When first coming up with the sensory hair idea, I was like- what if I they were made of metal? (=HELL YEA) (via shapeways, etc)
making the mask 2
For the next iteration, I created the ‘exoskeleton’ that wraps around the face. In this instance, I overcompensated and gave the hairs way too much room and they barely touch the face. This was more of a test run as I wasn’t sure if I even had the right thickness of material, or how well it would fit the face (it fits me ok, others, not so much)- in the end I ran out of time. Learned a lot, though..
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making the mask
To get the setae to sit against my face, we used a 3D scan…
It was difficult to create an organic shape on top of an organic shape (face). By the end of this assignment I probably had 100 different guidelines. My first test was too tight, the hairs could barely move:
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Setae design
A good samaritan classmate helped me 3D print some setae to test out size/shape of the hair and it’s base. I AM ECSTATIC over my first 3D print, it’s wonderful to have a design take shape as material object!
The flesh colored ABS I bought is a little unnerving- I thought it would be shiny but it’s not so it actually kind of looks like skin. An insect exoskeleton is rigid and armor-like, (and sheer, shiny) so I thought it would be interesting to have an exoskeleton colored the same way as soft skin- now I’m not so sure, maybe a translucent filament would be better.
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mask: insect inspiration
After MUCH thought I’ve abandoned visual for tactile- I will create a mask inspired by insect exoskeletons, with moveable ‘sensory hairs’ pressed against the face. Insects are covered with numerous barbs/hairs called setae, some of which have sensory purposes. Their exoskeleton is formed out of a resin-like protein called chitin. When imaged with the scanning electron microscope, the exoskeleton can look as if made of opaque plastic- because of this I’ve been dying to 3D print forms inspired by electron microscopy.
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DIY Seashore Themed Tutorial #3: Starfish Table Number Holder and Photo Display
Table numbers are the ideal DIY project – especially when you have fairly intimate gatherings. Because each table only needs one number, these handmade starfish card-holders add both individuality, and organization to your event. As a sustainable option, each starfish also doubles as a take-away photo display clip.
Step 1: Choose the shape and color of your place-card background. You can cut it out yourself, use a die-cut machine, or purchase pre-cut cards in many different styles. I used this Hello Kitty lid as a template for cutting out my circular design with scalloped edges.
Each place card requires at least one base starfish, a miniature clothespin, cardstock paper (at least two contrasting colors), a pencil, glue dots, a glue gun, scissors, and (optional) decorative epoxy clay (or other) shapes.
Step 2: Draw or trace a number to represent each table. Cut the number out.
You can check to see if your colors have enough contrast by placing the cut-out number on top of your card’s base.
Step 3: Flip the number over and place glue dots on the back side. You can use all-purpose glue or rubber cement to attach your numbers; however, glue dots are easier to control, and give your design a 3-d effect.
Experiement with mixing and matching different color combinations to achieve a harmonious palette that reflects your event’s theme.
If desired, you can mold epoxy clay shapes to attach to your card-holder. I made these awhile ago. Remeber to allow them to dry before attaching them. You can also use epoxy clay to attach your clothespin, if desired.
Step 4: Use glue gun to attach decorative shapes to starfish.
Step 5: Use glue gun to attach clothespin to decorative elements, or glue directly onto starfish base. Make sure you leave enough room to allow you to pinch the clothespin to attach the table number.
Pinch gently to attach table number.
The perfect, multi-purpose design to bring the seashore to any time, place or venue.
This design is repurposed as a photo holder. Thinking of novel ways to use wedding, party, and event-planning supplies ensures that future generations can also enjoy the resources and natural gifts we do. My grandparents made it possible for me to live, thrive and prosper – and they also taught me how to find value in even the most mundane items. Their smiling faces in this photo remind me that it is a shared, universal gift and burden to care for a living earth.
Cluster a few colorful metal pails, floral arrangements in glittered baskets, and starfish table numbers to build your own, customized tablescape.
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DIY Seashore Themed Tutorial #2: Crystal Hairpins for Bridesmaids, Gift-Giving, and Adding Summer Sparkle to Everyday Life
This design tutorial expands upon the summer seashore theme. Creating your own gifts, jewelry and mementos gives you both more personalization options, as well as a deeper sense of connection to the relationships, emotional bonds, and memories we share. This easy crystal hairpin design is perfect for bridesmaids, friends, and younger girls alike.
