There earrings are beaded leather made from the skin of a steelhead trout that fed my family. I removed the scales then made the skin into leather to reveal the pattern of the fish. Everyone’s first question is “do they smell like fish?” Then people are amazed that they have no scent at all. They are backed with a stiff piece of white felt in order to provide stability and a foundation for the beaded edge. There is nearly no weight at all to these unique creations.
The hooks are solid 940 Argentium Sterling Silver
• 100% recycled silver
- bright finish is tarnish resistant
• higher silver content and lower copper content than common (925) sterling
• more hypoallergenic than other silver
I process the fish skin in my kitchen, using traditional methods without chemicals or dyes, making use of materials that would otherwise be waste. I back the fish skin with felt when I bead the edge to provide stability and structure.
Indigenous cultures all over the world have traditionally made leather from fish skins for many uses from clothing and shoes to water containers, musical instruments, and windows. In modern times commercial bulk tanning methods are used and mammal hides are favoured because of their size - they require less stitching to get a large continuous piece - so this art form was nearly lost. Thanks to a few people sharing traditional knowledge, it is making a slow comeback. In addition to using skins from fish I eat, a local family fish market saves their scrap skins for me that would otherwise be thrown away. The result is using byproducts destined to be ‘waste’ to create a flexible, durable, and beautiful leather.
SHIPPING
We will ship your purchase the next business day, but please check the dates of expected delivery and carefully select your shipping option at check-out. Orders are shipped via Canada Post and you will be notified of tracking information, per your selected shipping option. Once shipments are sent, we are at the mercy of postal services – we cannot control or be responsible for shipping delays. Any customs or duties charges are the responsibility of the purchaser.
RETURNS
Because earrings are considered a personal item, they cannot be returned due to hygiene restrictions. If there are any questions, comments, or concerns before or after your purchase, please don’t hesitate to send me a message.