7. BioFabricating Materials¶
Research¶
Research¶
This project was heavily influenced by the knowledge and hands-on techniques I gained during Fab Academy, particularly in the bioplastics and biofabrication module. I set out to explore how to create leather from fish skin, utilizing byproducts from local seafood processing. This method not only gives new life to waste materials but also supports the development of eco-conscious alternatives to traditional leather, which is often energy- and chemical-intensive.
References and Inspiration¶
My primary inspiration came from that week’s class discussions, where we explored low-impact, regenerative material systems. I was especially drawn to the idea of merging traditional leather tanning techniques with modern sustainable practices—both to reduce waste and to develop materials that are as beautiful as they are responsible.
Two key resources shaped the way I approached this work:
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Loes Bogers' Fish Skin Tanning Recipe This guide, developed for the Fabricademy program, offers a concise, practical approach to tanning fish leather using simple materials like glycerin and ethanol. It emphasizes accessibility and encourages experimentation—perfect for a Fab Lab context. The idea of simultaneous tanning and dyeing inspired my method to combine efficiency with aesthetic control.
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Masterclass: Fish Leather Tanning with Lotta Rahme Lotta Rahme is a pioneer in fish leather and natural tanning techniques, using centuries-old knowledge rooted in Nordic craft traditions. Her masterclass deepened my understanding of how fish skin fibers behave, and how to properly clean, soften, and tan the material without industrial chemicals. I was inspired by her belief that fish leather is not just a substitute for traditional leather, but a unique textile in its own right—with its own textures, strengths, and beauty.
Together, these sources helped me see fish skin not as waste, but as a high-value, functional material—and encouraged me to explore ways it could support textile innovation, wearable design, and sustainable prototyping.
Process and Workflow¶
notes
Ingredients¶
| image | Material name | Crafted | Grown |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Raw Nice | X | |
|
Raw Nice | X | |
|
Raw Nice | X | |
|
Raw Nice | X | |
| glycerin | X | ||
| spiritus fortis (96% ethanol) | X | ||
| fish skin | X | ||
| --- |
Step 1: Preparing the Tanning and Dyeing Solution¶
To simplify the workflow and reduce chemical waste, I created a combined tanning and dyeing solution. The mixture consisted of:
- 200 ml of glycerin (a natural softening agent)
- 200 ml of spiritus fortis (96% ethanol) for preservation and tanning
- Natural dyes from Rawnice, added directly into the solution for simultaneous coloration
This method allowed the fish skin to tan and absorb color at the same time, streamlining the process and giving the leather a rich, even hue. Using plant-based, food-safe dyes ensured that the final product stayed within a sustainable and environmentally conscious framework.
Step 2: Tanning the Fish Skin¶
Once the solution was ready, I immersed the cleaned and prepared fish skin into the container, making sure it was fully submerged. To ensure even distribution of the tanning agents and dye, I agitated the container every two hours, gently shaking it to allow the liquid to reach all surfaces of the skin.
The fish skin remained in the solution for several hours to days (depending on thickness and texture), allowing the mixture to penetrate deeply and soften the fibers while coloring the material. This process not only conditioned the skin but also imparted a unique, vibrant finish through natural dyes.
Step 3: Attempting to Create Bioplastic with Fish Scales¶
In parallel to the fish leather work, I conducted an experimental attempt to produce biodegradable plastic by combining a traditional kitchen recipe with fish scales removed during the tanning process.
Ingredients and Supplies:¶
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 tablespoon glycerin
- 4 tablespoons water
- A handful of cleaned, dried fish scales
Ingredients¶
| Material name | Crafted | Grown |
|---|---|---|
| cornstarch | X | |
| vinegar | X | |
| glycerin | X | |
| water | X | |
| dried fish scales | X |
Process:¶
All ingredients were measured in the specified quantities. I mixed them together in a small cooking pot, stirred thoroughly, and heated the mixture on low to medium heat while continuing to stir to avoid lumps. As the mixture began to turn translucent from its original milky color, I reduced the heat to prevent burning.
After about a minute, I turned off the stove, stirred a little more, and poured the bioplastic onto aluminum foil, spreading it flat with a spatula. I then placed it in a dehydrator, hoping to speed up the drying and hardening process.
Unfortunately, despite careful preparation, the humid conditions caused molding to occur before the plastic could properly dry and set. Although this attempt did not succeed, it provided valuable insight into the importance of moisture control, drying methods, and material stability. Future experiments will focus on improving drying conditions and adjusting formulations to resist organic degradation.
Pictures of failed experiment showing the mold:
Reflection¶
This set of experiments in biofabrication represents a meaningful intersection of sustainability, tradition, and innovation. By using readily available waste materials—fish skin and fish scales—and transforming them into functional materials, the project highlights how local resources can be repurposed into high-value, eco-friendly alternatives.
Combining the tanning and dyeing steps for the fish leather proved to be efficient and effective, reducing labor, time, and chemical use while producing visually beautiful results. Even though the bioplastic attempt with fish scales did not succeed on the first try, it revealed important lessons about environmental factors and the behavior of organic additives.
Most importantly, these projects demonstrate that biofabricated materials can offer practical and scalable alternatives for applications in fashion, costume design, and product prototyping, while minimizing environmental impact. The process opens the door for further experimentation with textures, colors, drying techniques, and material behavior—moving closer to a truly circular approach to material design.
Looking ahead to Week 10 of Fab Academy¶
I am excited to dive into the world of molding and casting. This week will focus on designing a 3D object, creating a mold, and casting it in different materials. I am especially looking forward to experimenting with flexible and rigid casting materials to see how they can be integrated into wearable designs and accessories for my final project.
Given my interest in detailed costume work (like the wings I am making), molding and casting offer a way to create lightweight, durable components with intricate shapes that would be difficult to fabricate using other methods. I plan to document every step carefully — from the initial design sketches to the final casted piece — and explore how different material choices affect the final look and feel of the product.
This week promises to open up a whole new set of possibilities for creative fabrication, and I can't wait to apply these techniques to my broader project goals!