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.
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
Introduction (1O minutes):
Welcome participants and introduce the workshop leader.
Share the objectives and what to expect during the session.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Introduction (10 minutes):
Welcome participants and introduce the workshop leader.
Briefly explain the goals of the workshop and outline the agenda.
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.
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
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.
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.
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