Sámi Crafts

Traditional Sámi Crafts

Pewter Thread

Saami tenntrådsbroderi – ancestral crafts in a modern age. Tenntrådsbroderi or Tin Thread embroidery was crafted by the Sámi since the 1600’s. The pewter or tin thread was made by melting pewter plates and spinning the tin into yarn. The tin was often drawn or pulled through a diz and spun with the teeth. The tin yarn was then used for embroidery to decorate trims for clothing, make jewellery and other items.

Pewter Thread Spinning
Pewter Thread Spinning

Reindeer Leather

Reindeer leather is a precious commodity. and hard to get. Reindeer leather is a precious commodity that is difficult to source. Most of the reindeer hides are used by the Saami people for their own clothing and personal use. I am only able to purchase the reindeer leather in small quantities that are sold as scrap leather. I stitch the small pieces together in order to make purses, pouches, reindeer bracelets and other items.

Reindeer Leather Recycling
Reindeer Leather Recycling

Sami style bracelets made with woven bands, fish skins, reindeer leather and pewter embroidery.

Sami Band Weaving
Woven narrow bands using pure wool and traditional Sami patterns.

Bags and Cases

Bags, purses, pouches and cases are useful items and can be used for many purposes. These bags are made using traditional Sami materials: wool vadmal, reindeer leather or fish leather and decorated with colourful Sami bands or pewter tin embroidery.
Sami Reindeer Leather Coffee Bags
Coffee was important to the Sami. Everyone carried a special coffee bag on their belt and the first person to arrive at a new camp had the responsibility to make coffee for the others.

Reindeer Leather Purses and Handbags

Reindeer Leather Vadmal Coin Wallets
Reindeer Leather Vadmal Coin Wallets

Fish Skin and Reindeer Leather Pouches and Wallets

Newsletter

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WEBSHOP Custom Orders and Paivatar On-line Platforms

I will be selling my handmade products and crafting supplies via On-line Platforms – so that I do not collect any financial information on my website. I only store name, address and any other information required for shipping your items. Please Contact me if you would like to discuss a Custom Order.

Paivatar on FOLKSY

My Folksy Shop will feature most of my hand made products, hand-dyed yarns and supplies for other crafters.

Paivatar on EBAY

My Ebay Shop will have Nalbinding Needles, Natural plant dyes and some hand-dyed or hand spun yarns.

Paivatar on Etsy

Currently I only list a few products on Etsy.