Sorry for my sudden absence last week. I was hit pretty hard with the flu but I'm much better now thanks to plenty of rest.
So, to get back into the swing of things a bit I want to share some of secrets that go into the vegetable leather making process that is used to make our hats and bags.
To begin with Amazonian natives harvest a special sap from the Seringueira tree 'Hevea brasiliensis'. The white or yellow latex sap is collected in small vessels that spiral up the tree in a righthanded direction.
Trees are harvested when they reach 5-6 years old. Incisions are made just deep enough to tap the sap without harming the tree's growth. This process is known as rubber tapping and trees stop producing after 26-30 years of production. (Wikipedia)
Once the sap is collected it goes through a series of steps that we are not even allowed to witness. Yes it's that secret of a process. But the result is an amazing distressed faux leather material that is super durable and easy to care for. Enjoy!
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