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Ethical Fish Leather Tanning

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Event description

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

What you will learn

  • Traditional tanning methods
  • Hands-on participation

What you will get

  • Instructions
  • Take home your own fish leather project

Photos/Recordings of the event and attendees

During events, photographs or recordings may be taken and by attending, you consent to be photographed or recorded and having your photos or recordings used for CERES promotional purposes only. Please speak to the event presenter should you wish to be excluded.


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Refund policy

CERES reserves the right to cancel workshops due to insufficient numbers. If we cancel the workshop you will be entitled to a 100% refund, or you may choose to transfer to another date, subject to availability. If you decide to withdraw 7 or more days prior to the workshop date CERES will retain a 10% administration fee. If you decide to withdraw less than 7 days prior to the workshop date CERES will retain 100% of your workshop fee. Should CERES have to cancel the course due to Government changes relating to the COVD-19 response, we will let you know as soon as possible. Affected participants will be sent notification which includes details on how to re-book another date or workshop. While cancellations on our part remain refundable within the specified time period, we do hope you will consider bearing with us in these precarious and trying times, and consider the rescheduled date where possible.