The Journey of Salmon Skin Leather

The salmon skin leather I use has a journey that stretches across both land and ocean, and it’s something I think about often while I’m creating.

The salmon are caught off the coast of Alaska, and from there, the skins begin a really special transformation. They’re sent all the way to a tannery in Iceland, where they’re cleaned, processed, and turned into leather before being dyed. Once that process is complete, they’re sent back to Alaska.

Altogether, this can take anywhere from one to three months. When you think about the time it takes to prepare the skins, tan them, and ship them back and forth, it really puts into perspective how much care and intention goes into the material before it even reaches my hands.

I purchase my salmon skin leather from vendor friends, and from there, I bring it into my own process—cutting it down into the sizes I need for each piece I make. Every step adds to the story, and I carry that with me while I’m creating.

One of the women I source from has spent over 20 years mastering this work. Even though she also sends skins to Iceland for tanning, her knowledge and experience are something I deeply respect. There’s so much behind the scenes that isn’t always visible, but it’s felt in the material.

For me, using salmon skin is more than just a design choice. It’s about honoring the journey, the people, and the time it takes to transform something natural into something that can be worn and appreciated.

Below are photos of salmon skin and cedar in their natural state, before I transform them into jewelry.