My Story and Passion for Leathercraft

My story and interest in leathercraft  and handmade goods began during my university years when, quite by accident—rather than by conscious choice—I selected leather technology and design for my final diploma thesis. Back then, more than a quarter of a century ago, the idea arose to combine different technologies; I was the first to experiment with inkjet printing on vegetable-tanned leather. The university’s art specialists were unanimous in their praise of this successful experiment and urged me to patent the technology.

Unfortunately, the distractions of youth pushed those serious plans aside. What followed was emigration to harsh Iceland and a detachment from the academic community. Perhaps the Arctic wind blew me to the small town of Saudarkrokur (in northern Iceland), where I discovered a fish leather tannery.

Fish Leather

That was it! From that moment on, fish leather—salmon, cod, perch, and wolffish—became my family. The idea to revive my long-neglected knowledge and give fish leather a new image was reborn. As the saying goes, "Who will wag the dog's tail if not the dog himself?" (meaning: if you don't praise yourself, no one will).

I truly believe that nowhere else in the world—at least in publicly available online trade—is anyone producing such unique shades of fish leather. To everyone involved in the production of leather goods: I urge you to experience fish leather at least once. Prepare to be captivated!

Mindaugas Andrijauskas

Founder of Fish Leather Studio

100fishcolors@gmail.com