These vases are one of a kind and new limited pieces are released every season! Please contact us if you are interested in a custom vase. Previous examples are included in the images below.
In every MARAIS vase, the materials - colored glass, cork, and hardwood- combine to create an object that is both art sculpture and functional. Inspired by the natural beauty of the raw material, Abrantes designed each piece to speak for itself.
Each vase is signed by the designer.

Medium Marais Vase #1 Size: 4” dia x 9.5” h Material: Cherry Wood & Natural Cork, Clear Glass

Medium Marais Vase #2 Size: 4” dia x 9.5” h Material: Natural Cork & Pistachio Wood, Yellow Glass

Please note this item is made-to-order and takes 4-5 weeks to ship.

Melanie Abrantes Designs is a Bay Area-based producer of handcrafted, heirloom objects.

Melanie Abrantes Designs

Limited-edition Marais Vase Collection | Medium

Number

Vases

As seen in Luxe Magazine and Sweet Paul Magazine, this one of a kind tall straight vase is made from a solid piece of maple. It is hand turned and carved in my studio in Oakland, CA. Hand finished with mineral oil and beeswax to bring out the rich tones of its beautiful grain. Gorgeous with just a single flower or two, a glass vial is included with purchase for fresh flowers.
Size: 3" dia x 6.5" h Material: Maple

Tall Maple Bud Vase

Material

These cork and cherry 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, coffee or dry grains!
Sizes :

Small: 6" dia x 3.25" h
Medium: 6" dia x 6" h
Large: 6" dia x 7.5" h

Material: Natural Cork and Cherry

Please note this item is made-to-order and takes 4-5 weeks to ship.

Cork + Cherry Canister

Size

Home & Furniture

Using traditional Japanese tools, this wooden spoon carving kit will teach you how to design, carve and hollow out the bowl of the spoon. This deluxe set will let you finish your spoon faster and even cut more blanks with the mini panel z-saw. It will also come with one bass, one cherry, and one walnut spoon blank. Spoon carving is a fun project and easy for anyone to learn. All supplies, a 15 mm spoon gouge and Japanese carving knife, and instructions are included. This kit is ideal for adults and children under direct supervision. Kit Includes: + 1 bass, 1 cherry, & 1 walnut spoon blank + 15 mm Japanese Spoon Gouge + Carving Knife + Mini Panel Z-Saw + Handwritten instructions + Mini Wood Butter + Sandpaper: 80, 150, 220
+ First Aid On The Go Kit by Welly

Melanie teaches classes too! Check out her website to find out more. Spoon Carving Workshop: 

Deluxe Spoon Carving Kit

Type

Home Decor

Our one of a kind hand-dyed vases is made from a solid piece of hardwood Maple and then dyed using a unique process in our studio. Through this dying process, the dye separates pigment colors and organically travels through the water to giving it an unexpected and beautiful result. Each one comes out unique and one of a kind, resulting in colors of navy blue, magenta, and ochre.
The wood is hand-turned and carved in my studio in Oakland, CA. Gorgeous with just a single flower or two. A glass vial is included with purchase for fresh flowers.
Please note this item is made-to-order and takes 4-5 weeks to ship.

Limited Edition Hand-dyed Vases

These cork baskets with all natural rope handle and leather accents are hand-turned in Oakland, CA. Cork is naturally antimicrobial and hypo-allergenic, making it an ideal material for food. Each bowl has a hand sanded interior and finished with natural beeswax. Use it to store fruit or to carry your freshly harvested vegetables. Each piece is one-of-a-kind and may vary slightly in size and color.
Dimensions: 7.5" dia x 6.5" h Material: Cork (a 100% sustainable material). The rope is made from all natural cotton.
Please note this item is made-to-order and takes 4-5 weeks to ship.

