Using chrome tanned leather cut-offs from the upholstery industry, a surface is designed to express the physical quality of the leather. The variety in color and finishes from the scraps, makes a unique pattern in the creation of a playful piece of furniture that evokes the comfort of a fall day
Through my research, I found that chrome tanned is made from chromium sulphate-treated animal skins. It is quick and inexpensive to produce. Possessing quality of strength, soft feeling, and longevity of color for its entire lifespan. Through production solution of chemicals, acids, and salts are used to dye the hide which can hold a chemical smell. Over time this leather risks distortion in the forms of cracking. This leather can be seen used in the upholstery industry. The cut-offs or scrap pieces were interesting to me in order to save them from the landfill due to the laborious processes taken to process the tan the leather. Through experimentation with beeswax, stiching, layering, steam baking, and weaving that the leather was better suited for surface design than structure that could hold a shape.
