Fish Skin and Fox Fur Tanning

Before the advent of modern tanning agents, humans were turning raw skin into usable leather products using very basic techniques and materials. Come learn to produce incredibly soft, strong and durable leather from raw animal skin using humankind’s earliest tanning technologies! We will utilise materials readily available in the surrounding environment as we walk through the steps of this transformation. You will learn the progression of this process from raw skin to beautiful, usable, finished leather or fur!

This course will focus on tanning Fox furs and Fish skins over the course of 3 (very) full days! We will tan beautiful Red Fox furs with a variety of fat tanning which uses Lecithin and oil* as the dressing agent. Then we will switch it up a bit with the fish skins and vegetable tan them using oak bark.

Whilst not for the squeamish the end product is worth the work!

The class will cover removing the meat and fat from the inner skin surface (flesh side) of both fish and furs, removing the  scales (for fish), applying the tanning agents, then softening the skins. The final day will cover smoking the Fox furs to increase their washability.

In addition to enthusiastic instruction, I provide comfortable, easy to use tools and detailed handouts covering the tanning process, as well as ethnographic anecdotes and a list of helpful literature for those who wish to further their own knowledge of tanning!

Please join me for a course sure to contain plenty of memorable moments, lots of practical information and, provided you put in the work **, one that will see you heading home with 3 uniquely beautiful, traditionally tanned skins!

* The use of brains or egg yolks as an alternative dressing agent will be covered.

** Please be aware that a reasonable amount of fitness is required for this course. I will provide instruction on good technique and timing with the skins, but you will need to be able to be on your feet and active for 6 to 8 hours per day.

Any serious injuries need to be discussed with me prior to attending the course please!

Additional Information:

COST: 5000.00 SEK (~€440.00)

Duration: 3 days (Friday 10:00 am - Sunday ± 17:00 pm)

Group size: Min 6 - Max 12

Prerequisites: None

Venue:

There is plenty of room for campsites where one can relax and enjoy nature. It is also possible to set up a tarp or hammock in the nearby forest or a tent in the meadow. Water for cooking and more is available on site and there is access to simpler bajamaja and outhouse.

There is a lovely bathing area in Lake Vänern within walking distance of the course site!

If you would prefer a bit more luxury there are Airbnb’s in nearby Kinnekulle. Keep in mind that these places fill quickly in the summer so you may need to book them well in advance.

Catering: This course is self-catered. I am many things, but a good cook is not one of them!

Included: All course materials, coffee/tea

Not included: offsite Accommodation, Breakfast

For more information and to register, please visit: 

https://www.craftbykarlsson.se/produkt/skinngarvning-med-theresa-7-9-juli/