Introduction to Traditional Tanning

Ever attempted to and or wanted to learn how to make your own leathers and furskins at home? Based on traditional methods, all natural ingredients and ethically sourced skins, come and learn for a day with full-time traditional tanner and leather craft facilitator Josh McLean from The Bush Tannery. As a participant in this workshop you will have access to:

~ expert information
~ a chance to use some of the traditional tools
~ help preparing an animal hide from fleshing to stringing it up into a frame to preserve it as a furskin rug
~ instructions for experimenting at home
~ time to ask lots of questions and take notes/ photos on the day

**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.

What you will learn

• Traditional tanning methods
• Hands-on participation

What you will get

• Instructions
• Practical skills

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.