Using the Whole Animal – Intensive Course is a seven-day, hands-on exploration of the traditional skills involved in making full use of an animal.

Working with Dr. Theresa Emmerich Kamper, you will learn how an animal can be processed efficiently and how a wide range of materials can be preserved, prepared and put to practical use, rather than simply viewing the animal as a source of meat and skin.

The course takes you through the complete process, from basic butchery and meat preservation through to working with skin, fat, organs, bones, sinew, hooves and antler. You will learn how these different materials can be used for food, tools, cordage, sewing, glue, tanning and other practical purposes.

The second part of the course focuses on traditional deer-skin tanning, taking a raw hide through the various stages required to produce soft, durable leather. You will learn the techniques involved in de-fleshing, de-graining, preparing and dressing the hide, followed by softening and smoking to produce the finished leather.

The course concludes with leatherwork and bag making, giving you the opportunity to turn traditionally tanned leather into a practical finished item while learning a range of stitches, seams and basic pattern-making techniques.

This is an immersive opportunity to develop a much deeper understanding of how people have historically made use of an entire animal, combining practical skills, traditional technologies and modern tools where appropriate.