Process¶
Ideation & sketches¶
Throughout my creative process, I focused on harmonizing two distinct materials—bioplastic and crochet—to create a unique handbag prototype. I drew inspiration from intricate ornamental shapes, handcrafted details, and structural forms, aiming to blend rigidity with softness in a way that felt both artistic and functional. Sketching played a crucial role in refining my ideas, helping me translate traditional design elements into a modern, wearable accessory. At the same time, I was mindful of keeping the construction simple, ensuring that the handbag’s form would enhance the bioplastic’s properties while allowing the crochet details to stand out. My goal was to strike a balance between innovation and craftsmanship, creating a piece that is not only visually striking but also sustainable and practical.
Design & Fabrication¶
Bioplastic experiment
I began experimenting with tree tomato-based bioplastic, exploring how to achieve the best balance of elasticity, tensile strength, and durability for my handbag prototype. My goal was to develop a material that could withstand everyday use while maintaining its structural integrity when combined with crochet. Throughout the process, I considered how different formulations and natural additives might affect the bioplastic’s properties, testing variations to optimize flexibility and resilience. I aimed to create a handbag that not only showcased the innovative fusion of bioplastic and crochet but also demonstrated the potential for sustainable, long-lasting fashion accessories.
Modified recipe
Here is a well-structured table summarizing your modified recipe with the purpose of each ingredient:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Function/Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Tree Tomato Waste | 100 grams | Natural polymer source, base material for bioplastic. |
| Glycerol (Glycerin) | 1 to 2 tablespoons | Adds flexibility and retains moisture. |
| Gelatin | 10 grams | Provides gel formation and structural support. |
| Water | 100 ml | Helps dissolve and blend ingredients. |
| Vinegar (optional) | 1 teaspoon | Adjusts pH and increases durability. |
| Cornstarch | 10 grams | Enhances film strength and elasticity. |
| Egg White | 5 to 10 ml | Improves elasticity and acts as a binding agent. |
| Gelatin & Glycerin Mix | 5 to 10 grams | Increases flexibility and water solubility. |
| Sodium Alginate | 2 to 5 grams | Adds structural support and stability. |
| Beeswax | 5 grams | Enhances water resistance and improves texture. |
Bioplastic material
The results of my tree tomato-based bioplastic experiment were highly promising, successfully achieving the desired balance of elasticity, tensile strength, and durability. The final material exhibited a strong yet flexible structure, making it ideal for applications such as handbag production. The addition of glycerol and egg white significantly enhanced the elasticity, preventing the bioplastic from becoming too brittle, while cornstarch contributed to its tensile strength, ensuring resilience under stress. Beeswax effectively improved water resistance, adding a smooth texture that complemented the integration of crochet.
Bioplastic-Crochet Fusion
The hybrid technique of integrating tree tomato-based bioplastic with crochet brings together the rigidity of bioplastic and the softness of crochet to create a seamless and functional handbag design. This fusion is achieved by carefully attaching bioplastic panels using crochet stitches or hand-sewing methods, ensuring a strong yet flexible bond between the two materials. The bioplastic serves as the structural foundation, providing durability and shape, while the crochet elements enhance aesthetics and adaptability. By strategically placing crochet stitches along the edges of the bioplastic inserts, the design maintains both strength and fluidity, allowing for a well-balanced handbag that is both stylish and sustainable. This technique not only highlights the potential of biodegradable materials in fashion but also opens new possibilities for innovative, handcrafted accessories.
The overall fusion of bioplastic and crochet created a visually appealing and functional design, demonstrating the potential for sustainable, biodegradable fashion accessories. The positive outcome reinforces the viability of this bioplastic as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic materials, opening new possibilities for innovative textile applications.
Prototypes
Bioplastic fusion with crochet
The response to my handbag made from tree tomato bioplastic and crochet additives has been overwhelmingly positive, sparking excitement among my colleagues, local instructor Kawaida, and even potential clients. My colleagues were fascinated by the innovative fusion of rigid bioplastic with the soft, intricate textures of crochet, praising the balance between structure and artistry. Kawaida, my local instructor, was particularly impressed with how seamlessly the two materials integrated, highlighting the handbag’s unique aesthetic, durability, and sustainability. Clients, on the other hand, were captivated by the concept of a biodegradable yet stylish accessory, with many expressing interest in owning such an eco-friendly fashion piece. They loved how the crochet embellishments, such as decorative motifs, added a handcrafted touch to the sleek bioplastic panels, making each bag one-of-a-kind. The enthusiasm and encouragement from everyone have reinforced my belief that bioplastic-crochet hybrids could revolutionize sustainable fashion, blending tradition with futuristic materials in a way that is both functional and breathtakingly beautiful.
Laser cutting tree tomato Bioplastic
1. Designing in Adobe Illustrator¶
I began my exploration of digital construction methods by sketching out my vision of how different pieces could slip together or interlock, drawing inspiration from quilting surface pattern designs to explore various interlocking possibilities. These initial sketches helped me visualize the concepts more clearly, leading me to transition into Adobe Illustrator, where I experimented with creating individual pieces that could seamlessly connect and slide into each other. To prepare the designs for laser cutting, I created a new document with dimensions matching my bioplastic sheet and ensured that all elements were vector paths, as raster images wouldn’t work for cutting. I differentiated between cutting and engraving using specific line colors and set the stroke weight to 0.001 inches (0.025 mm)—the standard for laser cutters. This process refined my ideas and deepened my understanding of digital design’s technical aspects in relation to physical assembly. Once finalized, I saved the design as a PDF format to ensure compatibility with the laser cutter software.
2. Configuring Laser Settings¶
Since tree tomato bioplastic is plant-based, it requires settings similar to thin wood or acrylic. Start with these approximate values:
- Power: 100%
- Speed: 100 mm/s (reduce for finer details)
- Frequency (Hz/PPI): 100
- Air Assist: Enabled (prevents burn marks)
- Passes: 2 passes
3. Executing the Laser Cut*¶
After fine-tuning the settings, I proceed with the full laser-cutting process. As the machine runs, I closely monitor the cutting to prevent excessive burning, smoke buildup, or material warping. If I spot any issues, I pause the machine and make necessary adjustments to ensure a clean and precise cut.
7. Constructing the Cut Pieces¶
With the pieces ready, I start assembling them according to my design. If the structure involves interlocking parts, I check that the slots fit well, making small adjustments with a precision knife or sandpaper if needed. To join the pieces, I choose a method based on the flexibility of the bioplastic.
Once everything is put together, I let the structure set properly. Before finalizing the piece, I double-check all connections and make any last refinements to ensure durability and a clean finish.
Final result
I successfully created a structured, modular bag using tree tomato bioplastic, incorporating a circular fashion approach. I designed the interlocking geometric pattern and precisely cut the pieces using a laser cutter. The modular design makes the bag adaptable, repairable, and potentially reconfigurable.
Throughout the process, I explored the flexibility and durability of the bioplastic. It was exciting to see how it responded to laser cutting and assembly. There were some challenges in achieving the right thickness and ensuring the pieces fit together seamlessly, but the result is a unique, sustainable fashion piece.
