Deliverables¶
GANTT¶
GANTT Timeline: Wig (Crown) Project
Timeline: Late January → Early April (Final Defense)
The project begins in Phase 1 (Late January to Early February) with a focus on research and concept development. During the first two weeks, the foundation is established by defining the central idea, Wigs as Crowns. This phase includes researching natural dyes such as turmeric, onion skins, and black walnut, exploring hair identity and cultural references, and comparing yarn to human hair properties. Creative outputs include a moodboard, initial sketches, and a draft artist statement, resulting in key deliverables such as the moodboard, concept statement, and 5Ws + How framework.
In Phase 2 (Early to Mid-February), the focus shifts to material exploration through biochromes and yarn testing. Natural dye experiments are conducted on cotton and wool fibers while documenting color variations. Yarn manipulation techniques, such as wrapping on rods and testing curl formation, are explored. This phase also introduces documentation of both successes and failures, producing dyed yarn samples, curl prototypes, and material studies.
Phase 3 (Mid to Late February) centers on structure development using digital fabrication. The crown structure is designed as a vector file and translated into physical form through laser cutting. Cardboard prototypes featuring grid and radial patterns are created and tested for scale, strength, and wearability. This phase results in laser-cut prototypes, iteration notes, and process documentation through photos and videos.
In Phase 4 (Late February to Early March), integration begins by combining yarn and structure. Yarn is attached to the laser-cut base using techniques such as knotting, looping, and weaving. Experiments focus on density, placement to mimic hair growth patterns, and overall volume and silhouette. This stage produces the first full crown prototype along with placement studies and reflective notes that begin shaping the aesthetic direction.
Phase 5 (March) emphasizes iteration and refinement. Improvements are made by testing different curl types using various rod sizes, experimenting with fiber combinations, and refining the color palette. Structural enhancements, such as adjusting grid size and reinforcing the base, are also explored. Optional elements like movement through soft structures or servo mechanisms may be introduced. Deliverables include an improved crown prototype, comparative analysis of iterations, and technical documentation.
In Phase 6 (Mid to Late March), the focus is on producing the final prototype. The completed wig (crown) is constructed with attention to stability, aesthetic cohesion, and cultural expression. This phase includes photographing and documenting the final design, resulting in a finished crown, high-quality visuals, and final testing outcomes.
Finally, Phase 7 (Late March to Early April) is dedicated to documentation and defense preparation. All project materials are finalized, including website documentation, process pages, and reflections on failures and iterations. Presentation materials such as slides or a poster are created, and the narrative is refined in preparation for the final defense.
BoM Bill of Materials¶
Materials¶
| Qty | Description | Price | Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 100% virgin hair black | 38.00 $ | http://amazon.com | pack of 3 |
| 1 | 100% virgin hair blond | 55.00 $ | http://amazon.com | pack of 3 |
| 25 | 100% wool yarn | 7.00 $ | http://michaels.com | |
| 12 | 100% cotton yarn | 5.50 $ | http://hobbylobby.com | |
| 1 | Mannequin Head | 19.00 $ | http://amazon.com | |
| 1 | Dream Catcher Ring | 8.00 $ | http://amazon.com | |
| 1 | Natural Dye Hanbook | 22.55 $ | http://amazon.com | |
| 1 | Black Walnut Hulls | 1.60 $ | http://goodhealthherbs.com | 50oz |
| 1 | Madder Root | 9.50 $ | http://amazon.com | 8oz |
| 1 | 100% Indigo Dye | 13.00 $ | http://amazon.com | 8oz |
| 1 | Turmeric | 4.50 $ | http://amazon.com | 1.8oz |
| 1 | Baking Soda | 2.00 $ | http://amazon.com | |
| 1 | Fructose | 9.00 $ | http://amazon.com | 8oz |
| 1 | Alum | 10.00 $ | http://amazon.com | 8oz |
| 1 | Onion Skins (Yellow) | 1.00 $ | http://amazon.com | 3oz |
| 1 | Onion Skins (Red) | 1.50 $ | http://amazon.com | 2oz |
| 5 | Rods | 3.00 $ | http://amazon.com | pack of 4-7 |
| 1 | Pickling lime | 6.50 $ | http://amazon.com | |
| 1 | Bucket | 3.50 $ | http://lowes.com | |
| 1 | Ferrous Sulfate Powder | 6.00 $ | http://amazon.com | |
| 2 | Aluminum Triformate | 14.25 $ | http://amazon.com | 4oz |
| 1 | Cream of Tartar | 2.50 $ | http://walmart.com | 2.75oz |
| 10 | Wig Caps | 4.00 $ | Beauty Supply Store | |
| 5 | Braided Wig Caps | 10.00 $ | Beauty Supply Store | |
| 1 | Lace Wig Cap | 27.00 $ | http://amazon.com | |
| 3 | Crochet Hooks | 2.00 $ | Beauty Supply Store | |
| 2 | Blue beads | 9.00 $ | Beauty Supply Store | |
| 2 | Red beads | 4.00 $ | Beauty Supply Store | |
| 5 | Bead threader | 2.00 $ | Beauty Supply Store | |
| 5 | Digital head prints | 6.00 $ | http://etsy.com | |
| 1 | Hair dye salon kit tools | 7.00 $ | http://amazon.com |
Midterm Evaluation¶
Final Project Storytelling Pitch¶
Raw
Tutorials¶
The following tutorials document the development of my botanical dye experiments using turmeric, blackbeans, madder root, black walnut and onion skins. These processes informed the color development, material exploration, and sustainable textile techniques used throughout my final project.
Turmeric
Turmeric Natural Dye Tutorial
Blackbean Variation
Blackbean Variations Dye Tutorial
Blackbean Beads
Blackbean Beads Dye Tutorial
Madder Root
Madder Root Natural Dye Tutorial
Black Walnut
Black Walnut Natural Dye Tutorial
Onion Skins