How We Tan Sheepskins into Beautiful Rugs

(Page 6 of 6)

November/December 1975
By Roberta Kirberger 
Article Tools
Print
Comments
RSS
Bookmark and Share

If you don't have sheep hides, the tanning procedure I've described is equally good for goat and calf skins. These make attractive natural rugs and are easier to wash and dry. Our butcher is looking for a nice black and white calf hide for us to try, and I hope to obtain some goatskins also. Since hide companies seem to deal in carload lots, we must ferret our supply out of the local countryside. The above method worked well for us (and it does get easier as you go along). All the same, we're looking into the glutaraldehyde process and — if it seems simpler and more efficient — we'll give it a try and report on the results.

RELATED CONTENT

Tanning and fur dressing are skills as old as civilized man (and then some), so you're really getting down to basics when you not only raise your own meat but process the skins as well. Peace!

Page: << Previous 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
Bookmark and Share
RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print

Comments

  • Jess 12/29/2008 1:05:16 PM

    The sidebar (which contains instructions) is available here: http://www.motherearthnews.com/Sustainable-Farming/1975-11-01/How-To-Tan-The-Easy-Way.aspx

  • ken knabenshue 11/5/2008 5:36:57 AM

    my nane is ken and i wood like info taning cowhides

  • Kymberlyn Weber 10/7/2008 6:09:59 PM

    Okay, I have 3 hides that are only a few hours old. Is there more to the article? What would you do next? I'll salt mine down chill them. I hope that is correct. What will we do with them once my husband wants the coolers back?

  • Sue 1/5/2008 3:51:27 PM

    I have my hide now and need to go on

Add Your Comment

Please note that there is currently a problem with the comments function and your comment may or may not post successfully. We are working to correct the problem and thank you for your patience. 

You can use this comment form to enter your personal experiences or additional information and resources that you'd like to share with Mother Earth News readers. Your helpful advice will be posted on this page.  E-mail addresses are never displayed on comments, but they are required to confirm your comments.

Line breaks and paragraphs are automatically converted — no need to use <p> or <br> tags.

New to Mother Earth News?
Sign up to share comments.
Asterisks(*) indicate required fields.
Name*
Your name appears next to your comment.

E-mail Address*
This will be your login ID.

City State Zip Code

Password*


Confirm Password*

Comments
1500 character limit (Offensive materials and/or spam will be removed, no HTML allowed)
Please Note: Your sign-up must be verified via e-mail before your comment is published.
FEATURED ARTICLES
MOST POPULAR


Subscribe Today - Pay Now & Save 66% Off the Cover Price

First Name: *
 Last Name: *
Address: *
 City: *
State/Province: *
 Zip/Postal Code:*
Country:
 Email:*
(* indicates a required item)
Canadian subs: 1 year, (includes postage & GST). Foreign subs: 1 year, . U.S. funds.
Canadian Subscribers - Click Here
Non US and Canadian Subscribers - Click Here

Lighten the Strain on the Earth and Your Budget

Mother Earth News is the guide to living — as one reader stated — “with little money and abundant happiness.” Every issue is an invaluable guide to leading a more sustainable life, covering ideas from fighting rising energy costs and protecting the environment to avoiding unnecessary spending on processed food. You’ll find tips for slashing heating bills; growing fresh, natural produce at home; and more. Mother Earth News helps you cut costs without sacrificing modern luxuries.

At Mother Earth News, we are dedicated to conserving our planet’s natural resources while helping you conserve your financial resources. That’s why we want you to save money and trees by subscribing through our Earth-Friendly automatic renewal savings plan. By paying with a credit card, you save an additional $4.95 and get 6 issues of Mother Earth News for only $10.00 (USA only).

You may also use the Bill Me option and pay $14.95 for 6 issues.