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MAC Live Project: Week Two



MONDAY 30TH



EXPLORING INCLUSIVE DESIGN


EXTRACT~







THOUGHTS



TRANSGENERATION INCLUSIVITY, SUSTAINABILITY AND EMPATHY.


We discussed the extract as a group and it really encouraged me to think. I don't know why its only after these discussions that I think of the good stuff.  Our main focus was on accessibility, especially for older generations. The text brought up trans-generational design which really interested me. Design is always changing because we keep changing and evolving, as we are changing and evolving.



Recording 440



ROUGH CONTEXT OF AUDIO:

  • Trans-generational human development and evolution in design,

  • perceptions and cyclicality of age (old is still young and vice versa),

  • human time capsules/archives, spiritual time travel,

  • client, my grandma, slight existentialism,

  • empathy and human connection in design,

  • implicating these thoughts into my workshop?

  • some waffling





 





VECTORWORKS WORKSHOP WITH LEE







WEDNESDAY 2ND




FEEDBACK WITH LARA


  • Derive inspiration from myself. Look into what I am skilled at as motivation for a workshop.

  • I really liked the embroidery or clay suggestion, they're both things I am skilled at, interested in, and can expand on.

  • Clay can be complicated, messy and difficult for some to handle so prioritise embroidery over clay. Unless I find a solution to those problems, but I should really just stick with an idea already.





 




To choose a direction, I wanted to quickly explore the context of both workshop ideas, to realistically understand the type of workshop I can create.




E M B R O I D E R Y



Title: Embroidery Bracelet Workshop

Duration: 2 hours

Location: Community center, local art studio, or online platform

Target Audience: Older adults, including beginners and those with some crafting experience


Objectives


  • Creativity: Encourage participants to express themselves through design and color.

  • Skill Development: Teach basic embroidery techniques and how to apply them to jewelry-making.

  • Social Interaction: Foster a sense of community and connection among participants.


Workshop Structure


  1. Introduction (1O minutes):

    • Welcome participants and introduce the workshop leader.

    • Share the objectives and what to expect during the session.

  2. Materials Overview (10 minutes):

    • Provide an overview of materials needed: embroidery thread, fabric, needle, leaves, acorns, scissors, and bracelet bases (like fabric strips or pre-made bangles).

    • Discuss color choices and design inspiration.

  3. Demonstration (20 minutes):

    • Demonstrate basic embroidery stitches (like backstitch, satin stitch, or French knots). Either done in person or pre-recorded or a mix of both.


  4. Hands-On Creation ( 1 hour ):

    • Participants create their embroidered bracelets, guided by the instructor.

    • Encourage creativity in design and colour combinations, offering support and tips as needed.

  5. Show and Tell (15 minutes):

    • Allow participants to share their finished bracelets and discuss their design choices.

    • Create a supportive environment where everyone can appreciate each other’s work.

  6. Closing (5 minutes):

    • Provide resources for further learning, such as links to online tutorials.

    • Gather feedback on the workshop and discuss potential future projects.


Benefits

  • Fine Motor Skills: Embroidery can help improve dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

  • Mental Stimulation: Engaging in creative activities can enhance cognitive function and memory.

  • Emotional Well-Being: Crafting can reduce stress and promote a sense of accomplishment.


Additional Considerations

  • Accessibility: Ensure that materials are easy to handle and that the workspace is comfortable.

  • Inclusive Environment: Cater to different skill levels and encourage everyone to participate at their own pace.


BUDGET ESTIMATE


  • Embroidery thread: £20 (for various colours)

  • Fabric (cotton or linen): £15 (enough for multiple participants)

  • Needles: £10 (a pack of embroidery needles)

  • Scissors: £10 (a few pairs, or participants can bring their own)

  • Bracelet bases: £30 (fabric strips or pre-made bangles)

  • Design templates: £5 (printing costs for simple designs)

  • Miscellaneous supplies (e.g., fabric markers, tape): £10

  • Nature: FREE


    Total Materials Cost: £100



ONLINE RESOURCES :


  • YouTube:


    • Channels like "Creativebug" and "Makers Mercantile" often feature step-by-step video tutorials for embroidery techniques and bracelet-making.




 



C L A Y



Title: Clay Figure Making Workshop

Duration: 2 hours

Target Audience: Older adults, beginners welcome


Objectives

  • Encourage creativity and self-expression through clay sculpting.

  • Teach fundemental techniques for shaping and detailing clay figures.

  • Foster social interaction and collaboration among participants.


Workshop Structure

  1. Introduction (10 minutes):

    • Welcome participants and introduce the workshop leader.

    • Briefly explain the goals of the workshop and outline the agenda.

  2. Materials Overview (10 minutes):

    • Present the materials: air-dry clay, sculpting tools, and optional embellishments (e.g., paints, beads).