Cork Basket

Baskets & Hampers

As seen in The NY Times Holiday Gift Guide 2019
As a decorative element or a functional piece our new Pedestal Bowl will tie together any space effortlessly. Made of pure maple wood and pink cork these bowls are anti-bacterial and represent the power a single piece can bring to a room.
Size: 9.5" dia x 6.5" h Material: Pink Marble Cork & Maple
Please note this item is made-to-order and takes 4-5 weeks to ship.

Pink Marbled Cork Tall Footed Bowl

Title

This one of a kind wide and straight vase is made from a solid piece of walnut. This wood was hand-turned and carved in my studio in Oakland, CA. Hand finished with mineral oil and beeswax to bring out the rich tones of its beautiful texture. Gorgeous with just a single flower or two. A glass vial is included with purchase for fresh flowers.
Size: 3,5" dia x 7.5" h Material: Walnut

Walnut Tall & Wide Vase

This one of a kind double bud vase is made from a solid piece of maple. It is hand turned and carved in my studio in Oakland, CA. Hand finished with mineral oil and beeswax to bring out the rich tones of its beautiful grain. Gorgeous with just a single flower or two this vase is a wonderful addition to any home. Glass vial included with purchase for fresh flowers.
Size: 3" dia x 4" h Material: Maple

Maple Double Bud Vase

These cork bowls with all natural rope handles are hand-turned in Oakland, CA. Cork is naturally antimicrobial and hypo-allergenic, making it an ideal material for food. Each bowl has a hand sanded interior and finished with natural beeswax. Perfect as a fruit bowl or catch-all bowl. Each piece is one-of-a-kind and may vary slightly in size and color.
Sizes:

Small: 6" dia x 2.5" h
Large: 7.5" dia x 3" h

Materials: Cork (100% sustainable material). The rope is made from all natural cotton.

Please note this item is made-to-order and takes 4-5 weeks to ship.

Cork Bowl With Handles

Maple incense holder perfect for your side table and living room.
Size: 3" x 3" Material: Maple

Incense Burner Globe

Incense Holders

Our one of a kind hand-dyed vases is made from a solid piece of hardwood Maple and then dyed using a unique process in our studio. Through this dying process, the dye separates pigment colors and organically travels through the water to giving it an unexpected and beautiful result. Each one comes out unique and one of a kind, resulting in colors of Ecru Marble Dye.
The wood is hand-turned and carved in my studio in Oakland, CA. Gorgeous with just a single flower or two. A glass vial is included with purchase for fresh flowers.
| Note that this item is made to order and takes 3 weeks until shipping |

Limited Edition Hand-dyed Vases | Ecru Marble Dye

This one of a kind straight vase is made from a solid piece of walnut. It is hand turned and carved in my studio in Oakland, CA. Hand finished with mineral oil and beeswax to bring out the rich tones of its beautiful grain. Gorgeous with just a single flower or two this vase is a wonderful addition to any home. Glass vial included with purchase for fresh flowers.
Size: 3" dia x 4" h Material: Walnut

Walnut Straight Bud Vase

This one of a kind wide and straight vase is made from a solid piece of maple. This wood was hand-turned and carved in my studio in Oakland, CA. Hand finished with mineral oil and beeswax to bring out the rich tones of its beautiful texture. Gorgeous with just a single flower or two. A glass vial is included with purchase for fresh flowers.
Size: 3,5" dia x 7.5" h Material: Maple

Maple Tall & Wide Vase

Carve, A Simple Guide to Whittling Whittle a beautiful spoon, comb, pair of dice, and more with this fresh introduction to a folksy craft. Carve modernizes a mindful hobby that people have turned to for generations to help them slow down, relax, and connect with the outdoors. Choose from a dozen projects with bespoke details, all are designed to be useful at home or while camping. And because these objects are small, they require only a few hours and a tool or two to complete. You'll also learn how to choose the right knife and wood, helpful information on techniques and safety, and tips for refining, personalizing and maintaining your piece. Whether you're headed to the woods or just to the porch, this pocket-sized guide will have you carving your own unique designs in no time. Please note in checkout if you want a different name in the personalized message. Size: 7.5" x 5.5" x 1"

