Basic Explorations

Cutting, Pasting, Sanding, Edge Colouring, Stitching
















Punching











Splitting and Stitching





















Basic Embroidery













Embossing : Blind and Golden Foiled













Punching and Stud work

Skin Samples and Textures

Clockwise from Top

- Crocodile
- Goat
- Goat
- Sheep Punched (beige)
- Buff
- Hair On
- Suede








Here are some different skin samples with their different colours and textures, used in different forms and thicknesses.

Explorations : Tortie Hoare

The collection is made up of two seats, a desk, side table, stool and stand, all upholstered with leather boiled in water to make it rigid.

Tjeerd Veenhoven : Palm Leather

The Connecting Concepts exhibition penetrates the surface of Dutch design to look at how ideas combine to create not only singular objects but also a design culture. This was held in Bangalore from the 19th to the 31st July, where several designers presented their work.

Tjeerd Veenhoven, working in Holland believes that the key to shape and function is based on experimentation with materials and production techniques. He thus explores a material that has some of the same properties as leather, derived from Areca Palm Leaves and names it " Palm Leather". Properties are that it is a bio material which is locally available, very cheap, and harmless to the environment.

Must read, very interesting concept.. :)

http://www.tjeerdveenhoven.com/?portfolio=palm-leather-origin

Inspirations

British designer, Simon Hassan's ongoing research in the process of 'Cuir Bouilli'- wet leather moulding, exploits a new technique used in leather. Tall stool and vases are examples of his work.

Some Updates

So after my first review meeting with John, Meena and Jyothsna, I started my explorations in the workshop and came up with a tonality board and finalized my colour palatte.

Also chalked out a clear target audience in accordance to the income and lifestyle. This was understood by reading the Mc Kinsey & Company's article on the Indian Middle Class which clearly explains the different strata of the indian classes. Also initial ideations going along.

At the same time drawing inspiration from "Design Sponge": a design blog run by Brooklyn-based writer, Grace Bonney. Launched in August of 2004, the site updates between 6-8 times per day on several interesting themes, Restoration Hardware, which is very appropriate, Design Boom and other interesting sites which are always inspirational.

MY COLOUR PALETTES

"VINTAGE"



















"VINTAGE INDIA"

Tonality Board

Tonality board describes the different tones of the different textures , shades and materials that are going to be used in the products.. It gives an idea of what kind of the materials and finishes thereby giving an idea of the look and feel..

1st Review Meeting Feedback

First Review Meeting - August 11th - 55 minutes
Showed all levels of research from concept clarification to understanding of my material "Leather".
This involved mind mapping, properties of the material, detailed process from raw to finished material, leather culture, different forms and attributes, little about the industry and the scope and craftsmanship.
Finalised moodboards and inspiration board, target audience (User personas), market surveys, and case studies ( CLRI- Chennai)

Feedback given was good and very helpful and boosted up my plan and timeline.
John, Meena and Jyothsna wanted me to start immediately on my ideations for the products im designing and more importantly fix on what my final products are going to be. All agreed on my research being sufficient and validating the material im using.
Further want me clarify on my theme "Vintage", cause the term has different connotations in different time periods and understand how i will express it on to my designs and products.
Also Meena suggested a website "Restoration Hardware" which resembles the look and feel of my theme and visiting the Stanley Store.
Jyothsna also suggested a book " Maharaja- the splendour of India's royal courts, to help in understanding the theme better.
John also asked me to have all my ideations ready for the next meeting and have some final sketches. Also explorations are important in the material , now the research is done and understood.
So now, the feedback will be incorporated and I will start on my explorations on the material , tonality board and colour palattes will be posted asap and ideate at the same time, and come up with some FINAL sketches :)

CASE STUDY AND RESEARCH

DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE SKIN

SALTING SOAKING, AND ROLLING PROCESS

VARIOUS TANNING PROCESSES

EMBOSSING THROUGH A PRESS MACHINE

MARKET RESEARCH

MARKET RESEARCH - LEATHER SAMPLE COLLECTION

MARKET RESEARCH - THREE SIXTY DEGREE ( NEW DELHI)

MARKET RESEARCH - PORTSIDE CAFE ( NEW DELHI)

MARKET RESEARCH - FABINDIA ( NEW DELHI)

MARKET RESEARCH - MOTHER EARTH ( NEW DELHI)

Moodboard for "Vintage India"

Moodboard for "Vintage"