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:
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| making the protein solution with egg yolk, oils and detergent |
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| Adding back some of the oils removed in the tanning process |
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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! |
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| The outer side of the skin - |
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| 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.
