Five-Day Virtual Fishskin Tanning Workshop

Building on the success of this summer’s in-person fishskin leather tanning workshop, GSGP is organizing a virtual workshop on January 27-31, 2025. Hosted by Joe and Pam Manthei, founders of Fiskur Leather, participants will learn how to tan fishskin and have the opportunity to tan their own fishskins into leather from the comfort of their own home.

Why Fish Leather?
Current utilization of Great Lakes fish biomass is close to 40%. The 100% fish campaign seeks to change the narrative by researching new prototype products, like fish leather, to diversify the market, increase the value of Great Lakes fish and reduce waste.

Created by tanning previously discarded fish skins, fish leather is strong, durable, thin and pliable, which makes it suitable for use by home crafters as well as industry designers. It’s ideal for jewelry, belts, wallets and most anything made from other types of leather.

What to Expect
This multi-day workshop will walk participants through the entire tanning process. All times listed below in Eastern Time (ET)

Monday, Jan. 27: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Overview & Skin Preparation
Tuesday, Jan. 28: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. - Tanning
Wednesday, Jan. 29: 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. - Tanning
Thursday, Jan. 30: 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. - Dying, Drying & Softening
Friday, Jan. 31: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. - Dying, Drying, Softening & Wrap-up

Cost - US$100
Price to register includes the cost of all the required tanning equipment and materials, plus shipping. Note: Participants must provide their own fishskins. Don’t have fishskins? Ask your local fish processor or buy a filet from the grocery store.

The workshop is limited to 15 participants and will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Click here to register.

For questions about payment or the workshop generally, please contact Cailyn Andrews at candrews@gsgp.org.