Initially, I started off without an idea but when I came across a ring of my friend, suddenly, I was inspired by the patterns and the engravings on it. I couldn’t get my eyes off my the engraving so, I decided to explore the patterns and see if I can integrate it into another object or enhance an object using these patterns.
After researching, I came across the hot coffee/ tea cups that need a recyclable cup holders as the continuous use of paper has affected the world immensely. So, I decided to design a cup holder that can be recycled always till it lasts.
After coming across this issue about cup holders and wastage of paper, I chose to focus on leather. Leather was the material that I chose to use as many manufacturers waste a lot of leather. The reason why they waste a lot of leather is because they just use a part of the leather that is big enough for the machines but once the leather pieces are very small, they become scrap as they can not fit into the machines and hence they are thrown away as trash. I chose to take that idea of scrap leather forward by using it to produce cup holders with it. Another fact is that the scraps of leather is too small for machines which enforces the idea of handmade products. I chose to focus on handmade products and designs. I wanted to keep the idea of sustainability, recycle, reduce waste and reuse. The reason of it also being so small and easy to carry is to keep it easy to use for the consumers as well as keep the environment protected.
When, I began the process of designing and making the cup holder, I was initially inspired by the idea of patterns and how papers can be layered. I focused on the patterns on the ring and keep it going along on the cup holder.
Once, I had my complete design which was to make a cup holder with those inspired patterns on them, I thought about the materials for this cup holder but I wasn’t sure of which one would be long lasting.
After, I visited La Rèserve des Arts, I came across some materials and the best one that I found was leather. I chose to explore some colours and play around with pairing random colours up.
To make sure the measurements are right, I measured some different cup holders such as cup holders from Starbucks, Kusmi Tea and a few other places. After finalising the sizes, I played with colours and chose the final colours.
In order to have the exact designs on the cupholder, I used a pair of scissors, cutter, cutting board, scraps of leather and glue. The reason why I didn’t use thread is to keep it crafty and to keep is sustainable.
After completing the cup holder, I chose to make two to fit on different forms such as cups, mugs or even bottles, and the image above is an example for it. To complete the look of it and allow it to be used professionally, I created a little pouch for the cup holder. I made it foldable so that it can be folded and put a handbag. Also, the fact that it is so small, it makes the weight of it very little and lets it be less heavy and easy for the consumer to carry it.
Some stills from the video:
