Fish Skin Tanning with Jessie Watson Brown from Rekindled Hearth

Fish Skin Tanning at The Gansey Gathering Sardine Festival

Discover the fascinating craft of fish skin tanning in this unique, hands-on workshop at the Gansey Gathering Sardine Festival. Rooted in traditional practices from coastal cultures around the world, fish leather making is an age-old skill that transforms an often-overlooked material into something beautiful, durable, and sustainable.

Over this engaging 2-hour session, you’ll be guided through the key stages of the fish skin tanning process. We’ll begin with an introduction to the history, techniques, and uses of fish leather, giving you a deeper appreciation for this remarkable craft.

You’ll then get hands-on experience preparing fish skins, learning how to carefully scrape and clean them — an essential step in the tanning process. Finally, you’ll work with pre-tanned fish leather, softening and oiling it to bring out its unique texture and flexibility. You’ll leave with your own piece of finished fish leather to take home.

This workshop is suitable for beginners and anyone curious about traditional crafts, sustainability, or working with natural materials. All tools and materials are provided.

Come along and try something truly different as part of this vibrant festival celebration!

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Host or Publisher The Conscious Sisters CIC