    • Discuss how to care for the clay and techniques for working with it.

  3. Demonstration (20 minutes):

    • Show basic techniques for shaping clay: rolling, pinching, and sculpting.

    • Demonstrate how to create a simple figure (e.g., a person, animal, or abstract shape).

    • Discuss how to add details, such as facial features or textures.

    • Introduce them to digital softwares they can experiment with, e.g Nomad

  4. Hands-On Creation (60 minutes):

    • Participants create their clay figures, guided by the instructor.

    • Encourage creativity and individual expression, offering tips and assistance as needed.

  5. Show and Tell (15 minutes):

    • Participants share their creations and discuss their inspiration and techniques used.

    • Create a supportive environment where everyone can appreciate each other’s work.

  6. Closing (5 minutes):

    • Provide resources for further exploration of clay crafting (leaflet).

    • Thank participants for joining and discuss potential future workshops.


Benefits

  • Motor Skills: Working with clay enhances dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

  • Cognitive Engagement: Sculpting promotes creative thinking and problem-solving.

  • Emotional Well-Being: Engaging in hands-on activities can reduce stress and promote relaxation.


Additional Considerations

  • Accessibility: Ensure the workspace is comfortable and tools are easy to handle.

  • Safety: Provide non-toxic materials and ensure that participants are aware of any safety guidelines.


BUDGET ESTIMATE:


  • Air-dry clay: £30 (enough for multiple participants)

  • Terracotta clay: £40 (for sufficient quantity for multiple participants)

  • Polymer clay: £40 (enough for multiple participants; consider a variety of colours)

  • Sculpting tools: £20 (basic tools; consider buying in bulk)

  • Wire: £10-£30 (a standard spool typically contains enough wire for multiple participants)

  • Optional embellishments (paints, brushes, etc.): £15

  • Protective covering (tablecloths, newspaper): £5

  • Miscellaneous supplies (paper towels, water containers): £5

  • Nature: (leaves sticks acorns nuts, flowers) £ FREE


    Total Materials Cost: £75 - £160



Resources that will support individuals in their creative journey - Youtube, Nomad, Womp,...








 




SATURDAY 5TH


NARROWING DOWN MY IDEAS


After some reflection, I've found myself losing interest in the embroidery bracelet workshop, which is frustrating given that I only have about two weeks until my deadline. This leaves me with clay sculpting as my primary option. However, I want to give it a specific theme or twist to make it unique and engaging— like with the "70s Disco Murder Mystery." Since MAC already offers clay workshops downstairs, I need to ensure my approach stands out.


I have a clear focus on sculpting and modelling, although 'modelling" entails a range of mediums from clay, paper or 3D print, regardless now it’s just a matter of settling on an engaging theme asap. I enjoy making narratives which will luckily help me developing something fun and original.





EXPANDING WORKSHOP IDEA THEMATICALLY

THROUGH RESEARCH AND IDEATION





1. Nature-Inspired Sculptures

  • Theme: Focus on flora and fauna.

  • Activities: Create animals, garden creatures, plants, or landscapes. Incorporate natural elements like leaves and stones. Birds, flowers, etc...


2. Human Figures

  • Theme: Sculpt the humanoid body .

  • Activities: Sculpt characters / anatomy.


3. Storytelling through Sculptures

  • Theme: Combine narrative and art.

  • Activities: Participants sculpt figures that represent personal stories or family legends, sharing the narratives behind their creations, ranging from horror to fantasy.


4. Functional Art

  • Theme: Combine art with utility.

  • Activities: Sculpt functional items like plant pots, decorative bowls, or coasters, blending creativity with practicality.


5. Community and Connection

  • Theme: Focus on social interaction.

  • Activities: Collaborative projects, such as a community mural or a shared sculpture garden, fostering connections among participants.


6. Mindfulness and Well-being with Music

  • Theme: Use clay as a therapeutic tool.

  • Activities: Incorporate mindfulness techniques, encouraging participants to focus on the tactile experience of working with clay as a form of relaxation.


7. Spiritual Journeys

  • Theme: Create pieces that represent personal journeys.

  • Activities: Encourage participants to sculpt symbols of important life events, aspirations, or values, fostering reflection and self-expression.

Each of these themes can create a rich and engaging environment for older participants, making the workshop both enjoyable and meaningful!


8. PAPER MACHE PARTY

  • Theme: create paper mache objects

  • Activities: making masks, piñatas and other objects with paper mache and celebrateing with a little party afterwards.


9. Origami / Paper Animals

  • Theme: Animals

  • Activities: making a range of origami creatures from cranes to dragons and bears to swordfish.


10. Digital Donut Head

  • Theme: ///

  • Activities: Encourage participants to experiment with tech and utilise its potentials, explore 3D modelling softwares like Nomad and Womp





 

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