Catalogue '17 and Materials Handbook

MELA NIE A B RANTES DESIG NS

C ATALOGUE ‘17 & M ATE RIAL HANDBOOK

CO R K & S USTAI NA B I LI TY

DO M E ST I C & LO C A L H A R DWO O D

Melanie Abrantes Designs offers a line of responsibly created objects for the home that merge traditional craftsmanship and modern design. Using the technique of wood turning, Melanie creates vases, planters, and everyday items in her Oakland, California studio. Using sustainable and local materials her designs are made to celebrate the simplicity of everyday living.

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SUSTAI NAB IL IT Y X CO RK All Cork used at Melanie Abrantes Designs is a 100% natural, renewable, recyclable and biodegradable. Our cork is obtained through a sustainable process in which trees are never cut down in order to harvest material. Instead, bark is re-harvested by hand every 9 years. Cork oak trees can live up to 300 years making them a fantastic renewable resource for design. The inherent versatility in the material allows for a multitude of uses. Melanie Abrantes Designs offers a collection of homewares created in house from sustainable hand-harvested Portuguese cork.

Charcoal co r k Charcoal cork is a byproduct of the wine industry. The small granules left over from the creation of wine corks are later utilized to create this uniquely colored cork. The dark shade of cork is created through a process of high temperature steaming. Through heating, the cork granules expand to activate a natural binder in the cork which binds the particles together. We love this rich textured cork and the natural process by which it gains it’s unique color.

Mar b l e d pi nk co rk Marbled Pink Cork is a unique style of cork created by a family owned Portuguese cork company. This rare product is made through a long process of layering excess cork pieces with dyed glue, every step done by hand. Once created, each one-of-a-kind piece has a unique marbled effect similar to Carrera. Designs made using our rare Marbled Pink Cork are hand turned to order in our studio.

Nat ur al cork x wal nut hardwo od Our line of natural cork and walnut products combine two materials that are individually refined, once joined the interaction is uniquely modern. Created using sustainably harvested natural cork and responsibly sourced American Walnut, Melanie Abrantes Designs considers the material used to be of equal importance to the finished piece. Natural cork and walnut products are joined and hand turned to order in our Oakland, California studio.

D o mes t ic an d lo cal har dwo od At Melanie Abrantes Designs, we consciously chose to use only domestic and local hardwoods such as Walnut, Cherry. and Maple. We work with FSC certified lumberyards to purchase our wood locally in the Bay Area. We understand the delicate balance between forests and the fragile state of our ecosystem. We’ve hand selected and sourced every piece of hardwood that comes into the studio to ensure the highest quality of materials. As a brand, we are committed to respecting the forest.

B ucke y e b ur l hardwo o d Buckeye Burl is a unique wood that we purchase from California’s central valley. The range of colors present in each piece of buckeye is wide spread, from blue-black to golden white and many shades in between. Burl wood comes from the root system of a tree that has gone through spalting. Each piece is kiln dried and looked after for 9 months before it makes it’s way into our studio. We hand select every burl slab seeking unique forms before hand turning them into vases and catch-alls in our studio.

carvi n g wi t h mel an i e abrant es

Carv e : A simple guid e to w h i t t l i n g By me l an ie ab ran tes Whittle a beautiful spoon, comb, pair of dice, and more with this fresh introduction to a folksy craft. Carve modernizes a mindful hobby that people have turned to for generations to help them slow down, relax, and connect with the outdoors. Choose from a dozen projects with bespoke details, all are designed to be useful at home or while camping. And because these objects are small, they require only a few hours and a tool or two to complete. You’ll also For more info visit melanieabrantes.com/book

learn how to choose the right knife and wood, helpful information on techniques and safety, and tips for refining, personalizing and maintaining your piece. Whether you’re headed to the woods or just to the porch, this pocket-sized guide will have you carving your own unique designs in no time.

b ut te r kn i f e carvi n g k i t Whittle a beautiful butter knife that you can butter your croissants with every morning.

Learn how to carve, sand and finish your pieces.

Kit In clud es : • Instructions • Video Tutorial Link • Knife Blank • Japanese Knife • Wood Butter • Band-aid (for just in case)

Riv e r kn if e carvi n g k i t Whittle an organic river stone that you can admire resting on a book on your desk. Learn how to carve, sand and finish your pieces.

Kit In clud es : • Instructions • Video Tutorial Link • Stone Blank • Japanese Knife • Wood Butter • Band-aid (for just in case)

Sp o on carvi n g k i t Whittle a beautiful spoon that you can use to make coffee with every morning. Learn how to carve, sand and finish your pieces.

Kit In clud es : • Instructions • Video Tutorial Link • Spoon Blank • Japanese Knife • Japanese Gouge • Wood Butter • Band-aid (for just in case)

Ar t i st L i mi t ed ed i tion Macramé han gin g co r k pl an t e r This limited edition macramé hanging cork planter is an ode to the funky yet beautiful 70’s modern designs. Designed together with Brooklyn based textile designer, Sonia Kim, we wanted a plant holder that was sturdy and strong enough to hold a 9.5” cork planter. Made with 100% cotton rope, each macramé piece is hand wrapped and knotted. We used sustainable natural cork and a beeswax finish to help protect your piece. Cork is naturally antibacterial and porous, which lets your plant’s roots breath.

Ab out Son ia Kim: Sonia Kim is an artist and designer that believes in the value of material and craft and creates objects with an emphasis on quality and tradition. Each piece is made by hand in Brooklyn.

Co n tact info MELANIEABRANTES.COM HELLO@MELANIEABRANTES.COM IG @MELANIEABRANTESDESIGNS 155 FILBERT ST. STE 102 OAKLAND, CA 94607

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