Melanie Abrantes Designs Winter Catalogue '15 by Melanie Anne Abrantes

INT RO D U C T I ON Designer & Maker, Melanie Abrantes

Melanie Abrantes is an Oakland, CA-based designer & maker of handcrafted, heirloom objects. Using a technique known as wood turning, where an object is carved from a rotating block of material, Melanie lathes pieces of wood and cork into one of-a-kind objects. Her product offering expands every day through creative experimentation, research, and feedback on the best uses for her wares. She uses 100% sustainable cork and locally sourced material to keep the carbon footprint of her products low.

PRO C E S S Woodworking with Cork + Wood

MELANIE ABRANTES DESIGNS AND PRODUCES each cork and wood piece in her collection from her studio in Oakland, California. Her process is hands-on, sourcing wood from Bay Area lumberyards, she sorts through each stack to quality check for grain warping and to ensure each board has an interesting, unique grain. While Melanie works with an assortment natural materials, she has a particular affection for cork. “There is something magical about cork, “she says. “It’s ecological, recyclable and sustainable.” Contrary to popular belief, there is no shortage of cork oaks. In fact, trees are harvested only for their bark once they turn a quarter century old. The bark is removed by skilled craftsmen every nine years until the tree is more than 200 years old. With deep family roots in Portugal, Melanie was exposed at an early age to cork’s incredible versatility through architects, designers and decorators who use the natural material.

WITH SO MUCH INVESTED in each piece, there is a lot of pressure to make it just right. “I have a certain aesthetic that I want to present with my line of goods. I hold myself to a high standard in that regard, especially because I have so much control over the design and process by which each product is made.” She’s come to appreciate the slight variations in each project. “No piece is exactly the same. It really gives it a value knowing that someone handcrafted each one carefully and lovingly.” Melanie brings a new perspective to cork and wood products, giving each of her pieces a timeless feel intended to last for generations to come.

WINTE R C O L L E C T I ON 2 0 1 5

Melanie Abrantesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Winter Collection introduces new products and a new material- leather- to the designerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s line of home goods focused on showcasing the natural beauty and unique qualities of hand-turned cork and wood. WHAT UNITES THIS COLLECTION? This collection is cohesive in its classic shapes and natural materials. When designing for this season I wanted each piece to be a strong stand-alone object. Each one being an heirloom that someone would cherish and bring out during their most beloved gatherings. WHY CORK, WOOD, AND LEATHER? I am drawn to materials that are natural and beautiful in their raw state. I feel that cork, wood, and leather are both elegant and understated. I wanted to elevate each one by finding unique ways for them to interact within the collection.

“ .. .I’ M T RY ING TO EMBO DY WARM L IG H T & TONES. I IMAGINED A DIN N ER TA BL E SET T ING, B EC AU S E AT T H IS T IME OF Y EA R YO U WANT TO BE A ROUN D T H E ONES YO U LOVE.”

FORM VS FUNCTION? Utility is something I strive for when I’m creating a product. When designing home décor, the beauty of the object is just as important to me as its functionality. For instance, the new Hardwood Cake Platter can be used to display cakes and charcuterie or as a cutting board, providing versatility for its owner. WHAT IS THE STORY BEHIND THESE PHOTOS? I wanted the customer to imagine themselves in this beautiful setting, creating cherished memories dining with ones they love. I envisioned my own family gatherings during the holiday season, where we tell stories, laugh and have a shared experience around the table.

Fe a t u re d Prod u c t s

Hardwood Cake Plate

Petite Candle Holders

These hardwood cake plates are perfect as a pedestal for your cake or charcuterie display. They are carefully made with hardwood hand selected from a local lumber yard and finished with a natural linseed oil and beeswax. With their minimal design and gorgeous curves, they will look beautiful in any home and are the perfect gift for a housewarming party.

These candle holders represent two styles of design, one smooth and unbroken the other curved and irregular. Pair them together or keep them separate, they will be beautiful on any table setting. They can fit both tea light candles and tapered candles, giving you options! Material: Cork, Walnut Dimensions: 2”dia x 3”h

Material: Cherry, Walnut, Maple Dimensions: 12”dia-10”dia x 2”h

Tall Candle Holders

Hardwood Catch-all

Like the petite version, these candle holders represent two styles of design, one being smooth and unbroken the other curved and irregular. Pair them together or keep them separate, they will be beautiful on any table setting.

