To finalize my semester in this Sustainable Systems class, I thought I would combine my DIY interests and the knowledge that I have gained throughout this whole semester. In my previous design post about this final project, I came up with three different design ideas. For the final, I have decided that I want to do two of my designs and combining them into one piece seemed logical to me. The reason that I am coming up with a very versatile design is because I want to show others how easy and practical sustainable design can be. For me the sustainability of an object also lies in its usage and versatility so my final project naturally formed a design idea that can be used in many ways.
This necklace and packaging design that I came up with will hopefully be in my jewelry drawer for more than fifty years. Or if it happens to get damaged, it will be so easy to repair since it is made out of used paper. By using used/recycled paper I will not only give a material a second life but also pay attention to the excessive use of paper.
When designing a object you have to think about the way its presented and kept when its not been used. Because a necklace out of paper clay will be delicate and dainty, I also wanted to represent and give the same feeling in its packaging. Instead of buying a brand new piece of fabric out of a fabric store, I will be using vintage/ old pieces of fabric, which will also be one of the resiliency factors in this project. This handkerchief, which I will be using to wrap the necklace in, is going to be dyed in natural dyes to minimize the use of non-bio materials.
Just like the way I am re-using the vintage handkerchief, which is possibly over fifty years old, in fifty years, others can also re-use and re-purpose this material.
So, below is my rough sketch about this final project and my ideas being laid onto paper.
It is seen in the image but I wanted to list the other uses of my final projetc apart from being a jewellery and a packaging to store it in.
The Natural Dyed Fabric:
-scarf
-produce wrap/bag to decrease the plastic bag usage
-avocado ripening sack (who loves an unripe avocado on their toast?!)
-handkerchief for the gentleman
Paper Clay Jewellery:
-drinking cups ( in case you ran out of glasses:) )
-planting pots
-storage bowls ( I know you all have miscellaneous things hanging around)
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Now, shall we have a great Spring Break?!
