Did you know that you can make leather from fish skins instead of throwing them in the bin or compost?! Most people don't realise that you can make a soft and amazingly strong material from fish skins. With this course, we want to introduce you to the art of Fish Skin Tanning.
Fish skin is incredibly versatile and can be used for a multitude of crafts. It's perfect for making little pouches and if sewn together, larger bags and even clothing. In the UK in the past, eel skin gloves were the height of fashion and wallets and bags were often made from eel and other fish skins. They seem to have fallen out of fashion in more recent years but now seem to be making a comeback with the popularity of sustainability and zero waste living.
Fish skin is by far the easiest of skins to tan and is one of the few that can be tanned in a single day. This surprisingly addictive skill is often a gateway to other ancestral skills - absolutely no previous experience is required and the workshop is suitable for all abilities. It's also very accessible - once you have the knowledge, it can be done anywhere with very limited equipment.
Come and spend a peaceful and restorative day within the beautiful Brecon Beacons.
On this one day course you will learn:
* How to flesh, de-scale and prepare the skin using primitive tools
* About creating a natural oil solution to soak the skin to preserve its flexibility and suppleness
* Also, a second tanning method using a bark 'tea', which produces a darker coloured skin
* How to stretch and work both skins to a dry, finished and beautiful pair of leather fish skins - ready for your craft of choice (which we're very happy to advise you on!)
The finished article has a beautiful, striking pattern - and no fish smell at all, we guarantee!
Like to make a stay of it? Treat yourself to a stay in our Shepherds Hut