Beautiful and practical, this catch-all keeps your cooking salt within close reach. Handcrafted of walnut and cherry hardwood with a food safe oil finish that is protective and durable.You can also use them for jewelry or small items to organize with.

Material: Cork, Walnut Dimensions: 2”dia x 7.5”h

Material: cherry or walnut Dimensions: 2.5”w x 1.25”h

CORK H A N G I N G PLAN T E R S The relationship between Cork + Leather

A. B.

BE AU T I F U L H A N G I NG PLANTERS ARE MADE WITH NATURAL CO RK A N D LE AT H E R . M E L A NIE WANTED TO DESIGN AN O BJECT THAT WAS J U ST A S S T U N N I NG WITHOUT THE PLANT AS IT WAS WITH.

Inspired by the bustling city of Oakland, Melanie recognized that city dwellers are constantly fighting to make the most of their limited space. The cork hanging planters were designed to do just that. With its simple details and clever straps, she wanted an object that was just as stunning without a plant in it as it was with. Melanie strives to use only natural materials in her products, so leather was at the top of her list when first starting to design the cork hanging planters. The mixture of neutral browns and the texture of the cork really sets it apart from your average planters. All you need to do is bring them home and see which corner they fit best. A. 8” Cork Hanging Planter B. 4.5” Cork Hanging Planter C. 5” Leather Detailed Hanging Planter

SPOO N C A RV I N G K I T S The Perfect Holiday Gift

THIS WOODEN SPOON CARVING KIT will teach you how to design, carve, and finish your very own custom spoon. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a fun afternoon project that is easy for anyone to pick up. Better yet, once finished, you get to put your custom creation to use! The kit comes with everything you need, including materials, traditional Japanese tools, and step-by-step instructions. The spoon carving kit also makes an excellent holiday gift for that crafty someone in your life! INTERESTED IN A HANDS-ON WORKSHOP? Melanie leads students in hand carving their own wooden spoon using traditional Japanese tools and techniques. The class includes a discussion of different wood types, an explanation of the tools required, and an overview of the various carving techniques. Once students have acquired a basic understanding, Melanie guides them in carving, designing and whittling their own spoon. Students will finish their spoons after a sanding demo with an in-house made natural finish. All tools will be provided during the workshop, with the option to purchase afterward so they can continue practicing spoon carving at home!

All supplies, choice of hardwood blank, 12 mm spoon gouge and Mikikicha carving knife, wood butter and instructions are included in the kit.

Spoon Carving Kit with Walnut Blank

Modern Cork Planter

Small Cork Planter

Hand-turned cork planters designed for indoor use in homes. These planters were inspired by vintage modern planters from the 1960’s. Cork is naturally porous, making it an ideal material for plants. Each planter has a shellacked interior and is finished on the outside with natural beeswax.

Hand-turned cork planters designed for desert plants such as succulents and cacti. Cork is naturally porous making it an ideal material for plants. Each planter has a shellacked interior and is finished on the outside with natural beeswax. Due to the nature of the material each planter is unique and one-of-a-kind. Color and size may vary.

Material: Cork Small: 4.5”dia x 5”h Medium: 7.5”dia x 6”h Large: 9.5”dia x 8.5”h X-Large: 11”dia x 8.5”h

Material: Cork Dimensions: 4.5”dia x 2”h

Medium Cork Planter Hand-turned cork planters designed for desert plants such as succulents and cacti. Cork is naturally porous making it an ideal material for plants. Each planter has a shellacked interior and is finished on the outside with natural beeswax. Due to the nature of the material each planter is unique and one-of-a-kind. Color and size may vary. Material: Cork, Dimensions: 6”dia x 2”h

Large Cork Planter Hand-turned cork planters designed for desert plants such as succulents and cacti. Cork is naturally porous making it an ideal material for plants. Each planter has a shellacked interior and is finished on the outside with natural beeswax. Due to the nature of the material each planter is unique and one-of-a-kind. Color and size may vary. Material: Cork Dimensions: 7.5”dia x 2”h

Modern Cork Planters

Cork + Wood Bowls

Natural Cork Bowl

These cork bowls with American Walnut Trims are hand-turned. Cork is a naturally antimicrobial and hypo-allergenic, making it an ideal material for food and plants. Each bowl has a hand sanded interior and is finished with natural beeswax. Perfect as a planter or the ever random catch-all. Each bowl is one-of-a-kind and will vary slightly in size and color.

