Fish Leather - The Forgotten Treasures of Our Waters

A Practical Guide to Fish Leather

Did you know that it is possible to turn the catch of a fishing trip or the leftovers from dinner into durable, beautiful, odorless leather, suitable for a variety of handicraft projects and products? Discover the potential of these often-overlooked materials and uncover the beauty of fish leather crafting.

This fascinating and thorough guidebook is a perfect aide for a beginner starting their journey and a source of useful tips and tricks for an experienced tanner.

A Craft with Deep Roots

The use of fish leather has a long history in cultures around the world. Parts of the fish that are now considered waste have historically been utilized as craft material.

With clear instructions and accessible techniques, 'Fish Leather - The Forgotten Treasures of Our Waters’ offers a comprehensive guide for you to start your journey into the world of fish leather today. All you need are simple tools and the desire to create something truly special. 

The book provides a detailed exploration of the structure of fish skin. In the practical examples, a variety of fish species typically caught in Scandinavian waters are used, including Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout, pikeperch (zander), northern pike, perch, common bream, and burbot. The practical guidance is easily transferable to similar species found worldwide.

From Waste to Leather in Eco-Friendly Methods

The aim of the book is to revive the skill of tanning fish leather and illustrate how a waste product is transformed into a high-quality raw material in a sustainable economy. Using traditional, non-toxic, and eco-friendly methods and natural materials you will learn the ancient art of transforming fish skins into durable, beautiful leather.  

The book delves into several tanning techniques, including vegetable tanning, where the skins are tanned in a solution made from tree bark, fat tanning, which utilizes organically sourced egg yolks, and brain tanning, an ancient traditional method. The book also discusses how to combine these techniques, giving you the knowledge to choose the best method for your projects.

About the Author

Written by master traditional tanner and artisan Hanna Nore, known for her book on traditional tanning methods 'Tanning Game'. Nore, hailing from the Finnish archipelago, shares her expertise and passion for reviving the disappearing craft tradition of fish leather tanning.

Product Details

• Book title: Fish Leather - The Forgotten Treasures of Our Waters
  
• Author: Hanna Nore
• Publisher: Rödmossa Oy, Kimito, Finland (July, 2024)
• ISBN: 978-952-94-9172-8
  
• Language: English
• Perfect bound: 224 pages