I Have Achieved Leather

   So after putting the salmon skin in the tannin solution last Sunday, and taking it out yesterday (Sunday), I have learned a few things.  First of all - I think I may have left it in the solution too long, as it is still stiff in places, even after working it.  Second - acorn tannin makes the skins much darker than the Maiwa powdered tannin I learned with.  The finished skin is dark brown, and very pretty,  but it is very different from the  burnt sienna of the Maiwa product.  Third - I need to find some fishermen and have them save skins for me after they have filleted their catch.  I love this process.  I now have to decide what to do with the leather.  The last thing I learned (AGAIN) is that I have a very tolerant family.  The fish skin and tanning solution sat on the kitchen counter in a big bowl for a week, and they just worked around it. Fish in the bathroom?  All heard was, "When will it be done so I can shower?" My husband and boys are kind of awesome.

Here is the rest of the process:

making the protein  solution with egg yolk, oils and detergent

Adding back some of the oils removed in the tanning process

Letting the oiled skin drip dry a bit - again in the shower
If you shower at our house ANYTHING might be in the tub - salmon leather, nettles, felt, anything!

The outer side of the skin - 

The underside still retaining the lines from the drying rack!

I may sand the back of the leather to even out the surface, and I may need to get a touch more scientific in the measuring of the tannins (I think my solution was quite strong) but leather was made and I am pleased with the result.