Making Fish (Air Bladder) Glue

Making fish glue from catfish air bladders for sizing and sinew backing hardwood bows. Step by step process 1. Obtain air bladders, clean all blood, tissue, membrane, etc. off of the bladders prior to drying. 2. If you are ready to make glue at this point jump to number (4) else place air bladders where they can totally dry then store until ready to make glue. 3. Cut air bladders into small chunks then soak in water a few hours to rehydrate. 4. Put in kettle with plenty of water and simmer for four hours. 5. Strain all air bladder pieces from mixture and run through food processor to further cut into smaller pieces then return to kettle to simmer for another two hours. 6. Strain glue mixture through cloth and/or coffee filter and then continue to reduce mixture by simmering. 7. When mixture is starting to get thicker pour into container and place in warm oven to further reduce. 8. After a few hours remove from oven and place in front of fan to start the drying process. 9. After the top of mixture starts to really firm up, flip over onto another piece of plastic wrap and cut into strips. 10. Place strips on mesh and place in front of fan until dry and hard. 11. Store in air tight container until ready for use.