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.
Prototype
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.