Carve, A Simple Guide To Whittling Book

As seen in Luxe Magazine and Sweet Paul Magazine, this one of a kind tall straight vase is made from a solid piece of recycled natural cork. It is hand turned and carved in my studio in Oakland, CA. Hand finished with mineral oil and beeswax to bring out the rich tones of its beautiful texture. Gorgeous with just a single flower or two, a glass vial is included with purchase for fresh flowers.
Size: Approximately 6.5" tall and 3" wide Made from 100% Recycled Natural Cork.
Please note this item is made-to-order and takes 4-5 weeks to ship.

Tall Natural Cork Vase

Make your very own knife using our hardwood knife blanks. Use this utility knife in your office or to carve your next project!
Each one is 6" H x 2" W x .56" D and is hand-cut in Japan.
This blank comes with the uncarved wooden sheath and an Olfa utility knife.
Material: P allet wood
6" H x 2" W x .56" D

Utility Knife Blank

Hand-turned cork hanging planters were designed for indoor use. These planters were inspired by vintage planters from the 1970s. Cork is naturally porous, making it an ideal material for plants. All-natural leather lace is purchased in the USA. Each planter has a shellacked interior and is finished on the outside with natural beeswax.
Sizes:

Small 4.5" w x 3.5" h
Large 7.5" w x 3.75" h

Leather lace is 20"-21" Material: Cork, Leather
Please note this item is made-to-order and takes 4-5 weeks to ship.

Natural Cork Hanging Planters

Planters: Hanging

Hand-turned charcoal cork hanging planters were designed for indoor use. These planters were inspired by vintage planters from the 1970s. Cork is naturally porous, making it an ideal material for plants. All-natural leather lace is purchased in the USA. Each planter has an oiled interior and is finished on the outside with natural beeswax.
Sizes:

Large 7.5" w x 3.5" h
Small 4.5" w x 3.5" h

Leather lace is 19"- 21" Material: Charcoal Cork

Please note this item is made-to-order and takes 4-5 weeks to ship.

Charcoal Cork Hanging Planter

Hand-turned cork bud vases are designed for a single flower or two, each piece is one-of-a-kind. The vases have a shellacked interior and are finished on the outside with a natural orange oil and beeswax mixture. A glass vial is included for fresh flowers.
Dimensions: Approximately 4" tall and 3" wide Material: Natural Cork

Please note this item is made-to-order and takes 4-5 weeks to ship.

Cork Double Vase

As seen in Martha Stewart, Real Simples, Anthology Magazine, and The Coastal Table Magazine.
Using traditional Japanese tools, this wooden spoon carving kit will teach you how to design, carve, and hollow out the bowl of the spoon. It's a fun afternoon project and easy for anyone to learn. The best part is that you get to finish and keep your very own custom creation. All supplies, a spoon gouge and Mikikichan carving knife, and instructions are included. This kit is ideal for adults and children under direct supervision. These tools are great if you would like to continue carving more projects other than spoons after.
Kit Includes:
+ Spoon blank of your choice of hardwood 1.5"w x 5"h (bass, poplar, cherry or walnut) + Japanese spoon gouge + Mikikichan carving knife + Spoon Carving Instructions + Video instructions + Mini Wood Butter + Sandpaper: 80, 150, 220 + Band-aid (ya know, just in case) Material: Bass, Poplar, Cherry, or Walnut

Choose your wood:
Beginner: Bass - light wood, almost white when left unfinished. Very soft to carve! Finishes light to medium yellow. Medium: Cherry - a somewhat pink color when left unfinished. Finishes as a deep red. Hard: Walnut - Light brown to medium brown when left unfinished. Finishes as a deep brown.
Melanie teaches classes too! Check out her website to find out more. Spoon Carving Workshop: 

Original Spoon Carving Kit

Hand-turned cork planters designed for indoor use. These planters were inspired by vintage planters from the 1960s. 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.
Sizes:

Small: 5" w x 4" h
Medium: 7.5" w x 5" h
Large: 9.5" w x 7.5" h

Material: Natural Cork
Please note this item is made-to-order and takes 4-5 weeks to ship.

