For the legs of the Ottoman, I am using a non-traditional material but in the traditional style.

Here are some references that I have been using for inspiration,  I haven’t quite locked in on a shape yet, but I like the idea of leaving a good portion of the leg un-lathed so it retains its original clarity and roundness.

I also found some great references for smoothing out the acrylic back to its original luster:

And some videos to help me work the leather as well:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9qF0G2Jrd8&feature=fvwrel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuW1_Fw7zvY&NR=1&feature=endscreen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lOFkWwQHME&feature=related

http://coletivomuda.com.br/

For my emotional object I wanted to create a form that both allowed me to express that emotion as well as try and work on my turning skills on the lathe.  To express the emotion of joy I chose the somewhat counterintuitive form of a tear (as in tears of joy).  I chose a wood that was bright and kept the lines smooth and almost bubbly, which helped give the effect of a happy tear if the shape was personified.  It wobbles around on the table in nice way hopefully conveys that emotion as well.

I also experimented with the emotion of pride.  When I think of pride, I think of something that swells to the point of bursting, something with a big head, creating an unbalanced shape that can topple over at any time from it’s own ego.  I would have liked a little more upward movement in the shape to create that effect of pride a little more, and may attempt that in another try at the form.