendance!
Instructions
Please bring a sharp knife if you have one, nitrile gloves if desired, and you are welcome to bring your own raccoon skin! Dress for getting messy in this class, both indoors and out. We will be fleshing raccoons outside on beams, then prepping them inside and stretching them over our laps.