We use a traditional European method of bark tanning.

We start making our sheepskins by cleaning them out in a acidic salt brine, similar to what you use for making pickles! This kills any bacteria in the process and readies it for our bark tea bath.

Bark tea is high in tannic acid that helps keep the sheepskins soft like fabric and deters pests.

The entire process would be considered edible, though extremely unpleasant to taste!

We spend a lot of time beautifying each sheepskin through washing with soap and brushing out any debris. The result is a lovely & natural sheepskin safe enough for babies.

There are some major differences between how our sheepskins are made and commercially produced leather and sheepskins.

Commercial made sheepskins and leathers have two main methods of tanning.

Chrome based leather are massed produced, often in third world countries with less environmental regulations. Many cheaper leathers are tanned using chromium salts. While this method is quick, washable and a supple and leaves the hide a white color, it comes to the expense of the environment as the waste water ends up polluting groundwater and soil. While there are no studies to suggest that chrome leather is harmful to their end users, some people may be sensitive to the chemical smell.

Vegetable tanning is a better alternative and the same method we use at a smaller scale. This tanning process uses plant based extracts to preserve the skin. This method is often safer, with a result of a colored leather. However, many commercial tanneries still label leather and sheepskins as “vegetable tanned” even when using chrome in their process. Preserving leather and sheepskins with vegetable tan extracts is expensive, and many companies use ways to cut cost while still benefiting This can leave consumers with little transparency on the products they are buying.

Bark tanned sheepskins are a term used by small tanners who are using the most traditional and natural methods of hide preservation. Our sheepskins are made in small batches, made by hand. You can feel assured that we use environmentally safe processes that gives you a nontoxic natural product.

Sheepskins are naturally dirt resistant, so cleaning is as easy as shaking it outside a few times or vacuuming the wool. Our sheepskins are considered machine washable, however, it is recommended to only do so when heavily soiled. This is because sheepskins can take a long time to dry, especially in humid conditions.

Light Care:‍ ‍Spot clean stains, Vacuum periodically, and brush wool as desired.

Brush your sheepskin out with a dog brush to give your sheepskin a fluffy look. To return the fibers back to shape, lightly spray with a vinegar solution.

Heavy Wash: Only recommended for heavy soiled sheepskin. Machine wash delicate or gentle cycle with ECOS laundry deterrent or wool specific soap. Hang to dry and lightly stretch. Sheepskins can take a long time to dry in some climates and cause the hide to be more firm. sheepskins will soften up with movement. NEVER TUMBLE DRY.