Chapman Design Inc.

Chris Chapman's Biography 

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In 1987 Chris Chapman moved from Minnesota to the mountains of Colorado, 700 feet above the Roaring Fork Valley outside of Aspen- and she knew she’d come home. "I am surrounded by nature: a cacophony of birds and wildlife, mountains and ranches, deep valleys and wide open high mountain pastures, sagebrush and trees."

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A leather craftsman since 1969, Chris has spent years doing historical research and reproduction work dating as far back as the 16th century. Since 1974 she has created museum quality reproductions of European, Early American and Native American garments and artifacts, including bead and quill work. Her Scottish grandfather gave her a sewing machine at age 5. “I have been a maker of things my whole life”.

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The birth of Chris’ daughter in 1991 inspired a monumental change of direction in her work. She invented many new techniques in leatherwork and began creating leather-bonded furniture that is now recognized the world over. “It all came together” she said: A lifelong artistic background, decades of leatherwork, historical research, fabricating reproduction items that incorporated pure historical techniques, working on remodels of cabins and homes in MN, and renovating old mansions in Minneapolis: it all contributes to designing and building exceptional free standing and architectural furniture, that now grace homes, ranches and lodges worldwide, from Montana to Jackson Hole, Aspen/Vail, Texas, Manhattan and Dubai.

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Chris’ work is the gold standard for custom architectural leather work. Often imitated, nothing compares to what she can create and accomplish-from enormous armoires, tables and mirrors, to built-in bars, cabinetry, and leather braided hand rail.

 

"After 27 years of making 'the big stuff', I'm beginning to downsize my projects and moving away from my focus on leather towards other artistic mediums including bas relief wall art, painting and bronze. I will always love drawing and designing. I'll always be an artist,  and maker of things".