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Ethical Fish Leather Tanning
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Ever attempted to or wondered how to make your own leather? Couldn’t get around the ethical dilemma of using animal skins? Come along and learn the basics of traditional tanning using waste fish skins that would otherwise end up as landfill, and transform them into an all-natural versatile textile. No prior knowledge necessary and the recipe works on other animal hides. And yes, fish leather is a real thing!
**Some traditional tanning tools and books will be available to purchase on the day depending on stock (so bring some cash in case)
Trainer Bio:
Josh McLean learnt the skills of fish leather tanning in Lapland, Sweden based on master tanner Lotta Rahme’s work. While travelling Josh had the privilege of learning firsthand from Lotta at her tannery in Sigtuna, and is now operating his own small business here in Australia out of the Yarra Valley called The Bush Tannery. The knowledge of traditional tanning and leather-crafting has been handed down from various indigenous groups across the planet with a strong common message and one that Josh fully embraces: craft beautiful textiles that celebrate life, not destroy it.
*photo credit Chris Wong
For Information on our cancellation policy please click here
- Traditional tanning methods
- Hands-on participation
- Instructions
- Take home your own fish leather project
- Notepad
- Writing materials
- Apron
- Gloves if you have any open cuts or infections
Casual, clothes you don't mind getting dirty
05 December 2018 • Ethical Fish Leather Tanning
The workshop with Josh was really great. He gave us really good advices. He shares with us a good philosophy : how to make a wonderful material thank to few things. The group was great too : good communication. I loved this workshop in Ceres ( great wibe there)
14 May 2018 • Ethical Fish Leather Tanning
Insightful and engaging teaching style. Josh is happy to share his vast knowledge and skills. Thoroughly enjoyed!
17 April 2017 • Ethical Fish Leather Tanning
This was a great class! I not only learnt the basics of fish skin tanning, but Josh, the teacher extended the learning as far as we wanted to go, so we tackled possum skin tanning and discussed and learnt about much of the background knowledge of the broader possibilities of tanning. Highly recommended.