Ancient Paths Tannery

06/18/2026

We're doing our part to restore the ancient path of tanning and leather work..

one hide at a time

06/17/2026

It's not every day a zebra hide comes through the Tannery.

We had the great privilege of working with a hunter to customize his African zebra hide with a lamb and calfskin suede backing.

03/16/2026

We have been abundantly blessed to be able to harvest all our tannins from our farm and surrounding farms. It's definitely not easy and there is a lot of work on the front end, but more often than not, the harder route is the most rewarding. It's the narrow way, the ancient paths.

This is pit tanned (our version) cowhide leather. Tanned in only hemlock tannins. The great thing about foraging tannins is that it can be seasonal which is why I hold on to my hemlock tannins when summer comes around.

03/16/2026

Tumbling a cowhide and a few other skins before the sun goes down. This is one of the true workhorses at the tannery. When the tumbler is running, it's a good sign that the hides are finishing up. They've already been staked and broken by hand and the tumbler helps polish the hair and finish off the hides. It's been frankinsteined enough, so YAH willing Hidesmasher 2.0 is on the way.

01/22/2026

Love the markings on this beautiful cow. Each one that comes through the tannery is unique and special. We’re honored to work with so many families and farms!

11/23/2025

This is what real leather looks like. Less plastic and more authentic.

Cow hide vegetable tanned leather is definitely a labor of love. We procure all of our leaf and bark tannins ourselves from our farm and surrounding areas.

Our goal and desire is to do things the old way..the better way.

03/22/2025

03/10/2025

A beautiful Highland cow hide and Euro mount. Don’t let any part go to waste!

01/30/2025

A variety of custom hides going out to Old Oak Taxidermy including White-Tailed + Piebald Deer and Elk. Our favorite has to be the Elk hide leather naturally tanned and then smoked.

01/19/2025

Shalom, I’m Jim. Custom tanner & natural preserver of all things animals from the hides to the horns.

My desire with Ancient Paths Tannery is to continue a skill that honours the blessings of the animal, whether it be a fleece from the family flock or the hide from a deer hunt, and to revive the ancient paths that are all but lost.

I pray that I can bless you as this craft and path continues to bless my family with all glory to The Most High.