Tanning fish skins is a practice found throughout the world in societies along rivers, streams, and coasts. Though a raw material often seen as a waste product now, tanned fish skin creates a leather that can be used for decorative and functional items. This course with guest instructor Karl Karlsson, a Master Tanner and student of Lotta Rahme, will use traditional materials and techniques to explore different fish skin tanning methods including bark and oil tanning. The workshop will be a mix of theory and hands-on practice, and possibly some sewing if time allows. Fish skins will be provided from Lake Superior and other northern waters, but students are welcome to bring their own to experiment with as well.

Required Tools

• Knife
• Rubber gloves
• Notepad
• Pencil

This course is part of Hide Week 2026. Plan to stay a day longer for the Tanner’s Conference Day on Friday, May 15, which features demonstrations, speakers, and community gatherings offered as a benefit to students enrolled in Hide Week coursework. Full schedule available online in winter 2026.