In today's society, we have forgotten the concept that quality products take time to make. Los Angeles-based designer, Melanie Abrantes believes in making handcrafted heirloom objects that are both functional and beautiful. She has always been someone that is both visual and hands on, simply curious about how everything is made. In 2008, she began studying at Otis College of Art and Design where she discovered what the process of making and creating truly meant. Melanie learned that in order to create something, you had to get your hands dirty; but it resulted in something beautiful. Through the technique of lathing, she began turning simple pieces of solid wood into one-of-a-kind bowls, plates, cups and stands. There was nothing she couldn't sketch in her notebook that couldn't be transformed into a real-life object. Her passion for woodworking came from the simple fact that every piece is unique as the material speaks to the project through an organic process. Time is dedicated to researching, testing and adapting the product to it's user, ultimately becoming an object of only the highest quality, that will be passed down through generations. Melanie uses locally sourced materials in order to maintain a low carbon footprint. As an entrepreneur, she hopes to broaden her line to include furniture and home goods.