Cork is naturally antimicrobial and hypo- allergenic, making it an ideal material for food. Each bowl has a hand-sanded interior and is finished with natural beeswax. It can be a wonderful fruit bowl or the ever useful catch-all. Material: Natural Cork Small: 10”dia x 3”h Large:12”dia x 3”h

Material: Cork, Walnut Small: 3.5”dia x 2.5”h Large: 4.5”dia x 4”h

Cork + Wood Cheese Board/ Trivet Hand-turned walnut cutting board and cork trivet is a versatility lovers dream. You can chop vegetables on the solid walnut board and flip it over to use the cork side as a nifty trivet for your hottest items. The wood is friction fit into the cork and removes easily for fast clean-up. Material: Natural Cork, Claro Walnut Small: 11”dia x 1.5”h Large: 13”dia x 1.5”h

Cork Bowl with Rope Handles These cork bowls with all natural rope handles are hand-turned. Cork is naturally antimicrobial and hypo-allergenic, making it an ideal material for food. Each bowl has a hand sanded interior and is finished with natural beeswax. Perfect as a fruit bowl or the ever random catch-all. Material: Cork, Glass Vial Small: 6”dia x 2.5”h Large: 7.5”dia x 3”h

Cherry + Cork Canisters

Grey Buckeye Burl Vases

These vases are hand-turned and carved in Oakland, CA. This special wood has a unique grain that differs from every angle. While creating each vase, a piece of wood can fall to reveal the beautiful inside of the material. Gorgeous with just a single flower or two, and a wonderful addition to any home. Glass vial for fresh flowers included with purchase. Material: Buckeye Burl Hardwood Dimensions: Approx.. 2.5”dia x 3.5”h

Grey Buckeye Burl Catch All Beautiful and practical, this catch-all keeps your most precious items within close reach. Handcrafted with unfinished buckeye burl hardwood, this piece will age gracefully with time.You can also them to organise your keys or other small items. Material: Buckeye Burl Dimensions: Approx. 2”dia x 1.25”h

Grey Buckeye Burl Catch-all

Cherry Hardwood Vase

Cork Double Vase

This one of a kind double or straight vase is made from a solid piece of cherry hardwood. It is hand turned and carved in Oakland, CA and finished with mineral oil and beeswax, to bring out the rich tones of its unique grain. Gorgeous with just a single flower or two, it is a wonderful addition to any home. Glass vial included with purchase for fresh flowers.

Hand-turned cork bud vases are designed for a single flower or two. The vases have a shellacked interior and are finished on the outside with natural beeswax. Glass vial for fresh flowers included with purchase. Material: Cork, Glass Vial Dimensions: 3”dia x 4”h

Material: Cherry Hardwood, Glass Vial Dimensions: Approx.......... 2.5”dia x 4”h

Walnut Hardwood Vase This one of a kind double or straight vase is made from a solid piece of walnut hardwood. It is hand turned and carved in Oakland, CA. and finished with mineral oil and beeswax, to bring out the rich tones of its unique grain. Gorgeous with just a single flower or two, it is a wonderful addition to any home. Glass vial included with purchase for fresh flowers. Material: Walnut Hardwood Glass Vial Dimensions: Approx.. 2.5”dia x 4”h

Cork + Cherry Canisters These beautiful Cherry + Cork Canisters are hand-turned in Oakland, CA. They are carefully made with hand selected hardwood from a local lumber yard and finished with natural linseed oil and beeswax. Perfect for your favorite loose leaf tea or dry grains! With its minimal design and gorgeous curves, this piece will look beautiful in any home. Material: Cork, Cherry Hardwood Small: 6”dia x 3.25”h Med: 6”dia x 6.5”h Large: 6”dia x 8”h

Cherry Hardwood Cake Stand

Hardwood Lipped Cake Stand

Hardwood Cake Stand

These hardwood cake stands are hand-turned in Oakland, CA. They are carefully made with hardwood hand selected from a local lumber yard and finished with natural linseed oil and beeswax. With its minimal design and gorgeous curves, it will look beautiful in any home and is the perfect gift for a housewarming party or wedding.

Material: Claro Walnut, Curly Maple, Cherry Dimensions: 9”dia x 3.5”h

Material: Claro Walnut, Curly Maple, Cherry Dimensions: 12”dia x 4”h