Design tools: a study of leather and wood manipulation

One of the key skills any designer must master is how to approach the use of various tools and materials in a refined and intentional way. When studying the merging of materials, it is imperative for a designer to have many tools and techniques at their disposal. To hone those skills and techniques, one must spend time with each medium to research and explore the possibilities that are available when attempting to join them with others.

After years of admiring experts in leather and wood working, I seized the opportunity to experiment with both materials. I have created designs for three different products that utilize leather and wood in combination with other things. The focus of this research, and the largest challenge that has been presented to me in this process, has been finding the best way to merge these two materials with others. This forces me to come up with creative solutions to design problems using the tools and materials that I have been researching for the past three years. The three products that will be discussed in this research include one desk lamp, one hanging light fixture and one chair. I will explain the inspiration behind each piece while delving into detail on the final techniques used for fusing the wood and leather with their complimentary materials.