Modern Cork Planter

Home Accents

This one-of-a-kind vase is made from a solid piece of buckeye burl, a native California wood. It is hand turned and carved in my studio in Oakland, CA. This special wood has a unique grain that differs from every angle. Gorgeous with just a single flower or two, this piece is a wonderful addition to any home. Glass vial included with purchase for fresh flowers.
Size: Approx. 2" dia x 3.5" h Material: Buckeye Burl
Please note this item is made-to-order and takes 4-5 weeks to ship.

Buckeye Burl Vase

“Bolo” is the Portuguese translation for “cake,” which inspired the playful silhouettes of these cork canisters. Handmade from all-natural, marbled, and pink marbled cork, fixed with maple globe tops, each piece is a study on balance and form.
Each piece is handmade in our Oakland, CA studio using 100% sustainable cork.

Small: 5" dia x 5" h Medium: 5" dia x 6" h Large: 6" dia x 8.5" h

Please note this item is made-to-order and takes 4-5 weeks to ship.

Cork Bolo Canisters

Cork is naturally antimicrobial and hypoallergenic making it an ideal material for food. Each bowl has a hand sanded interior and is finished with natural beeswax. Can be used as a fruit bowl or catch-all bowl.

Sizes:

Small: 10” dia x 3” h
Large: 12” dia x 3” h

Material: Natural Cork
Please note this item is made-to-order and takes 4-5 weeks to ship.

Natural Cork Bowl

Hand-turned cork planter designed for indoor use. This planter was inspired by vintage planters from the 1960s. Cork is naturally porous, making it an ideal material for plants. Each planter is finished with a handmade mineral oil.
Dimensions: 7.5" dia x 4" h Material: Natural Cork

Please note this item is made-to-order and takes 4-5 weeks to ship.

Low Cork Planter

Our unique handmade ashtray is made from marbled black cork. With its beautiful and simple design, have this dish out displayed for everyone to see. Cork is naturally resilient to heat so you can use it for your incense or as an ashtray for your smoking herbs. With time the cork will patina from use of smoke and heat. Each dish is hand-carved and turned in our Oakland studio, making each one unique and one-of-a-kind.
Size: 5" dia x 1.5" h Material: Marbled Cork
Please note this item is made-to-order and takes 4-5 weeks to ship.

Marble Cork Smoke Dish

This handcrafted wooden mallet is the perfect tool for wood carving projects. Wooden mallets are used to reduce damage to metal or other surfaces. Use it with carving tools that have metal ends meant to be used with mallets for that extra strength in hard cuts or wood.
Made from Japanese red oak.
Made in Japan.

Wood Mallet

Melanie Abrantes Designs wood butter is made with 100% beeswax and food-grade mineral oil. This is a great natural alternative to varnishes and chemical finishes. Use on all untreated wood and cork surfaces that come in contact with food and beverage, and even tools.
Wood butter is hand-canned in glass jars or aluminum tins and comes with simple instructions for use. Available in a 4 oz jar or 1 oz tin. The 4 oz jar should last in your home for at least 6 months.
Scents: Lavender, Grapefruit or Rosemary

All Natural Cork + Wood Butter

Scent

Foster a simplistic warmth with our new Candle Holders this Winter. Promote a romantic mood through a flame lit dinner or allow the pieces to sit simply and speak for themselves. However you choose to utilize these individually handmade pieces, their elegance will light up the room.
Size: 2.5" dia x 6" h Material: Cherry, Maple or Walnut