For each barrette, you will need (a) plain bobby pin, (b) 3x 4mm bicone crystal beads (shown here in aquamarine satin), (c) 3x 6mm beads (you can use bicones or rounds; in this image, Czech crystals in light turquoise), (d) colored wire (gauge small enough to string beads), and (e) jewelry pliers (not shown).
Step 1: Twist the wire around the looped end of the bobby pin to create a secure connection for adding beads. Twist wire around several times to ensure durability.
Step 2: Slide coiled wire onto the “top” (bumpy/wavy) side of the barrette. Add the first 4mm bicone bead to the wire.
Step 3: Twist the wire around the hair pin to secure the bead. This step only requires one pass over the arm of the pin.
Step 4: Add the first 6mm bead, repeating the same steps used to secure the previous bead. Do not forget to secure it with a single loop before adding another bead.
Step 5: Repeat previous steps, alternating between the 4mm and 6mm beads, until the barrette is finished. Complete the end with several more loops, pulled tightly into a coil (same as Step 1). Use pliers to clip off excess wire and trim any sharp ends.
To further personalize, cut out a circle of printed paper in a coordinating color. Use decorative paper punches to cut out themed motif if desired (shown here, starfish).
Use a pen to write a personalized message, monogram, or to add details – like a person’s name, a special date, or an inspirational quote.
Coming up next: Bracelet tutorial.
And later… Table place and name cared tutorials!
Summer celebrations are about family, friendship, and the beauty of nature. Adopt a DIY lifestyle to infuse your life with both a greater sense of meaning, as well as a more sustainable, eco-friendly philosophy.
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DIY Seashore Themed Tutorial #1 ~ Crystal “Starfish” for Summer Weddings and Other Celebrations
This easy-to-build beaded starfish design is the perfect DIY decoration, gift, party favor, or memento for seashore-themed special occasions and celebrations.
Materials: (1) Wildfire beading string (about 8″), (2) 4 mm bicone Swarovski crystal beads in different colors (as pictured, 5 pacific opal, 5 aquamarine satin, and 10 light azore) x 20 total beads, (3) seed beads (Pictured here, Delica brand aquamarine glass seed beads).
Start stringing the inner circle of the starfish, alternating one seed bead and one crystal bicone bead.
To create the 5-point star design in this tutorial, stop after you have added 5 total bicones, alternated with 5 total seed beads. To make a six-pointed star, add pone more of each type of bead to your inner circle. This section should be completed in one color, to achieve the desired effect.
Pass the end of the string a second time through all of the beads to form a loop that you will tighten into a circle.
Pull gently on both ends of the string to close the circle, and pull the design into a continuous ring. This beaded ring becomes the base you will use to build the “arms” of your starfish.
Starting with one of the loose ends, add on three more crystals, alternating colors to give the “arms” of the starfish contrast.
Loop the end of the string back into the seed bead below, creating an outer extension of your design, as pictured.
Pull the loop on either side to tighten. This is the first “arm” or “point” of the star design.
Continue the design, by repeating the previous step a second time to create another “arm”.
After you finish the design, it should look like this! Use ribbon, string, or fishing line to create beautiful ornaments for centerpieces and wedding decor. Also ideal for jewelry!
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Chain Reactions Interchangeable Jewelry Concept: Video Tutorial
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Material Metamorphosis: Transforming Broken Pieces into Wearable Jewelry
This pair of earrings is one of my favorites – but after one of the charms lost its mother-of-pearl inlay, the set became unwearable.
Using the charm as inspiration, I selected a sterling silver heart link base strand, and a gunmetal filigree insert strand to construct a necklace.
You can use any of our 10″ base strands to attach your own charms, pendants or embellishments. This may be worn as an anklet, or – as explained in the next step – it may be combined with an insert strand to create a necklace.
After attaching the charm, connect your insert strand. Secure your design in the back with a detachable hook-up style clasp.
Now my unwearable earrings have a new life as a Chain Reactions custom necklace!
This earring was also broken. I used pliers to detach the intact charm from the earring hook piece. You may need to add a jump ring to make your charm sit perfectly in your necklace.
Again, simply attach the new charm to a base strand.
Next, layer on your favorite insert strand. Here, I have selected a white pearl insert strand to match the opalescent charm.
You can mix and match elements to achieve the best match in texture, color and style.
Voila! Another “new” necklace from old jewelry!
~~~ Lace Exoskeleton ~~~ 